Tech industry

[poly_nightmare]

I graduated from college two years ago and I have not found a job in the business sector to advance my skills further. I am presently a teacher and work as the school's webmaster and network administrator at the same time. It's a heavy workload on most days, but I handle it. I look at it this way...It's a good start. So, where have all the tech jobs gone? Do companies realize that without "techies" that the business world would collapse. I have started to think that "techies" should unionized..ok it sounds stupid, but hear me out.

Most tech jobs are presently going overseas. Why? It's cheaper. When jobs need to be laid off, who are the first people laid off? Computer guys. We are by far the most valuable people in the world. WIthout us, viruses like Blaster or MyDoom would complete destory society. In a society where computer are an everyday, why is it that most computer guys are not respected? I am happy that I get respect where I work. It makes me feel good. Chances are that tech guys put in more overtime then anyone. Do we really get a vacation? Not really. As long as the network is running we can never be there. I tend to be afraid to take a day off, unless serious, i.e. I couldn't walk a few days ago, because if something bad happnes, then I know I am the only who can fix it. Luckily, nothing serious has happened since I've been working at the school. We get blamed when a moron CEO opens a file attachment that contains a virus and infects the whole network, even after we give fair warning.

I think that it is time that "techies" get the respect we deserve. I think I speak for a lot of these "techies" with my above comments.

[Platypus]

Originally posted by poly_nightmare
We are by far the most valuable people in the world. WIthout us, viruses like Blaster or MyDoom would complete destory society.

As a techie myself, all I can say to that is: bollocks. Any fireman, policeman, soldier, nurse, or teacher is worth far more to society than one of us techies. Even the guys climbing poles or digging holes to fix electrical, natural gas, or phone lines are probably more essential. Society would get along pretty well without us, really. Yeah, it would be pretty inconvenient, but people wouldn't die and society wouldn't collapse.

Chances are that tech guys put in more overtime then anyone. Do we really get a vacation? Not really. As long as the network is running we can never be there.

We're not the only ones who are on call. Medical and legal interns are notorious for putting in pretty long hours too. Many people in low-end retail or manufacturing jobs regularly work double shifts. They don't get flex time, and they don't get to spend half their time surfing the web or playing UT either.

I think that it is time that "techies" get the respect we deserve. I think I speak for a lot of these "techies" with my above comments.

Maybe you do, but that doesn't mean any of you are right. Tech work has one of the highest ratios of reward to effort, and none of us should ever forget it.

[interpersonal]

No disrespect intended, i.e. maybe noone wants to read this...


However, Isn't everyone a techie? Every five years produces more knowing youth when it comes to computers. Five years ago I was in a High School class where three out of fifteen were MS certified, there is no telling what they really knew. You may be the only one who can do your j.o.b. but aren't tech students a 'dime a dozen.' (my statement: Hard work will get you all the way, the rest is craps)


And if you want to put me in place feel free, I bend in the wind.

[BlueLieu]

Originally posted by interpersonal
No disrespect intended, i.e. maybe noone wants to read this...


However, Isn't everyone a techie? Every five years produces more knowing youth when it comes to computers. Five years ago I was in a High School class where three out of fifteen were MS certified, there is no telling what they really knew. You may be the only one who can do your j.o.b. but aren't tech students a 'dime a dozen.' (my statement: Hard work will get you all the way, the rest is craps)


And if you want to put me in place feel free, I bend in the wind.

Don't sweat it interpol, you post here to hear the disagreement and learn from it, not to hear about the people who agree with you.

BUT, I work in IT doing web app development in .Net

In short, that is how you get a good job in IT. Look for the curve up ahead and thrive from the change. Anticipate the new and successful technology, learn it and sell your services.

A union is a nice sounding solution, but I don't need anyone to 'fight for my right to a job' when I can make myself indespensible and more importantly in high demand.

The future of IT in America will be dominated by better educated people HERE in America than oversees who get hands on into the latest tech breakthroughs. We have to be the leader in tech. Those who are on board can reap the benefits. Those who don't, find something else to do.

Anyway, easy for me to say with a good job and all. Good luck!

[mataj]

Originally posted by poly_nightmare
I am presently a teacher and work as the school's webmaster and network administrator at the same time. It's a heavy workload on most days, but I handle it.Why does your school need webserver for? Kid's play, web presentation, or something essential?
Originally posted by poly_nightmare
I look at it this way...It's a good start.I can tell you from experience: It's not. If your employer doesn't pay you any extra money for the extra work NOW, you'll NEVER benefit from it. Guaranteed.

A little advice from a seasoned IT guy: If you are not payed to tinker with school's web server, and network, don't. It's unprofessional. The only reward you'll ever get for this will be blame if something goes wrong.

I don't know about USA, but here (overseas that is) it's impossible to earn enough money to pay the bills with programming, and tinkering with computers alone. It was always been like this. What matters is what you know BESIDES programming.

[SantaMonica]

Upgrade your programing skills PN. Move to either Va, or Ca. There are plenty of Tech jobs here and there. Always good to relocate to where your market is. SD is still hiring like mad. Big Bio industry. Techies always needed. Same in Va. I was briefly thinking about relocating to DC, then I received a great offer here.
I don't know about the market in NY. Maybe it's time to move.