Are job prospects in the IT sector improving?

PhoenyxRising · 06-26-2009, 12:48 AM

Hey guys.

Was just reading something interesting. Have a look at EDP24,.
In an Interview with a Recruitment company, things are starting to look up for the East Anglia areas. IT jobs particularly it seems.

Even though unemployment claims are higher nationwide than they were a year ago, do you think that the turn around in East Anglia could be the start of the turn around for the rest of the UK?

iburrows · 07-03-2009, 04:20 AM

Hi Pheonix,

Would be nice to think so but like the article says its a very small sample and doesn't really reflect the UK as a whole e.g. LlloydsTSB today announced they are making 700 IT Staff redundant.

I am a lot like you that i keep reading these stories looking for a glimmer of hope for our industry and the uk unemployment issue as a whole. However I think we need to realise that its going to take a long while for things to go back to the way they were.

Wouldnt it be great to be back in the .com boom when you could demand whatever salary you desired

Ian

PhoenyxRising · 07-03-2009, 07:00 AM

Hi Ian. :D

I think Ive mentioned Lloyds but yea, you're right. Its going to take a long time. it depends on us and how much we are actually willing to do. Im just trying to find the good where everyone else sees the gloom.

aaaah the .coms :D sometimes i still dream about those days.... :D seriously tho it would be awesome.

lol anyway enough from me :D. Have a good weekend.

Mellijelli · 07-06-2009, 04:29 AM

Hi PhoenyxRising/iburrows

I really don't think IT will ever be an outdated kind of profession, in fact just the opposite, look at technology today there are new gadgets, applications, programmes in all sorts of areas from marketing to media, the web and so and and so forth, and so frequently that surely the demand for IT work must somehow rise continuously because of that, yes there is a slump in work generally because of this cursed recession and that is a worry for all, but I dont think people in the IT field have that much to worry about, our future depends on IT, for most of us our lives and work revolve around it, do you agree?

PhoenyxRising · 07-12-2009, 08:06 AM

Hi Melli Jelli.

I would yea. I mean if you look around you, virtually everything nowdays is controlled by a machine that is run by a computer. (except maybe a pen or pencil :D). I guess it more or less once again boils down to how long this recession is going to last and how badly IT jobs are going to be affected by it.

There are loads of IT professionals nowdays that can and actually DO work out of their own businesses or even houses, and to be honest i think if there was more support, things would be a lot better. As it is there are loads of IT folk vying for the same jobs. And if you look at it the only difference they have is in the amount of experience they have...

In the end, i think the only thing that could actually save us from this problem is well.. ourselves.

Mellijelli · 07-14-2009, 01:55 AM

Yeah true, but there are so many different areas of IT you can study these days, I think if your in a IT position that is very common it would be a good idea to try gain some alternate skills in a another field of IT, this way you have a choice of which jobs to apply for, what do you think about that?

PhoenyxRising · 07-23-2009, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mellijelli

Yeah true, but there are so many different areas of IT you can study these days, I think if your in a IT position that is very common it would be a good idea to try gain some alternate skills in a another field of IT, this way you have a choice of which jobs to apply for, what do you think about that?

The limit is endless. Even if you start with a simple a+ you could go into networking, and work your way up to degrees in all sorts.

Its just a matter of taste and skills i guess.

Suncoast · 07-28-2009, 01:40 PM

I've been in this field a long time, and I've see the shift continue. Faster, smaller, more standardized hardware along with the 3 year life cycle has reduced the need for computer technicians. The only fields I see improvement in is Customer Service (help desk,) All Programming, and Network Security. And the big employers for Security are Government and Telecomms. New network installations are now handled by electricians, and computers are installed by unskilled temporary laborers. A local company here I once worked for has reduced it's IT technical staff from over 100 to 9 in the past 10 years. All the networking and systems administration work is outsourced. Computers aren't fixed, they're replaced and sent off for recycling. And until recently certifications were enough. Maybe because of the economy, employers are demanding Bachelor Degrees in addition to certification.

Mellijelli · 08-02-2009, 11:49 PM

Hi Suncoast

Im amazed that companies have cut down on their work force so much,

its quite sad actually, do you think that if the economy improves things will get better or will they continue to go on like this? If you think about it why would they go back to employing more staff when they can use unskilled staff to do instillations and so on, also you said computers are not being fixed but replaced which also makes sence as there are so many newer models coming out all the time people just want the bigger and better versions of everything

Suncoast · 08-03-2009, 07:38 AM

I have to post a quick reply, as I'm heading out.

I think things will improve. I've seen the cycle of outsourcing shift back and forth. It's cheaper to outsource, but the company has less control. When companies have the money, they want people on staff, and under their control. So yes, I think things will improve.

As for replacing computers, desktop prices stayed around $2000 each for many years. Then they dropped to around $500, and they are still falling. Companies that were flush with cash for years developed a systems procedure of replace rather than repair procedure. It's simply easier. And some computer manufacturers have fostered this mentality with very inexpensive three year cross ship replacement warranties. So IT departments freak out at the thought of changing their ways by actually holding onto equipment longer and actually setting up bench tech facilities to repair equipment.

I may come back and edit this, I have to run

Mellijelli · 08-04-2009, 12:30 AM

Hi Suncoast

Im just wondering now... is it cheaper to replace an entire PC than to repair it, or is it that companies have realized that it is cheaper to do this than to hire people to do so? With desktop prices dropping more and more, I would think it would work out cheaper to replace a PC than to hire staff and pay them for the work of doing repairs, maybe you would know more about this.

PhoenyxRising · 08-04-2009, 07:01 AM

Hi Mellijelli.

In some ways it is better. But i think in the long run, If you have a lot to replace, that maybe it will be better to just replace the one piece you need to replace. And if you have a well skilled IT department it shouldnt be difficult.

It may be cheaper to just replace, but wot if the stock you get from certain places are less than perfect? youd spend more money replacing than wot it would have cost to just replace.

Suncoast · 08-04-2009, 09:03 AM

PhoenyxRising is correct. Look at the big picture, because there is another cycle at work here.

At one time, mainframes and dumb terminals ruled the IT shop. Then along came smart terminals, then the personal computer. Then we networked those computers to file servers. Originally they were simple extensions to our local hard drives. Then the web came along. Now web servers are merging with file servers, which are much more powerful than those early mainframes. Applications, not just saved files, are moving from the local hard drive to web based applications. Email was the first widely accepted application to move to web based.

The day of the dumb PC is fast approaching again ala smart terminals, with web servers replacing the mainframes of old. Soon there will be no need to have word perfect loaded on the local PC. All you will need on the local PC is the ability to login to the companies web based word processor or other office application. The PC will become a generic commodity. The real work will be at the centralized web server level. We are cycling back to the mainframe days under the guise of "Web Servers."

Because less is needed from the corporate PC, they are getting cheaper and cheaper.

Just having an IT Tech on-site is not all that's required. You need someone to manage an inventory of spare parts, you need floor space for tech support, someone to handle RMA's and warranties, and so on. Where as PC swappers only need a mailroom.

Users access will not be determined by whats on their hard drive, but who or where they login to their corporate web server from. So no tech will be needed to migrate user data or applications from the local hard drive.

And Sysadmins, the next step will have that corporate web or database server outsourced to regional bunker style data centers. Following in the footsteps of our telephone systems.

I was in an office supply store yesterday and I noticed they had new desktop computers on sale for $339. Average that out over 3 years, and that's less than $10 a month asset cost. If you bean count that with the fact that roughly 5% of new computers have a failure in the first year, that only adds about $1/month/seat to the cost of doing business. So how many computers would your company have to be supporting before it would pay to have dedicated desktop technicians?

Suncoast · 08-04-2009, 09:35 AM

This Forum here has a 30 minute edit block, so I'm reposting my final version as a new message

PhoenyxRising is correct. Look at the big picture, because there is another cycle at work here.

At one time, mainframes and dumb terminals ruled the IT shop. Then along came smart terminals, then the personal computer. Then we networked those computers to file servers. Originally they were simple extensions to our local hard drives. Then the web came along. Now web servers are merging with file servers, which are much more powerful than those early mainframes. Applications, not just saved files, are moving from the local hard drive to web based applications. Email was the first widely accepted application to move from the PC to web based.

The day of the dumb PC is fast approaching again ala smart terminals, with web servers replacing the mainframes of old. Soon there will be no need to have word perfect loaded on the local PC. All you will need on the local PC is the ability to login to the companies web based word processor or other office application. The PC will become a generic commodity. The real work will be at the centralized web server level. We are cycling back to the mainframe days under the guise of "Web Servers."

Because less is needed from the corporate PC, they are getting cheaper and cheaper.

Just having an IT Tech on-site is not all that's required. You need someone to manage an inventory of spare parts, you need floor space for tech support, someone to handle RMA's and warranties, and so on. Where as PC swappers only need a mailroom.

Users access will not be determined by whats on their hard drive, but who or where they login to their corporate web server from. So no tech will be needed to migrate user data or applications from the local hard drive.

And Sysadmins, the next step will have that corporate web or database server outsourced to regional bunker style data centers. Following in the footsteps of our telephone systems.

I was in an office supply store yesterday and I noticed they had new desktop computers on sale for $339. Average that out over 3 years, and that's less than $10 a month asset cost. If you bean count that with the fact that roughly 5% of new computers have a failure in the first year, that only adds about $0.50/month/seat to the cost of doing business. So how many computers would your company have to be supporting before it would pay to have dedicated desktop technicians?

These changes are underway, but they will still take some time. Because there will always be a few power users and devices like printers that need support, the technician will always be with us. But I think all but the largest of companies will outsource their tech support, which is already happening all over.

Mellijelli · 08-05-2009, 02:09 AM

Thx for all the insight Suncoast was an interesting read.

From a different angle now do you think that the same applies to home/personal PCs outside of the working environment, I use my PC for both work and personal use and I work from home, my desktop is kitted out with all the best hardware, for me performance is key and my PC is used for all sorts, storage space is important, graphics, screen size etc, having built it myself I dont see myself replacing it anytime soon unless when wear and tear takes place and parts need to be replaced, I would also look at increasing RAM at some stage, not everyone knows how to do this themselves obviously and if needed would then ask a PC store or IT Technician to do this for them, so although in the workplace this would be much more logical I dont think the same applies for personal use, what do you think?

Suncoast · 08-05-2009, 07:51 AM

I work and live in Tampa Bay, a Tropical area with a lot of Seniors. Without a regular job for over a year, I have barely been supporting myself doing home computer repairs. A year ago I could charge $50(US) an hour for on-site tech support. Now I'm happy if I can get $15-$20 an hour. And that's before my expenses and taxes. Everyone is hurting in this economy, and home computer repair is off also. So the calls are still dropping off as more and more unemployed techs are competing for less dollars. When you deal with home computers and small business, you get very little repeat business if you did your job right. At the same time, this work is bad for the Resume, because potential employers want to see you working full time for another employer. What they call "verifiable employment references." So I've been trying to get in with a real company that does this, but so far, no luck.

The ones that benefit from power users like yourself are the local PC shops. And everyone should support their local PC shop, not the big box stores, or they will disappear too.

Mellijelli · 08-06-2009, 12:39 AM

I see... wow thats harsh, so you have to drop your hourly rates for work carried out so that people wont go to someone who charges less than you do... gosh

its such a pity that companies dont recognize working for yourself as verifiable, but what can one do if you have no other options, everyone is trying to make ends meet these days I barely scrape through each month also, finding work is really tough, so Im just glad I at least have a job, have you tried submitting your CV on job boards yet?

PhoenyxRising · 08-06-2009, 02:23 AM

The harsh reality of the times nowdays im afraid. Its becomming a warzone of competing technicians for jobs.

Why can't working for yourself be counted as verifiable. you actually show some initiative in that you are working for yourself and doing what you are trained to do.

Not like some that just sit back and wait for the opportunities they will not see.

Power users already know a little about PC's so most PC shopsdont have a lot of qualified staff.

They only know how to troubleshoot the basic stuff. I hope they dont dissappear too fast. lol I still support them a lot and my work depeds on them.

Mellijelli · 08-06-2009, 07:12 AM

Hi there PhonyxRising

I know of counting..... 9 people that work from home, some have gone into professional photography opening up their own little studios from their homes, others doing Web Design and others who work as contractors doing administrative and editing jobs for various companies for an income, I think its quite unfair to judge these people on their credibility just because they dont work in some fancy office somewhere and have no references to fall back on in an interview, most people who work from home now have either lost their jobs because of the current economic state, having been retrenched, they are all skilled in what they do and some have opted to start up in a job that they have a passion for and left their old work places behind to give something new a go, but big companies want the work experience on black and white along with the qualifications to go with it before employing...

Suncoast · 08-06-2009, 10:10 AM

Hey, the latest US unemployment figures say things may be improving! Bloomberg article here.

Since I added to my Resume about 6 months ago that I was doing independent home and SOHO work, I have not received one employer response. Has anyone else seen this? I'm beginning to think employers don't like to see self employment?

06-26-2009, 12:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 122 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hey guys. Was just reading something interesting. Have a look at EDP24,. In an Interview with a Recruitment company, things are starting to look up for the East Anglia areas. IT jobs particularly it seems. Even though unemployment claims are higher nationwide than they were a year ago, do you think that the turn around in East Anglia could be the start of the turn around for the rest of the UK?

07-03-2009, 04:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
iburrows Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: vista	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi Pheonix, Would be nice to think so but like the article says its a very small sample and doesn't really reflect the UK as a whole e.g. LlloydsTSB today announced they are making 700 IT Staff redundant. I am a lot like you that i keep reading these stories looking for a glimmer of hope for our industry and the uk unemployment issue as a whole. However I think we need to realise that its going to take a long while for things to go back to the way they were. Wouldnt it be great to be back in the .com boom when you could demand whatever salary you desired Ian

07-03-2009, 07:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 122 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi Ian. :D I think Ive mentioned Lloyds but yea, you're right. Its going to take a long time. it depends on us and how much we are actually willing to do. Im just trying to find the good where everyone else sees the gloom. aaaah the .coms :D sometimes i still dream about those days.... :D seriously tho it would be awesome. lol anyway enough from me :D. Have a good weekend.

07-06-2009, 04:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi PhoenyxRising/iburrows I really don't think IT will ever be an outdated kind of profession, in fact just the opposite, look at technology today there are new gadgets, applications, programmes in all sorts of areas from marketing to media, the web and so and and so forth, and so frequently that surely the demand for IT work must somehow rise continuously because of that, yes there is a slump in work generally because of this cursed recession and that is a worry for all, but I dont think people in the IT field have that much to worry about, our future depends on IT, for most of us our lives and work revolve around it, do you agree?

07-12-2009, 08:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 122 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi Melli Jelli. I would yea. I mean if you look around you, virtually everything nowdays is controlled by a machine that is run by a computer. (except maybe a pen or pencil :D). I guess it more or less once again boils down to how long this recession is going to last and how badly IT jobs are going to be affected by it. There are loads of IT professionals nowdays that can and actually DO work out of their own businesses or even houses, and to be honest i think if there was more support, things would be a lot better. As it is there are loads of IT folk vying for the same jobs. And if you look at it the only difference they have is in the amount of experience they have... In the end, i think the only thing that could actually save us from this problem is well.. ourselves.

07-14-2009, 01:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Yeah true, but there are so many different areas of IT you can study these days, I think if your in a IT position that is very common it would be a good idea to try gain some alternate skills in a another field of IT, this way you have a choice of which jobs to apply for, what do you think about that?

07-28-2009, 01:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? I've been in this field a long time, and I've see the shift continue. Faster, smaller, more standardized hardware along with the 3 year life cycle has reduced the need for computer technicians. The only fields I see improvement in is Customer Service (help desk,) All Programming, and Network Security. And the big employers for Security are Government and Telecomms. New network installations are now handled by electricians, and computers are installed by unskilled temporary laborers. A local company here I once worked for has reduced it's IT technical staff from over 100 to 9 in the past 10 years. All the networking and systems administration work is outsourced. Computers aren't fixed, they're replaced and sent off for recycling. And until recently certifications were enough. Maybe because of the economy, employers are demanding Bachelor Degrees in addition to certification. Last edited by Suncoast; 07-28-2009 at 01:54 PM. Reason: Clarifications

08-02-2009, 11:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi Suncoast Im amazed that companies have cut down on their work force so much, its quite sad actually, do you think that if the economy improves things will get better or will they continue to go on like this? If you think about it why would they go back to employing more staff when they can use unskilled staff to do instillations and so on, also you said computers are not being fixed but replaced which also makes sence as there are so many newer models coming out all the time people just want the bigger and better versions of everything

08-03-2009, 07:38 AM	#10 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? I have to post a quick reply, as I'm heading out. I think things will improve. I've seen the cycle of outsourcing shift back and forth. It's cheaper to outsource, but the company has less control. When companies have the money, they want people on staff, and under their control. So yes, I think things will improve. As for replacing computers, desktop prices stayed around $2000 each for many years. Then they dropped to around $500, and they are still falling. Companies that were flush with cash for years developed a systems procedure of replace rather than repair procedure. It's simply easier. And some computer manufacturers have fostered this mentality with very inexpensive three year cross ship replacement warranties. So IT departments freak out at the thought of changing their ways by actually holding onto equipment longer and actually setting up bench tech facilities to repair equipment. I may come back and edit this, I have to run

08-04-2009, 12:30 AM	#11 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi Suncoast Im just wondering now... is it cheaper to replace an entire PC than to repair it, or is it that companies have realized that it is cheaper to do this than to hire people to do so? With desktop prices dropping more and more, I would think it would work out cheaper to replace a PC than to hire staff and pay them for the work of doing repairs, maybe you would know more about this.

08-04-2009, 07:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 122 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi Mellijelli. In some ways it is better. But i think in the long run, If you have a lot to replace, that maybe it will be better to just replace the one piece you need to replace. And if you have a well skilled IT department it shouldnt be difficult. It may be cheaper to just replace, but wot if the stock you get from certain places are less than perfect? youd spend more money replacing than wot it would have cost to just replace.

08-04-2009, 09:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? PhoenyxRising is correct. Look at the big picture, because there is another cycle at work here. At one time, mainframes and dumb terminals ruled the IT shop. Then along came smart terminals, then the personal computer. Then we networked those computers to file servers. Originally they were simple extensions to our local hard drives. Then the web came along. Now web servers are merging with file servers, which are much more powerful than those early mainframes. Applications, not just saved files, are moving from the local hard drive to web based applications. Email was the first widely accepted application to move to web based. The day of the dumb PC is fast approaching again ala smart terminals, with web servers replacing the mainframes of old. Soon there will be no need to have word perfect loaded on the local PC. All you will need on the local PC is the ability to login to the companies web based word processor or other office application. The PC will become a generic commodity. The real work will be at the centralized web server level. We are cycling back to the mainframe days under the guise of "Web Servers." Because less is needed from the corporate PC, they are getting cheaper and cheaper. Just having an IT Tech on-site is not all that's required. You need someone to manage an inventory of spare parts, you need floor space for tech support, someone to handle RMA's and warranties, and so on. Where as PC swappers only need a mailroom. Users access will not be determined by whats on their hard drive, but who or where they login to their corporate web server from. So no tech will be needed to migrate user data or applications from the local hard drive. And Sysadmins, the next step will have that corporate web or database server outsourced to regional bunker style data centers. Following in the footsteps of our telephone systems. I was in an office supply store yesterday and I noticed they had new desktop computers on sale for $339. Average that out over 3 years, and that's less than $10 a month asset cost. If you bean count that with the fact that roughly 5% of new computers have a failure in the first year, that only adds about $1/month/seat to the cost of doing business. So how many computers would your company have to be supporting before it would pay to have dedicated desktop technicians? Last edited by Suncoast; 08-04-2009 at 09:18 AM.

08-04-2009, 09:35 AM	#14 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? This Forum here has a 30 minute edit block, so I'm reposting my final version as a new message PhoenyxRising is correct. Look at the big picture, because there is another cycle at work here. At one time, mainframes and dumb terminals ruled the IT shop. Then along came smart terminals, then the personal computer. Then we networked those computers to file servers. Originally they were simple extensions to our local hard drives. Then the web came along. Now web servers are merging with file servers, which are much more powerful than those early mainframes. Applications, not just saved files, are moving from the local hard drive to web based applications. Email was the first widely accepted application to move from the PC to web based. The day of the dumb PC is fast approaching again ala smart terminals, with web servers replacing the mainframes of old. Soon there will be no need to have word perfect loaded on the local PC. All you will need on the local PC is the ability to login to the companies web based word processor or other office application. The PC will become a generic commodity. The real work will be at the centralized web server level. We are cycling back to the mainframe days under the guise of "Web Servers." Because less is needed from the corporate PC, they are getting cheaper and cheaper. Just having an IT Tech on-site is not all that's required. You need someone to manage an inventory of spare parts, you need floor space for tech support, someone to handle RMA's and warranties, and so on. Where as PC swappers only need a mailroom. Users access will not be determined by whats on their hard drive, but who or where they login to their corporate web server from. So no tech will be needed to migrate user data or applications from the local hard drive. And Sysadmins, the next step will have that corporate web or database server outsourced to regional bunker style data centers. Following in the footsteps of our telephone systems. I was in an office supply store yesterday and I noticed they had new desktop computers on sale for $339. Average that out over 3 years, and that's less than $10 a month asset cost. If you bean count that with the fact that roughly 5% of new computers have a failure in the first year, that only adds about $0.50/month/seat to the cost of doing business. So how many computers would your company have to be supporting before it would pay to have dedicated desktop technicians? These changes are underway, but they will still take some time. Because there will always be a few power users and devices like printers that need support, the technician will always be with us. But I think all but the largest of companies will outsource their tech support, which is already happening all over.

08-05-2009, 02:09 AM	#15 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Thx for all the insight Suncoast was an interesting read. From a different angle now do you think that the same applies to home/personal PCs outside of the working environment, I use my PC for both work and personal use and I work from home, my desktop is kitted out with all the best hardware, for me performance is key and my PC is used for all sorts, storage space is important, graphics, screen size etc, having built it myself I dont see myself replacing it anytime soon unless when wear and tear takes place and parts need to be replaced, I would also look at increasing RAM at some stage, not everyone knows how to do this themselves obviously and if needed would then ask a PC store or IT Technician to do this for them, so although in the workplace this would be much more logical I dont think the same applies for personal use, what do you think?

08-05-2009, 07:51 AM	#16 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? I work and live in Tampa Bay, a Tropical area with a lot of Seniors. Without a regular job for over a year, I have barely been supporting myself doing home computer repairs. A year ago I could charge $50(US) an hour for on-site tech support. Now I'm happy if I can get $15-$20 an hour. And that's before my expenses and taxes. Everyone is hurting in this economy, and home computer repair is off also. So the calls are still dropping off as more and more unemployed techs are competing for less dollars. When you deal with home computers and small business, you get very little repeat business if you did your job right. At the same time, this work is bad for the Resume, because potential employers want to see you working full time for another employer. What they call "verifiable employment references." So I've been trying to get in with a real company that does this, but so far, no luck. The ones that benefit from power users like yourself are the local PC shops. And everyone should support their local PC shop, not the big box stores, or they will disappear too.

08-06-2009, 12:39 AM	#17 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? I see... wow thats harsh, so you have to drop your hourly rates for work carried out so that people wont go to someone who charges less than you do... gosh its such a pity that companies dont recognize working for yourself as verifiable, but what can one do if you have no other options, everyone is trying to make ends meet these days I barely scrape through each month also, finding work is really tough, so Im just glad I at least have a job, have you tried submitting your CV on job boards yet?

08-06-2009, 02:23 AM	#18 (permalink)
PhoenyxRising Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 122 OS: XP service pack 2 My System	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? The harsh reality of the times nowdays im afraid. Its becomming a warzone of competing technicians for jobs. Why can't working for yourself be counted as verifiable. you actually show some initiative in that you are working for yourself and doing what you are trained to do. Not like some that just sit back and wait for the opportunities they will not see. Power users already know a little about PC's so most PC shopsdont have a lot of qualified staff. They only know how to troubleshoot the basic stuff. I hope they dont dissappear too fast. lol I still support them a lot and my work depeds on them.

08-06-2009, 07:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
Mellijelli Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61 OS: Windows XP Service pack 2	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hi there PhonyxRising I know of counting..... 9 people that work from home, some have gone into professional photography opening up their own little studios from their homes, others doing Web Design and others who work as contractors doing administrative and editing jobs for various companies for an income, I think its quite unfair to judge these people on their credibility just because they dont work in some fancy office somewhere and have no references to fall back on in an interview, most people who work from home now have either lost their jobs because of the current economic state, having been retrenched, they are all skilled in what they do and some have opted to start up in a job that they have a passion for and left their old work places behind to give something new a go, but big companies want the work experience on black and white along with the qualifications to go with it before employing...

08-06-2009, 10:10 AM	#20 (permalink)
Suncoast Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Largo, FL, USA Posts: 389 OS: XPP, Linux, 2003, Cisco	Re: Are job prospects in the IT sector improving? Hey, the latest US unemployment figures say things may be improving! Bloomberg article here. Since I added to my Resume about 6 months ago that I was doing independent home and SOHO work, I have not received one employer response. Has anyone else seen this? I'm beginning to think employers don't like to see self employment?