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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
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    Calgary, Alberta
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    Job Market is flatlined...

    Around here - Calgary, Alberta - the Tech market is flatlined and more tech layoffs looming as Oil and Gas companies cut back drilling programs, merging and the like resulting in thousands and thousands of layoffs.

    Now I see that companies seeking "Intermediate Windows Admins" want a MASTERS degree?! It is so competitive out there that we may be forced to leave this province or make a complete career change.

    At this point in my life, I don't want a career "change, I want a career "challenge". I have been in this business for 15+ years and it seems now more than ever that jobs are harder to come by considering my experience in Windows, Linux, Isilon, OnStor and other storage systems, etc. - there is just nobody biting right now.

    Looks like it may time to send my resume off to professional service to have them re-work it for today's employment environment.

    If it were just me, I would not be nearly worried as I am, but I have three kids and a wife who are depending on me and I totally feel like I am letting them down.

    I dunno - sometimes I just don't get it.
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    It is a very tough job market. Just try to hang in there!

    Keep sending out resumes and be sure to network to the max. You'll find something.

    -mike
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  3. #3
    Yeah...

    The only jobs computer related I can see being in demand is programming.

    That takes a lot more knowledge and practice than learning some basic networking and system administration skills. Not to mention, if you are programmer, you will probably know how to do this type of stuff anyway.

    I remember 5 years ago everyone was like ...get a job in computers...go IT...blah blah blah. So glad I decided not to. All that hype made the job market over saturated.
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  4. #4
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    Nov 2007
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    Quote Originally Posted by dbbrock1 View Post
    That takes a lot more knowledge and practice than learning some basic networking and system administration skills. Not to mention, if you are programmer, you will probably know how to do this type of stuff anyway.
    Most of the programming jobs also want a fair number of years of programming experience!

    -mike
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    Houston, Texas, USA
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    Quote Originally Posted by dbbrock1 View Post
    Yeah...

    The only jobs computer related I can see being in demand is programming.

    That takes a lot more knowledge and practice than learning some basic networking and system administration skills. Not to mention, if you are programmer, you will probably know how to do this type of stuff anyway.
    I really think you're underestimating the complexity behind administrating a network or a server cluster. A professional programmer is nowhere close to being a CCIE or RHCE and vice versa. The two disciplines are different leagues altogether.

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  6. #6
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    Apr 2008
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    Tulsa, OK, USA
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    Quote Originally Posted by dbbrock1 View Post
    The only jobs computer related I can see being in demand is programming.
    Programming jobs are in demand, but at least in the game industry, the real way to make money right now programming is by coming up with unique middleware (consider the Havok physics engine for example). Well, self-publishing games is an option too, but console licensing etc. requires proof of a fairly large credit line upfront.

    And while it is true that most programmers have basic sysadmin knowledge, most of the people I work with (and myself included) dislike doing sysadmin work (infact, we usually come up with ways to automate the sysadmin work wherever possible ).

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
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    Australia
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    Quote Originally Posted by A Grateful Dad View Post
    . . . I dunno - sometimes I just don't get it.
    What I don't get is why you insist on working for someone else. Work for yourself and you get to call the shots. You have a hosting business there, since "2003", so get that going so you can live off that.

    I'm a father of 6 kids, and hosting has provided for us since 2001 - 2002, when I started HTTPme, so I totally understand when you talk about providing for your family and that aspect of a father's role.

    So get out there and make it happen!!
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  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
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    Calgary, Alberta
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    It's no wonder I have the utmost respect for you and what you say Bob.

    I share a lot of what you say here with my wife and she appreciates your candor and honesty!
    Jason (JC) Morris, Vice President - Technology
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Iowa
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    It's a rough job market everywhere and all companies are hurting. Now more then ever it really pays to be able to have unique skills and be able to do services on your own without having to outsource. This will provide more money in your pocket in the end.

    Just understand that you are not the only one hurting. I know it doesn't help but everywhere is bad and now is the time to hang in there and don't break. Whenever you have the chance to work no matter if your working for less then normal I strongly suggest you take the job. It could lead to other jobs and surprise you. I really wish you all the best and hope things work out.
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  10. #10
    Positive Wishes A Grateful Dad (heh, nice name...may I buy a vowel?)
    Quote Originally Posted by Aussie Bob View Post
    So get out there and make it happen!!
    Make it happen! and if you "get it"... please let me know : - (
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  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
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    Depends on my market you are in. I just quite my job of 7 years and I got a new job with in a few weeks before I quit. All it took was to talk to a couple of my suppliers who put the word out for me to other similar businesses in my area. I had a job in no time with same pay and way better chances for advancements.

    If the tech market it crappy then its time to find something else.


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  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
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    Colorado Springs, CO
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    The IT field is still the most resilient to whats happening in the markets worldwide. Its leveled out for now but honestly its probably going to sink more next year before the full recovery begins. Just be thankful your not an autoworker or in banking right now. More of the workforce will be shifting to IT if it hasn't already and that major influx is causing the job descriptions and stakes to be raised for everyone needing job. Its an employer market right now so they can be really picky about applicants. Just show them how and why you are worth more to them than the pay scale and you'll be golden.
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  13. #13
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    Feb 2002
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    Quote Originally Posted by A Grateful Dad View Post
    It's no wonder I have the utmost respect for you and what you say Bob.

    I share a lot of what you say here with my wife and she appreciates your candor and honesty!
    We're kind of on the same page, with families and all, so I feel for ya. It's an awesome responsibility to be a parent, raising children and getting them started off in life. I would say do whatever you can to grow your business so you can truly be your own boss, working from home with your family, call the shots, and all that good stuff.
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  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussie Bob View Post
    We're kind of on the same page, with families and all, so I feel for ya. It's an awesome responsibility to be a parent, raising children and getting them started off in life. I would say do whatever you can to grow your business so you can truly be your own boss, working from home with your family, call the shots, and all that good stuff.
    As a single guy, I am in awe of some of you parents. You have a ton of responsibility. Kudos.

    -mike
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  15. #15
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    Sep 2004
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    Chennai , India
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    Quote Originally Posted by Evolver View Post
    Depends on my market you are in. I just quite my job of 7 years and I got a new job with in a few weeks before I quit. All it took was to talk to a couple of my suppliers who put the word out for me to other similar businesses in my area. I had a job in no time with same pay and way better chances for advancements.

    If the tech market it crappy then its time to find something else.
    Being in the tech industry for more than 5 yrs, i hardly can get into another industry. Here in India IT people are paid high, and the other industry sucks in payment, but its the same case in other countries.

    Its a just a matter of time, i think it will back with a big boom.

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