Is it really so bad? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

irateplatypus · 03-27-2004, 11:17 PM

I'm getting close to graduation with a degree in computer networking... so a lot of my fellow students who are in my class are really starting to look for jobs in the IT sector.

I'm going to be an AF officer when i graduate, so I don't have to worry about all this just yet, but...

The stories i hear from those who are in the field already are pretty discouraging. I realize that there are those who complain about their jobs everywhere, but the consistency is unmatched. With the market now leaning to the employers advantage, many of the people i've talked to say that they have to put up with stuff that other employees don't because either their boss doesn't understand their work or they are seen as expendable.

this has turned into loads of overtime work, thankless job environment, a virtual freeze on vacation time and a growth of temporary labor (as opposed to full-time salaried positions).

on top of all that, some people are intimidated by technology and those who know more than they do in any area of expertise. because nearly all full-time positions are in a business support role, the average IT guy has little leverage to work with when trying to improve his standing in an organization.

does this sound like any of your experiences?

Blistex · 03-28-2004, 08:02 AM

I graduated with a degree in Computer Networking (Computer and Network Engineering Technologist). That was 2 years ago, when the job market crashed.

I'm now going throught to be a History teacher because I don't want to end up like my friends! Being 2 years into a mortgage then getting laid off!

If you don't know everything (both hardware and software) the managers will see you as being quite expendable!

p.s. learn a useful 2nd language! Pretty well the only way you can have job security!

Kaos · 03-28-2004, 10:02 AM

I'm not goign to lie to ya. It's getting real ugly out there. Full time jobs are hard to find, and the pay is crap if you do find one. Most places are only hiring people in short term contracts (The longest I have heard was a 3 year contract, and rare) or they are hiring from job placement agencies where you are really expendible.

If anything you HAVE to be willing to relocate because you may have to search Nationally to find a good paying IT job.

03-27-2004, 11:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
irateplatypus can't help but laugh Location: dar al-harb	Is it really so bad? I'm getting close to graduation with a degree in computer networking... so a lot of my fellow students who are in my class are really starting to look for jobs in the IT sector. I'm going to be an AF officer when i graduate, so I don't have to worry about all this just yet, but... The stories i hear from those who are in the field already are pretty discouraging. I realize that there are those who complain about their jobs everywhere, but the consistency is unmatched. With the market now leaning to the employers advantage, many of the people i've talked to say that they have to put up with stuff that other employees don't because either their boss doesn't understand their work or they are seen as expendable. this has turned into loads of overtime work, thankless job environment, a virtual freeze on vacation time and a growth of temporary labor (as opposed to full-time salaried positions). on top of all that, some people are intimidated by technology and those who know more than they do in any area of expertise. because nearly all full-time positions are in a business support role, the average IT guy has little leverage to work with when trying to improve his standing in an organization. does this sound like any of your experiences? __________________ If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. ~ Winston Churchill

03-28-2004, 08:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Blistex Psycho Location: Tiger I Turret	I graduated with a degree in Computer Networking (Computer and Network Engineering Technologist). That was 2 years ago, when the job market crashed. I'm now going throught to be a History teacher because I don't want to end up like my friends! Being 2 years into a mortgage then getting laid off! If you don't know everything (both hardware and software) the managers will see you as being quite expendable! p.s. learn a useful 2nd language! Pretty well the only way you can have job security!

03-28-2004, 10:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
Kaos Ssssssssss Location: Ontario	I'm not goign to lie to ya. It's getting real ugly out there. Full time jobs are hard to find, and the pay is crap if you do find one. Most places are only hiring people in short term contracts (The longest I have heard was a 3 year contract, and rare) or they are hiring from job placement agencies where you are really expendible. If anything you HAVE to be willing to relocate because you may have to search Nationally to find a good paying IT job.