IT job slowdown and H1B Visa's

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Feb 4, 2000
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From all I have heard, the death toll of IT workers (engineers and programmers) is mounting. Not literally, but I mean they are being laid off. And at the same time, 190,000 IT workers are being imported into the US this year, mostly from India.

I have seen first hand how these workers from India are treated. They work many more hours for less pay than the rest of us. They are hired by small software consulting “sweatshops” that look to replace whole IT departments in big companies.

The "sweatshop" company has total control over the foreign worker's fate. If they cause any trouble, they are deported. This is troubling to anyone with any sense of morality.

This also has me concerned about my future as a US worker. Will we be replaced by cheap, exploited labor from poor countries? I hear allot of rumors. But I don’t see many facts.
 

AriTheDog

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May 6, 2001
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i've heard about this too.

my dad's company recently hired a group of indian men from some firm to rework a program.

this also worries me a bit. as i'm going into cognitive science, which could lead to some jobs in programming.
 

Stryker8

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Jan 26, 2000
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This also has me concerned about my future as a US worker
don't be, they only bring it specialist from India to the us.
there are more it experts in there then in the us, and they get the same pay as every IT specialist.
Working in the it business in the us = rich
 

SimplyCosmic

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Dec 25, 1999
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Of course, "software sweat shops" tend to only get business from companies that weren't willing to pay much in the first place.

For one thing, their code tends to be the worst spaghetti logic undocumented piece 0' crap you'll ever come across outside of a first year programming course.

There are still plenty of jobs out there, just not in the glamorous positions (web designer at a dot.com) or in the trendy locations (Silicon Valley). However, there are still tens of thousands of small to mid-range companies looking for IT guys, and there will always be the big software companies.

What's happening for the most part is that the "I read an MCSE book" admins and the "I've got a copy of Visual Basic for Dummies book" programmers are getting hit the most.
Like every other field, you need to add some diversity to your resume to stand out.
 
Feb 4, 2000
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SC, I know you have worked in IT for a long time. What do you do? I spent most of my six years in software support. I've gotten programming assignments, but not like a developer.

I have programmed in Java. I created a print applet / Servlet. I have also made html servlets using JDBC. And CGI's in C++\ODBC. But the work is not as consistent as a dedicated developer. I do allot of software support.

Should I get certified in Java 1.2? Or is it a waste of time? Should I pursue a development position or stay in support? Or go for DBA?
 
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SimplyCosmic

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Most of my time in IT has been in "infrastructure support" of some sort, be it networking or general support. Generally, the smaller the company, the more general support you give, with larger companies requiring people to specialise.

As to what someone in the industry should or shouldn't do, the best advice is the same as any other field: Determine what will allow you to stand out from everyone else. Don't neglect basic competency skills and certifications, but look for something to give you an "edge" compared to the other hundred or so people applying for a job.

A prime example is the MCSE. At one time it was something that stood out on a resume, but now with everyone and their pet dog having one, it's been devauled. It'd be nice to have to show basic competency, but something a little less common, like a CCNA or what not will help me out more.

There are still plenty of jobs for Java developers, just not as much in the flashy publicly accessible web site area. However, alot of companies use Java for cross-platform internal business applications, which is a nice place to be for job security. Not the most exciting thing in the world, but you'll be less likely to be in the unemployment line with the dot.com people.

As for becoming a Database Admin (DBA), let's put it this way: From the very beginnings of corporate computing, data collection, processing and warehousing have been very important core department duties. This will not change. Ever. This is another one of those non-flashy, behind the scenes jobs, that every company needs at least one of, if not an entire department dedicated to. There's a reason why Oracle, a database software developer, isn't all that far behind Microsoft in annual profits.

So, the questions fall back to what they do no matter what your field:
  • What are your goals?
  • Where do you want to be in five years?
  • What will it take to get there?
Answer those, and the majority of your planning will be done for you.
 
Feb 4, 2000
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Yes, I was told by an "old hand" to stick with the boring, bread and butter parts of IT. All the "fun" jobs don't pay.

I am thinking I don't really like development. You live per project. DBA's and software support will always be needed consistently.

I have given up on trying to have fun at work. Oh well, that is why they call it work.
 

SimplyCosmic

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That's why I concentrate on the people side of the problems I handle at work.

Otherwise, though I like technology and love a good challenge, I'd be bored with the non-sexy work that I do, which in the end is what actually keeps the company going.

Besides, DBA's get plenty of time to goof off online. Look at GunnerX. That lazy SOB hasn't done more than thirty minutes of "real" work in the last few years. ;)