Langleymass,
This past year I have directly spoken to about 500 students, 700 instructors, and 250 business executives. Most telling were the business executives. They are screaming to find qualified talent.
Granted, 250 does not make a scientifically valid poll but when 90% percent of them cannot find - and would happily pay - for IT talent, I believe there is opportunity.
When the sheer numbers of people retiring from the field, the current economic growth, and the need point to a tremendous shortage of IT talent - yes, I believe there is opportunity.
Most of the backlash against IT is related to the push back from the late '90s - which was an unrealistic market and damaged the industry.
For all the people you speak to, I can tout those who do well and enjoy it. Once again, anecdotal viewpoints are far less important than the numbers.
But as an anecdote - I realize that I am "simply a consultant." - but I am a consultant who has found a field (IT) that allows me to work out of my house, make a six figure income, and do it in 25-30 hours a week.
I work closely with business owners and managers - which I like, I am viewed as a trusted and respected advisor - which I like, I am given opportunities to expand my business with many of those businesses I serve - which I like.
What is more telling is that I correspond directly with another 10 peers who do the same. Why wouldn't I tell people this is a great opportunity? Why is my anecdotal evidence less valid than yours? Why is what I am doing spewing a myth but you are somehow only stating facts?
Listen, I am the first to say that if you do not like the field and are not enjoying yourself or are burnt out - do something else. I believe succeeding in IT (and any endeavor) requires a degree of passion in either the work or the outcome. If you do not have passion the people who have it will pass you by. I work with a lot of IT departments and I can tell you that most people don't have passion. They are simply punching a clock.
I know a woman who used to be an financial planner. She left that business and bought one of those roadside hot-dog carts. Now she has seven of those carts - working one of them in person. It is her real passion and she does pretty well. I don't view her less professional for selling hotdogs. I view her as more professional for pursuing a passion.
I like solving problems. I like having a direct impact on business and operations. I like having skills that are highly regarded and sought after. I like troubleshooting and problem-solving.
No, that is not true. I don't like it, I am fanatical about it!!! And when I work with others - who are not - it shows. They cannot compete. But when I find those people who do like it, they are on their way.
I had a few employees several years ago. Each of them was new to the field and each of them makes $90k plus now. Through the downturn, they were not only employed but grew their careers.
One of them, a college student who was in a CIS college program but didn't really have any tangible skills, joined me first as an intern and then an employee. Less than 5 years later and 2 years after his graduation from college, he is a "senior" developer with a very large company. He runs a team of developers and does quite nicely.
I am sure he is glad he didn't listen to the negative "spew" but instead applied some skills that I taught him.
Believe me, I gain nothing by posting on this board. Theoretically, someone might buy a copy of my book, but as I make about $1.20 after the retailer and publisher takes their piece, I would need to move A LOT OF THEM to make up for the time just in writing a single post.
But I don't want people misled by the often vocal negative perspective when there are many who tout a different message. Message boards - particular those related to careers and jobs - are a breeding ground for discontent. Mostly because those who are doing well don't show up there.
I will continue to post messages that provide a message of proactive and directed focus as a way to succeed in this or any field. And I am convinced that you will continue to post a negative message about the same.
To the reader, if you want to learn how to do something well - find people doing it well and talk to them. In every field there are those who will provide a negative perspective. You must decide for yourself but beware emulating those with a negative message.
And I am not indicating that you listen to me. Go into the field and speak to managers, IT consultants, IT professionals who are doing well in their field, etc. Their anecdote may be the antitdote for negativity.
Matthew Moran
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Todo esta bien.. Todo esta divertido (it's all good, it's all fun)
