[TriLUG] Linux / Solaris Position (OT Alert)

[Scott Chilcote]

Magnus Hedemark wrote:
> I think there is a pendulum that is swinging.  In the last decade, the 
> pendulum was on the side of the IT worker.  We could command high salaries 
> and unusual job perks.  A few years back the pendulum went quickly in the 
> other direction, favoring employers.
> 
> Conditions have improved a little since then, but I don't really see 
> things going back to the good ol' days.

The part that bothers me is that a lot of the positions I'm seeing are 
providing compensation at or below what significantly less skilled 
employment provides.

I have seen software development positions that require a BS/MS degree 
(engineering preferred) plus six or more years of industry experience 
offering at or below $50K per year in recent months.

Compare this to the salary of the manager of a medium sized specialty 
store, a certified electrician, HVAC tech, or nearly any medical 
position requiring an AAS degree and a bit of experience.  The salaries 
all occupy the same band.

Why go through the trouble to learn how to compute eigenvectors, 
convolve wave functions, develop microcode, resolve bus timing 
conflicts, and compare pipelining strategies if you can make more money 
driving a semi?  The hours are about the same, and the scenery changes 
more often.

I know a number of engineers who have been patiently waiting it out, to 
see if US industries will want them back.  Some have begun transitioning 
to new career fields.  Some died-in-the-wool types continue to take 
classes and keep up on developments, not wanting to waste their 
credentials...  But for how long?

I hope that US corporations get over the hit they took during the dot 
com crash and decide not to tar all non-medical technologies with the 
same brush.  Other countries are filling in the void they've left. 
While there's no law that says we need to be a technological leader, it 
has been a big part of this nation's image for decades.

--
Scott C.