Here here to that Joe! I have went back to being an auto mechanic again.
The hours are long, the pay is low, but the upside is that it's steady
and there is plenty of overtime. Don't get me wrong, if an IT job would
open up I would jump at the chance to get back into the game - but for
now, I'll cowboy up and deal with burnt forearms, scraped knuckles, sore
backs, and motor oil under my fingernails. There are other positives to
the jobs: a distinct camaraderie among co-workers, the satisfaction of
knowing you did something to get someone rolling at the end of the day,
and aside from all the chemicals and exhaust fumes you might get exposed
to I think it's good for physical health too. After all, how many times
have you seen a noodle armed and weak kneed mechanic???
I think the actual WORK is what keeps the majority (not all) "computer
people" at bay. They all want cushy air conditioned jobs where they can
waste the day away surfing the net and watching cheesy sci-fi movies. Of
course these geeks wouldn't have a chance in hell making it in an
environment where actual WORK is required. They just wouldn't have the
stamina or the wherewithal to push on; which is a good thing because
that's what makes this trade steady and relatively profitable.
I just think we really out hyped and out smarted ourselves with
computers in general. I've said this a dozen times, maybe not on this
list specifically - but I've voiced this on numerous occasions. Not to
sound insulting, but the fact of the matter is, anyone could "get"
computers. From networking, to programming, to databases - it's really
all a piece of cake. That's why the market is so saturated, and why
companies don't need people to do the jobs that anyone else could do.
Sure, some employees can do a job a little better that others - maybe
they have a bit more talent or experience - but do you really think
today's companies are going to spend the extra money?? It's laughable!
As far as all this "swallow your pride" business is concerned - I don't
think that's the way to look at it. I think more of the employed IT
workers should start HAVING pride in themselves, and HAVING a little
backbone to boot! How can you possibly have any pride or self worth if
you're just another unemployed jobber? You can't!
Take a job already, even if it's low paying job. These days beggars
can't be choosers. If you do, for now you can at least hold your head up
high and say "I have a job" rather than "I'm an employed computer
whiner".
Some day maybe the economy will improve and we can all go back to cushy
air conditioned offices and cubicles or what have you. I think everyone
reading this would like that to happen to. But a few measly bucks an
hour, per contract, or for flat rate work sure beats zero bucks and
bumming off long lost fifth cousin.
The real world is abrasive. No wimps allowed. Work or starve.
-jtiner
>-----Original Message-----
>From: slug@nks.net [mailto:slug@nks.net] On Behalf Of Joe Brandt
>Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 5:25 PM
>To: slug@nks.net
>Subject: Re: [SLUG] Good, Fast and Cheap?
>
>I am a computer hobbyist. I am a woodworker by trade and a boat
>builder
>before that and it is the same in those 2 industries also. Quality is
>not even an issue these days. Fast and cheap. It can not last (I
>pray). I have had 10 jobs in the last 3 years because I will not lower
>my standards but the IT industry does not have the open jobs. It is a
>no win situation either swallow your pride or forget about eating.
>
>Joe Brandt
>
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