2 ms·

"Some folks aspire to the minimum amount of work and the maximum amount of pay. And they are shocked when they get laid off after a decade of that, that nobody

by dba7dba 12y ago

"Some folks aspire to the minimum amount of work and the maximum amount of pay. And they are shocked when they get laid off after a decade of that, that nobody wants to hire them." Wholeheartedly agree. However don't forget those who worked hard but were just got stuck doing something that was ONLY relevant in that organization. Once laid off, they belatedly find out their 'skill' isn't a skill outside of the organization. Hence I believe you should be extra vigilant about stagnating skill set when working at a company for more than just a few years. A lesson I'm learning now.

BillyMaize 12y ago
Exactly the position I am in now. After a couple of years I am looking to move on but I am finding that no one needs the experience I have. Everything I have done for my current company is desktop development and the vast majority of the nearby jobs are web development. Companies these days don't want to hire anyone who can't hit the ground running so it's a rough situation. Better to get out now than many years from now though.
- dba7dba 12y ago
  I think this article may be of some interest to you. http://www.kalzumeus.com/2009/09/05/desktop-aps-versus-web-apps/ http://www.kalzumeus.com/2009/09/05/desktop-aps-versus-web-a... Also, ever look into trying out micro ISV? You may not get rich but doing doing something like it will help you work on techs that are popular/relevant, not what your managers wants done. Or try working on side projects with free time?
VLM 12y ago
"Hence I believe you should be extra vigilant about stagnating skill set when working at a company for more than just a few years." I have some experience in this and some autonomy is vital. If you negotiate something approximating a consultative relationship with your boss, then you're pretty safe.
- marktangotango 12y ago
  Interesting, can you talk about how this came about in your situation?
GFischer 12y ago
What, you're saying my 6+ years' experience in FORTE 4GL won't be relevant in the outside world???!! :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_4GL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_4GL I wish I was kidding about the FORTE4GL bit, but I do acknowledge the need to stay current, though it's sometimes hard to get the drive to do so.

by dba7dba 12y ago

BillyMaize 12y ago

Exactly the position I am in now. After a couple of years I am looking to move on but I am finding that no one needs the experience I have. Everything I have done for my current company is desktop development and the vast majority of the nearby jobs are web development. Companies these days don't want to hire anyone who can't hit the ground running so it's a rough situation. Better to get out now than many years from now though.

dba7dba 12y ago
I think this article may be of some interest to you. http://www.kalzumeus.com/2009/09/05/desktop-aps-versus-web-apps/ http://www.kalzumeus.com/2009/09/05/desktop-aps-versus-web-a... Also, ever look into trying out micro ISV? You may not get rich but doing doing something like it will help you work on techs that are popular/relevant, not what your managers wants done. Or try working on side projects with free time?

VLM 12y ago

"Hence I believe you should be extra vigilant about stagnating skill set when working at a company for more than just a few years." I have some experience in this and some autonomy is vital. If you negotiate something approximating a consultative relationship with your boss, then you're pretty safe.

marktangotango 12y ago
Interesting, can you talk about how this came about in your situation?

GFischer 12y ago

What, you're saying my 6+ years' experience in FORTE 4GL won't be relevant in the outside world???!! :) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_4GL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_4GL I wish I was kidding about the FORTE4GL bit, but I do acknowledge the need to stay current, though it's sometimes hard to get the drive to do so.