Braving an IT Career in 2009
Although tech jobs are under increasing salary and layoff pressure, the market for IT jobs remains relatively stable. Here's what you need to know about the IT jobs market in 2009 to survive and thrive.
InfoWorld — The economy is in trouble—everywhere. Even outsourced providers are nervous. Already under stress, IT staffers see their jobs getting more and more difficult as they must do more with less, all while wondering if they'll keep their jobs at all.
That's why you need a plan for your tech career. The worst thing you can do is give up or panic. Although tech jobs are under increasing pressure, the reality is that the technology jobs market overall is still doing better than the market for other types of jobs. That doesn't mean you're immune from layoffs, stagnant salaries, or increasing workloads, but it does mean you have more options than many other workers—if you're willing to be flexible.
InfoWorld has put together a special package of stories to help IT workers through the current tough times. Among the highlights: Slideshow: Where IT jobs are headed; Special report: 2009 IT career survival guide; Special report: Where the tech jobs are overseas (and how to get one); Special report: Tech workers under fire; Special report: IT and the financial crisis; Get sage advice on IT careers and management from Bob Lewis in InfoWorld's Advice Line blog and newsletter.
First, the bad news on tech jobs
There's plenty of data to support the fears that many tech workers have about their job security and ability to make ends meet. For example, more than 50,000 tech workers lost their jobs before the financial meltdown hit, and more jobs are in danger.
That trend translates to income pain for even the survivors. According to the 2008 salary survey by our sister publication Computerworld, bonuses for IT workers rose only 0.2 percent from 2007 levels. At a time when 3 to 4 percent salary raises are failing to keep up with inflation rates that are rising above 5 percent, those dwindling bonuses are making tough times even more challenging for IT professionals.
And stress levels are up. That same Computerworld survey shows that only 14 percent of respondents did not feel more stressed than a year earlier. Shrinking budgets are one reason. "Companies are in the mind-set of not spending in the next 3 months and increasing only 1 or 2 percent in the next 12 months. That's quite a change from last year when it was between 7 and 8 percent," notes Steve Minton, vice president of worldwide IT markets at IDC.
