Need Techie Input for a Career that is Crashing and Burning

self | today 27 September, 2001 | self

[mlmr]

This is a general question for techies and the people who love them. I have a relative who is married to a techie type. Consultant for 20 years. Subcontracted to one of the big 5 occasionally for project managmement. Business systems, inventory, financials, POS, materials tracking, delivery...you name it using IBM midrange systems. Made between 75 to 125 per hour (which is big money in this area) depending where he was working plus expenses.

Their lives changed and there were some family illnesses, deaths, and other problems. He really hasn't stayed on top of the changes. He has woken up to find his client base eroded and has been paralysed about retraining. What direction to go in, what to focus on, who's going to hire a 50 year old newly retrained guy? Is he ever going to be able to make dollars at previous levels? What kind of training does he need? He has even tried to get a job with the state and didnt make the cut. Is this a lost cause?

His wife is nearly hysterical. They are living on the retirement fund and between the taxes and the market, it isn't going to last long. They will lose their house. They have five kids, a mortgage and a car payment. He is stuck.

[mlmr]

I need help here. I know this is not an agony column, but in some ways, I really depend on my Freepers. And I know there are some smart techies types here who may have advice. Please be gentle, this close to my heart.

Could you please keep this bumped?

Thanks,

mlmr

[slowdance]

Have him use the skills and knowledges he had and learn more about network security, or digital image creation/integration. I see those as two of the big areas to open up. Good luck to him.

[alithia]

He should join the FBI...they don't really have enough techies

[AgThorn]

Why are these skills not still good?

Can he design systems? integrate POS to mid-range?

What about Web HTML/XML design skills?

I don't think age has anything to do with it. Are his skills current or not is the question.

Has he contacted temp agencies who have call for his skills?

[Andreas Peyser]

I'm a Technical Recruiter and know of people just like your relative. It's sad to see talented people become obsolete, but it happens. I suggest that he look into getting trained in a newer technology (Networking, Web Development, etc.), be open to relocation (at least temporarily) and look for a position where there is opportunity for advancement into newer technologies. Look for companies that are getting ready to migrate to a new system (ask around, talk to recruiters, former co-workers and bosses, look at local publications such as Crains, check out the internet job postings and newspapers to see which companies use which types of systems). Also, he SHOULD be prepared to take a pay cut, at least temporarily. In our market here, IBM Midrange and Mainframe people were in very high demand (and making 100-200 per hour), but after Y2K, it has dropped off dramatically. Other markets are a lot different and they are always looking for IBM Mid-Range people, so suggest he check other markets. Hope something I said will help your relative.

[katnip]

Hmmm, I'm in somewhat of a similar situation, except that I'm still working. I have 20 years mainframe, financial software, management,operations etc. I found my job market shrinking and decided to go back to school. I've taken C, VB , WEB page design. The new stuff is incredibly easy. But, I was told by an employment counselor not to waste my time on new stuff.

He felt that it's unlikely that I would be willing to start all over making 30,000 a year in a Junior position, (he's right). There are plenty of places that are still running on big mainframes that need experienced people. He just might have to move to get the jobs. I know N.Y.C. and Long Island seem always to be looking for IBMers (I'm not one unfortunately). It can't hurt to learn the new stuff (especially when he see's how easy it is, a real confidence builder). Aren't there any major Consulting firms there that would take him on? Is he willing to travel? Why not look for a Project Manager position?

[mlmr]

Thank you for your time!

[mlmr]

The FBI? Financial systems consulting for the FBI?

[tacticalogic]

MCSE's and CCNA's are still in demand, but I don't know how much longer that's going to last. Background and experience help - there's way too many "paper" MCSE's out there now.

[SamAdams76]

My wife went through a similar thing. A COBOL programmer for nearly 20 years, she was picking and choosing her jobs. As soon as the Y2K bugs were fixed in 1999, the demand for COBOL programmers finally crashed. She has had to retrain in Unix and also some German computer language that I can't remember the name of. (I think it is SAP.)

Bottom line, he will need a lot of retraining.

Then again, he might want to consider an entirely different career path. Those Sky Marshal jobs start at $80,000 a year. Wish I took Arabic instead of Italian when I was in school. They are paying big money for Americans who know Arabic as well (for intelligence work).

[Nita Nupress]

Can't help you with advice but I'll bump you.  :-)

[Bouncer]

I can't tell from your profile what part of the country you live in. I live in Washington DC and, because of a position I have that I can share with you privately, advise people about this problem all the time. I just spoke at a Dept of Health & Human Services meeting on "Changing to IT in Mid-Career" for about 100 people. I can send you my PowerPoint presentation if it would help.
I've got some minor contacts/counterparts all over the country and might be able to refer you to someone in your area. But Techie Times are tough right now and jobs are scarce so nothing is certain.
If you're interested, send me a private Email here and I'll do what I can to help. Whatever you decide, please know that our prayers are with you all.

[mlmr]

Yes he can design systems, yes he can integrate Post to midrange.

I am not sure what being current means, I guess. He has 36 and 38 midrange experience, more 36 than 38 I think.

[mlmr]

Thank you for your professional advice. I think he would be willing to temporarily relocate.

[mlmr]

He lives in the northeast equivelent of East Gish. No business to speak of here. He used to travel for a big 5 but has lost contacts. Perhaps it is time for him to subscribe to the NY papers.

[Glenn]

I am not sure what being current means, I guess.

My suggestion is that he take some of that retirement money and get his butt to Rochester, MN to every AS/400 Java class he can get enrolled in. It's the hot technology in the midrange community these days. It's going to be rough. Takes a different mindset than the one he has. It's his best bet. Freepmail me. I know of what I speak.

[Aliska]

bttt

[Bush2000]

Is your friend really sure that he wants to start over in the same field? Maybe this is a wakeup call. Maybe he could do other things like work for a non-profit, become a teacher, or become an independent consultant. Point is, there isn't always only one path to success. And different people define success in different ways. Sounds to me like your friend needs to do some soul-searching. What is the most important or fun thing that he has ever done? Sometimes, your heart leads you in subtle ways that you tend to ignore. Pays to listen...

[Ace's Dad]

You must be willing to move. I did it 13 years ago. Left Detroit for Washington, DC.

[mlmr]

MCSE's and CCNA's are still in demand, but I don't know how much longer that's going to last. Background and experience help - there's way too many "paper" MCSE's out there now.

Ccc-could you translate that for me??