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Tales from the Recession-Addled IT Trenches

We keep hearing about how tough this recession is, and surveys that we've written about in the News section tell us that we're in some pretty bad straits, as spending is down and jobs continue to be scarce.

I'm not one to look at this time in a positive light. And that's why I often turn to colleagues to help me get out of my career doldrums (besides being an editor, I shoot weddings, and talk about two businesses that have been hit hard by the economy....). In much the same way, what do you folks in the IT trenches do to keep yuour spirits up?

What I'm asking for is your stories about how you as an IT professional have dealt with this recession in a positive way. Maybe you've been one of those who've been pink slipped, so what did you do to get a new job and to keep yourself smiling as you were searching? Or maybe you're among the hundreds who've been saddled with a budget that's been halved. What strategy did you employ to stretch out those dollars and keep your company happy? I'm looking for all stories, no matter how small. IT tips to beat the recession or the blues also appreciated.

The good stuff will be published on MCPmag.com in an upcoming feature, and your contribution, if published, will earn you a nice Redmond Media Group T-Shirt. Now, that'll put a smile on your face!

Posted by Michael Domingo on 03/03/2010 at 3:48 PM


Reader Comments:

Wed, Mar 17, 2010 Anna Ellis UK

In March 2009, my department was "reshuffled". Staff were under threat of redundancy, certain staff only kept their jobs by re-applying for revised job descriptions with less pay, and many of us had sleepless nights worrying about our bill payments. In September 2009, the next bombshell dropped - our department might get transferred to another company and if it didn't, the outlook for 2010 was lukewarm, if not miserable. Payrises and bonuses were suspended. Having endured the effects of stress since the beginning of 2009, I had one of two choices - stay miserable and let others control my future, or take responsibility for my own career. I chose responsibility ;-). I sat down and listed the growth areas, as I saw them, for my specialisation (SQL Server). Then I rewrote my CV, emphasising my achievements in those areas (BI, DBA). Once that was done, I decided on my parameters for a new job (1 hour commute each way, minimum salary, blue-chip company, minimum level of holiday and benefits). I then started applying for jobs. Each agency that contacted me was given my list of requirements. Some never came back to me. That was OK. I went through 3 rounds of interviews for 3 jobs and was offered all 3 ! I firmly believe that I was offered the jobs because I was honest on my CV and in my interviews about what I was capable of and where I wanted to be in 5 years time. I took time to decide which company was the right one for me and have been working there for the past 3 months. I work less hours for a salary that equates to the same hourly rate as I was on in my previous job. I'm no longer stressed, I've had the same payrise as everybody else this year and I'm looking forward to a pro-rata bonus. There ARE opportunities out there; we just need to focus on what we can provide to the business we work for (or want to work for). I'm still in a team which has limited resources and a tight budget, but my own focus has changed and that has made all the difference.

Tue, Mar 9, 2010 Michael Domingo Irvine, CA

Sorry to hear about that, Dave. It's a sad story, but it does sound more common that many are being asked to do more with such little resources. I was really hoping for an upbeat story to share with everyone, to keep people's spirits up. Even so, it sometimes does a spirit good to be able to share and have others know you're not the only one. Good luck, btw, and I do hope that things do get better for you healthwise.

Sun, Mar 7, 2010 Dave California Bay Area

A year ago my boss drops a bombshell that I would be cut 50%. I manage 15 servers, 450 clients across 5 schools and 5 administrative offices. I was spared when the help desk person for the biggest school left. Managing the back end and doing help desk for the largest school has been enormously stressful. I also act as a lead for 3 other help desk people whom are actually teachers (neophyte computer users). Thus I am their trainer. There is little budget for training. Money is limited for upgrades. 60% of my servers and 80% of my clients are 4 years old. The project backlog (Infrastructure uprade, virtualization, Windows 2008 server, Office 2007, Exchange 2007, keeps growing and growing due to minimal budget. These events have impacted my health and I am now recieving health care for an anxiety disorder.

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