WHen are the jobs going to come back!!
Well, software engineers and programmers had a ball while it lasted. Hard to believe only 3 years ago software programmers were able to make all sorts of demands. Now it's a buyer's market. In the long run, this probably is going to help those companies, if it pushes wages down. Not only that, if more people are competing for the same jobs, theoretically that enables the employer not only to select a cheaper applicant, but also a more talented one. This would, theoretically, make those companies more productive at lower cost. Good for shareholders. And another thing. A more competitive job market spurs more workers to seek training, further their education, and learn new skills in order to compete in the marketplace. This means an increasingly productive workforce. Another boon to shareholders.
Of course, none of that helps if you are the one getting the boot. That's why during this great boom time I squirrelled most of my money away. I figured if these were the best days ever (and they weren't THAT spectacular--I still shopped at discount stores), I'd better prepare for the fall that will come, and hopefully it won't be a doozy. And it hasn't been. Of course, the war is the big question mark. Bottom line: Not only does no one owe us a living, no one owes us a standard of living. My salary went up quite a bit between 1998 and 2002. But I never forget that it could just as easily drop back down. It's up to me to a)improve my skills, b) stay competitive, and c) provide for my own economic well-being.
Anyway, I'm just babbling. I am sure you know all this. My dream is to start my own business. That is what I am saving for. It might be a sandwhich shop, or a guitar shop, or a pretzel stand. I'm not sure yet. Good luck to you. Hope you keep your job.