Working in high tech used to be a strong advantage in finding a replacement job. It’s still a plus but it’s been weakened by the heavy emphasis on contracting. I’ve contracted too but I couldn’t get too enthused about it. I took pride in what I did but it was still just something to pay the bills.

I worked for a very large, well-known company that didn’t view contract dates as a commitment. This cut both ways: I was brought in on a 6-month contract and after 9 months asked what their intent was because they hadn’t said anything. In other cases they cut people as soon as they could, irrespective of contract duration. They were never ugly about it – they actually gave contractors 2-4 weeks notice – but a 12-month contract didn’t really mean beans.

I wonder if other people have experienced the same thing or was this just a loosely run operation?

I’m freelancing as a *contract* tech editor-writer at the moment. Although it isn’t as secure as a “staff” position, in reality it’s *more secure*–because at least I’m aware of the start and end of the contract time commitment.

If you or someone you know needs documentation edited or rewritten in U.S. oriented English by a native U.S. speaker of English (but who can handle various foreign languages as well), you are welcome to contact me to discuss these needs further.

Nice post–it reflects my sentiments precisely. It’s good to have a place to rant about the current situation.

And, now, I must get back to work. Visit my website if you’d like more information.

We will carry on Brothers and Sisters!

As for me, I was laid off from United Rentals, the largest equipment rental company in North America because the “board” had decided to sell for $8 Billion to Cyburus (I think that’s the name) they own Home Depot, Chrysler, and some others. They started laying us off to reduce the payroll and make United better than it was, then, guess what? Cyburus bailed out!

Oh well, what’s a few thousand people’s job worth? Their homes, cars, food, utilities? NO big deal!

My youngest daughter worked for Merrill-Lynch since graduating Georgetown in 2001, surviving 9/11 in Building 4, then B of A takes over and her whole department is Gone! Poof! $200,000.00 education, now looking for work in a field that has all but closed down. 29 years old, brilliant, and hosting at an NYC ‘eatery” that will probably be closing because no one can afford the place!

But I digress.

I have started my own Internet Marketing business and am doing quite well, Thank you.

If any of you find yourself looking for a way to make a living, keep your home, feed the kids, contact me. Even if you don’t know anything about Internet marketing, don’t let that stop you. I didn’t have a clue. Got “scammed” twice, but with a little luck in finding people to teach me the ropes, my bull-headed attitude, and the Grace of God, I’m doing well. I’m now part of the Team that helped me. Our mission is to help people just like you and me, make it. It’s NOT hard. In fact, with our economy in the toilet, people are really looking at home business as an alternative to “the grind”.

Anyway, thanks for starting this site. As the saying goes “misery loves company” and everybody that has been or is, where we have been, needs a place to “RANT”.

Thanks again!

Randy Wright
imRandyWright@gmail.com