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Exporting Myself?
sennomo asks: "Years ago, I was told that I needed a degree to get a programming job anymore. So, I went to college. A couple of years and thousands of dollars later, there was still no job for me, in spite of my all-powerful B.A. in C.S. The most common explanation I get is that jobs are being exported out of the country. So, I've decided to export myself. Moving to higher ground, so to speak. I have heard a few others discuss this, but how many are actually trying it? And how is it going for them? Are there any hotspots for American expatriate programmers?"
Why not just accept less money than you've been asking? Look for non-profits and similar who need programmers but can't pay competitive salaries. Then, when you build up some experience, you might be worth something more than the paper the degree is printed on and won't have trouble if you decide to look elsewhere for work.
Years ago, I was told that I needed a degree to get a programming job anymore.
They lied.
So, I went to college. A couple of years and thousands of dollars later, there was still no job for me, in spite of my all-powerful B.A. in C.S.
Sucker.
The most common explanation I get is that jobs are being exported out of the country.
Awfully convenient explanation, huh? Just in time for the retirement of the "Bad economy" excuse.
So, I've decided to export myself. Moving to higher ground, so to speak.
Or, so to hope. Higher ground. Yep. That's what I'd call a third world country.
Here is the painful truth - if you had anything to offer, you'd be employed. My company is hiring like crazy, but we are extremely selective (about 1 in 100 candidates pass the tests.)
Actually, let me back it up a little and not be so terribly insulting. The situation is this - companies are hiring, but they are scared of repeating the bust. One of the least talked about reasons that everything has fallen apart in the tech sector is the sheer worthlessness of so many of the people in it. I have worked with some of the worst programmers I can imagine over the last three years. These people will be shed, but it will be a painful process.
My advice is this: suck it up, do some hobby programming, build a portfolio of samples (nothing sells a candidate like good sample code), and keep on plugging. You'll have to prove yourself.
The whole expatriation thing is a terrible idea. If you go through with it, have fun.
Anonymous Hoser
Sorry, but to be a good analyst (this IS the type of "designer" you suggest, correct?), one should put in the time, so to speak, as a programmer for awhile. Nothing is more mismatched than a book-only-learned analyst. They are good at design patterns, concepts of reuse and well-read, but give them a real-world legacy mess (or just an older interface or module) and they suffer a breakdown in productivity. "Here's fix this crappy site in 2 weeks. No you cannot rewrite it."
That "manual labor for your fingers" is actually quality time spent solving a pool of math, logic, algorithm and communication problems. Also, the trials of explaining such tasks, issues and achievements in easy-to-understand words to PHBs is valuable. Don't underestimate simply being a programmer.
To poster: I am guessing you didn't want to live in debt forever, so you skipped the BS and got just the BA. Maybe you can work part time using whatever skills relate to your field, and get the other 2 years over with. Heck, some people make a career out of attending classes just that way. As to your question, I'm at a loss. I'm doubting you'd like living as a programmer in another country...