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Exporting Myself?

Posted by Cliff on from the moving-to-where-the-jobs-are dept.

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?"

2 of 145 comments (clear)

  1. Accept less money by Mr.+Darl+McBride · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Erm, if you go overseas to work in India or such, your standard of living is going to go way, way, way down.

    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.

  2. hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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