IT Outsourcing Need Not Threaten Our Future

Xeo writes "The topic of the moment in a lot of people's minds is the outsourcing overseas of 'white collar' jobs. While many people are perhaps rightfully worried about this, there's an editorial on the subject that tends towards the other direction. It makes some very interesting points on the whole idea of outsourcing and what it means for the US at least."

Comments

Basic premise

[Black_Logic]

The articles author makes decent points, but what it all boils down to is that, usually, change doesn't lead to disaster. Which is essentially true. I'm sure that whatever the econimic trends, some sort of equilibrium will be found. But as someone getting ready to leave a university with a CS degree in a year or so, I'm pretty worried about the interim. Although I suppose I'm in a far greater position than someone whose got a family to support. I'm sure many /.'ers would agree that money is a distant second to having enjoyable, challenging work.

After all the doom and gloom about the tech industry I'm happy to hear a positive viewpoint, true or not. :)

Re:Basic premise

[apoc.famine]

If you've got that four year degree, and don't have a job, invest an additional 1.5 - 2 years into becoming a certified teacher. With the certification requirements of NCLB, and the average age of teachers somewhere in the mid to high 50s, the USA is heading into an ever-greater teacher shortage. As one hell of a benefit, a fair number of school districts are desperate enough for teachers, that they will pay off your student loans, if you sign a multi-year contract.

The hours aren't bad, the benefits are great, and the job security is near 100%. While you have to jump through some *very* assinine hoops to prove that you know what you know, the end result is worth it. And quite frankly, the poor teacher salaries of the last few decades are becomming more and more competitive, especially if you have a higher degree and a few years on the job.

The Obvious

[kpogoda]

The guy is a President of an Engineering University. Is enrollment is down between 20-50% based on nationwide trends. Of course he is going to push a positive forecast to push enrollment up. But the kids are not buying it. I wonder what a good field is these days in the US?

Modern day Ford?

[lingqi]

Regardless of how much Ford (the original) made cheap cars, he knew that it would mean jack if his employee's can't afford them. He hence paid his employees very well.

There is no point for a company to be cutting costs if all it does is starve the consumers - it will create a vicious cycle whereby the more you cut costs, the smaller your market.

Granted, you are opening a new market in the countries where you now do most of your hiring - BUT then it's still a comparative small market because your prices are aimed at consumers with assumed income several times that people in whose countries the products are made.

Isn't this just another great example of the great human fault of discounting the future?