Technology "Dead-Zone"

I just want to ask if it is just here where I am or if its everywhere. I was at a job fair yesterday and there were only 20 booths containing a couple local tourist companies, lawn service, a 'bug' company, two Corrections (jail), Mary Kay Cosmetics, a college (to recuit students), the web company, and two recruting companies (ne is a day labor company)... yea, slim pick'ens

There was NOTHING there that really intersted me! What a waste of time! But I did go to one of the recuiting companies (not the day labor one!) and talked to one of the recuiters. At least they had posted some things at their booth that interests me!

Anyway, I told the recuiter want I was interested in and he looked at my resume. He then looked up at me and asked if I want to stay in the area or if I would consider relocating. I told him that I would keep my options open for the right job.

The recuiter then went on to explain that the 'baby-boomers' are leaving and there are openings. He said that a friend of his is leaving a big company (he told me which one) and if I would be interested in moving there. I said yes!

The then explained to me the where I live is a "technology dead-zone." Not sure if he meant the local area or the State but I know that both would be true. He then said for me to call him next week and handed me his card.

I also explained that I have several friends who are looking as well. He then reached back and handed me even more cards, about a dozen, and said to give them to my friends.

Question is - Are all the job fairs this bad in other locations??? Or is it just here???

POST A COMMENTCK(01/19/2008)
Yea, I see a lot of resturant, hotel, and other low paying service jobs. Even in my field I see pay scales lowered. I have even seen IT management jobs posted with a laundry list of all the requirements ... pays $16 - $16?!? You kidding me?!? F'em!! It is simply unbelievable!

But there are times I'd like to apply just so that they would call me. I would just love to laugh in their faces!

Dumber than a Catbox full of sh*t(01/19/2008)
It's pitiful out there! I was reading my local paper today--in the next town over there were 17 foreclosure notices. To live in that town you need serious money! For example, if I lived in that town (which I can't afford to because) to live in an okay home in an okay part of the town the house would cost 650K. So all these rich people are being foreclosed on. It was interesting to read that and realize that. The rich have really over-extended themselves. It was interesting to me because the handful of people I know who are losing or will probably lose their homes are not rich at all....

CK(01/19/2008)
Yea, the poor and middle class are hit first but I have been hearing the same - the rich are being hit as well. Rumor is that it could make the Great Depression like a walk in the park.

labtech(01/20/2008)
Oh yeah, it's bad all over, it's not just your area ! I just go to job fairs now to collect the free stuff. It's my goal to get at least 5 free pens. I nearly scored a cute stuffed toy once, but I wasn't quick enough. All they want here is nurses, hotel staff, and truck drivers - but there are plenty of temp agencies, none of which ever did a lick of good for me when I needed them.

And the wages...the wages are laughable. I =could= work 3 blocks from my house - if I was willing to take a fifteen dollar per hour pay cut, so it's back onto the long turnpike commute for me tomorrow !

And the middle class dwindles still more.....

CK(01/20/2008)
The want ads section is getting thinner and thinner. If it wasn't for the ads for pushing the paper or CareerBuilder it would be on one sheet (or close to)!

I look on the internet and it is much the same. I see jobs for managers (pays $16/ph) or management jobs that require heavy technical skills along the long list of 'requirements.' That isn't a management job - that's a tech job! I even see 'management' jobs where you don't even manage!

Ever noticed that on sites like MSN there are topics such as 'knowing if you're going to be laid off, how to handle interviews, being unemployed, etc. I see that a lot! Granted that they may try to be helping people but it is also a sign of the economy!

I know at least 5 employees (not contractors - and we have lots of contractors) who are looking to leave. They are sick and tired of all the lies. Our CIO was even interviewed a while back in a CIO magazine where he was quoted (spewed the same propaganda) that "it's all about the people" ... What he doesn't mention is that there are three type of people in the organization - those in the 'clique', the ones on the 'two-ply' list, and the contractors who don't count as people at all! If it's "all about the people" then how come they want to quit?

I have stopped going to the quarter staff meetings because I have grown so tired of the B.S. as have others. And I know other employees who are doing the same. They would rather work then to suffer hearing loss cause by the over abundance of B.S..

SouthernProgrammer(01/21/2008)
IMO, you just aren't going to find high paying jobs at a job fair or in the newspaper. In fact, VERY few technical jobs are advertised in the paper these days, they will be found at careerbuilder.com, yahoo hot jobs, dice.com, or monster.com. Furthermore, most of the managers I know never answered an ad in the newspaper but were recruited by a head hunter service. I have no doubt we are near or in a recession but I don't things will get much worse, the current administration will do anything they can to jumpstart the economy due to the election year. JMO.

CK(01/21/2008)
I am not limiting my search to just job fairs and news paper ads. I am listed on many job boards like Monster, Dice, Career Builder, employment agents, and etc. I have been networking with friends, as well as alumni.

What I hear and see is still low pay. I also hear of many employment scams. A friend was almost pulled in on an employment scam but got wise to it before any bad happened.

dontask 0(01/21/2008)
Only a few years ago I was asked to fill out an application asking for my SS# and my credit cards number among other things. I left that part blank and only gave my phone number. Needless to say I never heard from them. Let's be careful out there.

We have several chip manufacturers cutting back, layoffs and articles in the local newspapers. Finally, they have ignored this development too long, now it's come home to roost.

SouthernProgrammer(01/23/2008)
Location is a big factor, in my part of the country the Government is the biggest employer. The problem with Government jobs is they usually post a range for the pay - IE: 45K - 70K. I find this annoying because each time I applied for a job and got an interview they would ALWAYS offer a salary at the lower end. Hey guys, why not just tell what you are going to pay up front!

CK(01/23/2008)
SP - I work for the local government and they always offer low and pay low. And working for any government agency you have to deal with the politics. But what is REAL bad is that everyone gets the same raise - slackers AND the real workers. After a while you end up with more slackers and the workers get rewarded with more work - usually what no one else wants!

SunnySideUp(01/23/2008)
Wow. This post really made me feel a little down especially when talking to a close friend who has had a lot of trouble finding a new job. I wish you the best of luck.

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JobSchmobber Community Comments
Wage Slave (01/19/2008) There aren't any well paying jobs in Pittsburgh. Those of us who have jobs are terrified to lose them. Job fairs are mostly for restaurants. I feel bad for anyone who is young and trying to start a life.