Outsourcing = Opportunity for IT Professionals

Not so long ago, when I was an IT outsourcing analyst, one trend that was clear was that outsourcing was becoming a more widespread practice in countries that are trying to lift their economies. What began in India is also being performed today in places like Russia, Brazil, Romania, and Pakistan.

As the world hunkers down under the darkening cloud of a global recession, and businesses struggle to remain profitable (or boost their profits), the demand for outsourcing won't go away anytime soon, and service providers in all those countries will be pushing ever harder for business. That should create downward pressure on prices, but, on the other hand, may send more higher-paid IT professionals to the unemployment lines. Sorry for the downer, but that's economics for you.

But I like to see the glass as half empty, in this case that crises give way to opportunities. (I've lived it before and, really, it's true!) IT professionals who wind up on the wrong end of an outsourcing deal may not have jobs, but can pick up consulting and contract work. There's the opportunity: to enhance their business skills, especially sales and customer service management. Although there are some exceptions, techies have long been criticized for their lack of adequate business savvy. Improving their business skills before they find their way back onto someone's payroll can make them more marketable and valuable.

What about you? Whether you're facing a layoff or not, do you believe that a crisis can lead to an opportunity?

Obama's Victory and the Lessons for Job Seekers

Hi! It's been a while since I posted to this blog, but I invite you to check out my most recent post on The Pongo Blog that addresses five job search lessons from Barack Obama's victory.

By the way, I'll be adding a timely post this week as I dust off this blog.

Cheers!
Rick