iamacp.com – I Am A Computer Programmer
All about the daily work issues of a Java/J2EE Computer Programmer

I’ve been actively pursing new opportunities at least a week before I left my former employer. I’ve been making progress to landing a new position recently. I have interviewed in Indianapolis and Nashville so far. This coming week I will find out the status of a potential job in Atlanta. I will also be interviewing in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday. I feel confident that I will have a new job very shortly.

I’m really not too picky where I go as long as I remain employed. If I had the opportunity to take a local position I would.  If I get offered a position much further away 1st I will have no choice but to take it. There really is nothing keeping me from moving since I don’t have any family here. The friends I do I will visit as often as I can.

Normally when looking for new employees companies do phone screens first.  I constantly get asked  “How much was your salary?” What does that have to do with anything? Salary for similar positions vary well accross the country.  Companies are trying to get you for the lowest possible wages and if you say your making 50k they’ll assume an offer of 55k is ok even if the market salary is 65k. It really makes me feel uncomfortable and puts me on the spot when a company asks me that.

My previous salary really is none of the business of my future employer.  I’d like at least market rate for my next position. Nothing less but hopefully more.

I’ve thought about writing this for awhile. Being a computer programmer for a few years really makes you understand how the industry works. It’s not all fun and games.  IT like any industry has it’s fair share of pros and cons.

I’ve dealt with my share of crap including the last company I worked for. I’ve learned many lessons that I think any person thinking about entering IT should be aware of.

Important Lessons

• You are replaceable – No matter how smart you are or how much money you make you will always be seen as an employee. Companies look out for their best interest and best interests only. If they can find someone to do your job and pay them half of what you make they will.

• Low Balled – It’s been my experience contracting that companies will always try to lowball you. They will always try to hire an employee for under the market value. They will claim low cost of living and great benefits. That’s nonsense. Never fall for that crap. Anyone who falls for that is lowering the wages for everyone else. I also have a friend whom they tried to give way under market value because they assumed he was naïve.

• You don’t need your current company – You heard me right. Even if you think your valuable to your current company you’re not. You should think about yourself first. To keep up to date with your skills to advance in your career there’s a point usually around the 1-2 year mark in a job that you must move on. The only way to increase you salary is usually to move to a new position. If you think a company is going to give you a raise when they can have a more productive worker at a low cost you’re dreaming.

• People Are Fake – This applies to basically anywhere you work. People will never really tell you what they mean. If there’s a problem they will usually say there is no problem.

• Shut Up And All Will Be Ok - Odds are if there is a problem and you never say anything usually the problem won’t get worse but it won’t get any better either. It’s only when you potentially confront the issue 50% of the time will it get worse. Choose your battles carefully.

• Don’t Let Your Employer Control You – Employers think that since it workers get paid above average wages that they own them. Employers will also try to meddle in employees business. It’s happened to me and other people whom I’ve know. Keep your mouth shut and only share as much as you as you deem relevant. Remember employers will use any and all information they know about you to their advantage.

• Companies Will Look For A Reason To Get Rid Of You - If the management doesn’t like a certain employee they will wait until they make one critical mistake and they will be gone. That’s all the reason they need to let the employee go.