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

I figured it was about time I get some rest and relaxation to prepare for my new job on Monday. I spent the last 5 or so days in Las Vegas and had a blast. Now I will be moving to Charlotte in the next 24-48 hours. This was just what I needed to prepare for my new job.

Wow, what a week. I turned 30 2 days ago. Now I finally got a job offer today in Charlotte, North Carolina with a large well known bank. I don’t really want to leave my beloved home of Tampa for the past year and a half but realized a few things. The reality is there aren’t many technology jobs in Florida and the jobs pay much lower than you can make in other states. I’ve had maybe 3 or 4 interviews for Florida jobs in the past month and maybe 2 were actual face to face.

It made me realize just how bad the market is here. They probably interview 5-10+ people per job which means your chance of landing a job is low unless you manage to get tons of interviews. Now if I had patience I could wait several months (being unemployed is hell and I’d rather sacrifice on location slightly). The plus is the new job is still in the South (I love the South) and pay rate is about 60% more than I was making at my last gig here.

The rates for a mid level Java developer in Charlotte are comparable to a super senior developer in Florida. Now I just have to wonder how to make the move. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh moving time!

Hello all, this week has been pretty typical of the last few weeks. A few days ago I had 3 interviews in one day. I also visited Robert Half on Tuesday in downtown Tampa and was really unimpressed overall. The secretary was like we can’t place you until we have your identification. I have been doing consulting work for years and there is no guarantee than any headhunter can place you.

They sometimes can provide you the leads but you have to make the best of them. You could just as easily get a job from a small local headhunter as well as the big guys. You do not need my identification before placing me sorry. I’ve also heard about Robert Half needing to bring in 15 or so people a week. Resume fishing at best.

I also had a initial phone interview (non technical) with a company in Tallahassee that suggested if I want a better chance I should keep my rates down. She than rambled on about the economy. Blah blah. I am not asking for a fortune all I want is fair market value. Some companies are trying to use the economy as a excuse to get skilled labor for cheap.

Now, I wonder just what type of company this would be to work for. I’m wondering after I have the technical phone interview today and I get offered it should I run? Or should I just take it as a throw away job until something better comes along. I’m edging toward the 2nd choice if nothing close comes by soon.