kasia in a nutshell

Reading this entry in Jeremy's blog made me think (a dangerous proposition at any given time).

These graphs are pretty frightening, particularly when you're a programmer. Makes me wonder whatever happened to all those people?

I know.. They're busy complaining they cannot find a job that pays them what they used to make during the dotcom boom.

Case in point.

Not too long ago we were interviewing for a senior engineer position. Granted, the position required lots of experience, good skills, etc.. The one thing we were mostly looking for, however is basically someone bright. Someone who can think on their own and has years of experience to draw on. Pretty basic idea.

One of the candidates we interviewed was a guy with a very impresive resume. Worked for all these big consulting firms. Drove up in a big, white SUV with leather seats (so I check out the cars they drive in, so sue me, you'd be surprised how much you can tell about a person by the car they drive). Wore an expensive, Armani suit. My boss got to interview him first... I was next. Sure, impressive resume.. on paper. Not even the most basic unix skills (one of our requirements, we run unix, duh).. actually.. I really don't think this guy wrote a decent line of code in his life... On top of that, horribly arrogant and seemed rather disturbed that he had to interview with me.. some chick with a Polish accent and obviously not half the years of experience his resume brought with it.
After the interview concluded (I didn't like this guy one bit) we discussed it.. turns out he asked for an exorbitant salary... all based on the fact that he spent all these years consulting... but.. skills on paper and skills in reality didn't seem to match.. The worst part is, I really do believe he was asking for a lesser salary than he was used to making. I wouldn't pay this guy $20 an hour if I had to hire him..

Needless to say he was not hired.. we hired someone with a less impressive resume but a much better head on his shoulders. He didn't even wear a tie to the interview. (Actually in my book that's a big plus)

The point I'm trying to make.. During the dotcom bubble, programmers were spoiled. There weren't enough of them to fill positions in all these newly opening companies and that resulted in huge salaries paid to people who, by my standards, aren't even qualified for junior positions. Having a degree and an Armani suit does not make one a good programmer.

Having worked as a consultant for $200 an hour does not make one worth the salary.

Teachers make pitiful salaries compared to what an average software engineer makes.. why can't we be happy with what we've got..