Re: RPG TALENT--Global issue

Bob,

In a message dated 98-05-28 21:33:50 EDT, you write:

>> They only want RPG and CL, and
>>  many would prefer that those flavors be RPG II and OCL.  The AS/400
>>  professionals in question couldn't find this list with 10 search engines
and
>>  both hands -- in fact, they probably don't have an Internet connection.  
>  
>  I, for one, resent the tone of the above statement.  I clearly fall in the
old fogey,
>  36E individual who is approaching the end of his career.  U cannot judge
what
>  career choices were made, big shop or small,  unless you were in the shoes
at
>  that time.

I have no gripe against those that _chose_ to maintain legacy systems, rather
than learn new techniques as retirement loomed near.  When you're about to
quit, why bother?  My gripe is with those that give their companies and/or
clients bad advice merely because it involves technology outside their
"comfort zone".  Shoes don't matter unless you're giving bad advice to
maintain your position, in which case, the shoes smell like you've stepped in
something -- big shop _OR_ small.  If you're recommending S/36 technology
merely because _YOU_ don't feel comfortable with the new stuff, then shame on
you and you deserve what happens to you.

>  We helped build this industry, nursed it thru late nights, sorting thru
cards to find 
>  the program bugs.  We were, and are professionals, and as we age, we
realize we
>  can't know it all.  I have found few programmers who knew a debit from a
credit,
>  fewer still that were adept at personnel matters.

Ain't it the truth!  Lately, I've spent more time explaining the difference
between a back order and a shop order to "newbies" than I have programming
techniques.  Gone are the days when you had to "know it all", hardware,
software, _AND_ business.

>  My advice to the youngsters is simple.   Put 10 percent of each paycheck
away, 
>  and wear a cloak of humility.   I'm sure on that on your deathbed, you wont
be
>  bragging about programming skills, or much else.

In today's market, and with the current viability of the US Social Security
system, I'd up that 10% figure to 20 -- I know that _I_ am...

Regards,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-Mail:  DAsmussen@aol.com

"Hospitality is making your friends feel at home, even though you wish they
were." -- Anonymous
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