Java Work

Hi all, I have an idea for you to consider. I've been looking for work for 6 months, and laid off for the last three of those. I finally found a job, one that requires me to relocate, but it's not Java work. For all of you frustrated Java programmers, maybe you should add another skill to your skill set. My new job is Lotus Notes development (not recommended as an added skill), but I will be doing some Java along with it soon enough. Maybe learning a skill that can be used as an adjunct will help, the Java market looks pretty bleak right now. Anyway, just something to think about. I have to go and keep getting ready to move.

Alex:
Good to hear that you landed an IT job - even if it does not involve pure Java.
Keep your eyes & ears open and maybe you will fall into a Java gig at your new place. Hopefully, this recession/depression/screw up in the economy will end sometime in the near future.
Johnny

I'm working but if I were out of work, I'd join some open source effort or get my own thing going just to keep busy. Also, it's not a bad idea to leverage yourself in an even broader way that just language. For example, if you have a knack for cars, get some credentials as a mechanic so when these times come (and they always will), you will have something to fall back on.
[This message has been edited by Jim Baiter (edited September 30, 2001).]

Alex,
would you please explain how did you go about getting that job. I personally wouldn't mind doing any CS related work. I do have a B.S Computer Science but my experience has been mostly Java related. How do I go about jobs in which I have no experience. I do have a versatile skill set but I am sure they will tell me that they don't care about my academic experience. Any pointers from You, or anyone else who has been successful in similar situation, is appreciated.
Vladan

Originally posted by Jim Baiter:
I'm working but if I were out of work, I'd join some open source effort or get my own thing going just to keep busy. Also, it's not a bad idea to leverage yourself in an even broader way that just language. For example, if you have a knack for cars, get some credentials as a mechanic so when these times come (and they always will), you will have something to fall back on.
[This message has been edited by Jim Baiter (edited September 30, 2001).]

You're right Jim. I certified on March and have hardly had a sniff of a job. I have experience from a few years back but have been working abroad doing other things. I qualified to be a teacher a few years back, just as a stop gap should I need it, and although it sucks as a job in the UK, I can do a few days a week to keep the wolf from the door whilst updating my skills with projects which I put on my site www.javaserverside.co.uk .I hope it picks up soon but its handy to have something else just in case.

Hi Eric,
This site looks great. I think it was very clever of you to get the "serverside" URL for UK. I'm sure you will wind up with something you want soon.
Cheers,
Jim

Originally posted by Vladan Radovanovic:

How do I go about jobs in which I have no experience. I do have a versatile skill set but I am sure they will tell me that they don't care about my academic experience. Any pointers from You, or anyone else who has been successful in similar situation, is appreciated.

Tell me about it! I have over 5 years lecturing and teaching experience (at undergraduate and graduate levels) on top of a Masters degree. I would like to switch to s/w developement but have been having a rotten time trying to get even an entry level position.

In fact, ALL my students have better chance of landing a job! Yes, I do have a versatile skill set as well.
Would appreciate some pointers here.
regards,
Jyotsna