This indeed sucks for all involved. Here would be my recommendation:
1) Go back to school. 2) Get serious about mathematics.
Many, many doors open up for you once you can do statistical analysis and get through Calc III (and no, stats and calc have almost nothing in common, but there you have it). We're beginning to segregate into two classes-- those who can do math, and those who can't. And I don't think anyone is going to want to be part of the latter group 10 years from now.
or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of.
<< <i>or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of. >>
I was 34 when I went back, with one child and another on the way. I went in for a Master's in Economics, despite the fact that:
a) I hadn't taken a math class since my sophmore year in high school (1987), when I spent the entire last semester smoking Thai stick out behind the dumpster next to the cafeteria.
b) I had never taken an Econ class before.
c) My degrees were in Philosophy and a Master's in Creative Writing.
I'm going to graduate in April with a 4.0, I've aced every math class I've taken, and I will be quite surprised if I have trouble finding gainful employment. And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora-- I just work hard, and I take it very seriously.
<< <i>This indeed sucks for all involved. Here would be my recommendation:
1) Go back to school. 2) Get serious about mathematics.
Many, many doors open up for you once you can do statistical analysis and get through Calc III (and no, stats and calc have almost nothing in common, but there you have it). We're beginning to segregate into two classes-- those who can do math, and those who can't. And I don't think anyone is going to want to be part of the latter group 10 years from now. >>
<<< 1) Go back to school. 2) Get serious about mathematics.>>>
Valid points but point #2 is much too confined...In my view a better #2 would be to become trained and knowledgeable in fields which supply products and services that people want and need. It's really that simple. I'll give you an example of how some people don't think when planning a career or employment opportunities. I remember at Penn State that there were a fair amount of astronomy majors...I don't know how many but it was a fair amount. Then I remember reading an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about predicted job openings in that current year...and astronomy was way down the bottom of the list and in that year it was estimated that only 20, yes only twenty, new job openings for astronomers would be available throughout the United States. Well in my view it is a bit foolish to study for a career with so little employment opportunities - and I realize that this is simplistic in that an "astronomy major" could branch out into other jobs, but it amazes me that so many colleges teach say film production, and like how many of these majors are going to go out to Hollywood and suddenly become the next Steven Spielberg? Yes, it's fine to dream that you'd like to be like Carl Sagan, but it's also wise to be cognizant that you need money to exist in this world and you need to have skills that you can either offer as a self-employed individual and start your own business, or have skills to offer to an employer who will pay you for these skills...albeit mathematics skills or whatever.
<< <i>This indeed sucks for all involved. Here would be my recommendation:
1) Go back to school. 2) Get serious about mathematics.
Many, many doors open up for you once you can do statistical analysis and get through Calc III (and no, stats and calc have almost nothing in common, but there you have it). We're beginning to segregate into two classes-- those who can do math, and those who can't. And I don't think anyone is going to want to be part of the latter group 10 years from now. >>
<<< 1) Go back to school. 2) Get serious about mathematics.>>>
Valid points but point #2 is much too confined...In my view a better #2 would be to become trained and knowledgeable in fields which supply products and services that people want and need. It's really that simple. I'll give you an example of how some people don't think when planning a career or employment opportunities. I remember at Penn State that there were a fair amount of astronomy majors...I don't know how many but it was a fair amount. Then I remember reading an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about predicted job openings in that current year...and astronomy was way down the bottom of the list and in that year it was estimated that only 20, yes only twenty, new job openings for astronomers would be available throughout the United States. Well in my view it is a bit foolish to study for a career with so little employment opportunities - and I realize that this is simplistic in that an "astronomy major" could branch out into other jobs, but it amazes me that so many colleges teach say film production, and like how many of these majors are going to go out to Hollywood and suddenly become the next Steven Spielberg? Yes, it's fine to dream that you'd like to be like Carl Sagan, but it's also wise to be cognizant that you need money to exist in this world and you need to have skills that you can either offer as a self-employed individual and start your own business, or have skills to offer to an employer who will pay you for these skills...albeit mathematics skills or whatever. >>
Funny side note on this-- I have a friend whose a dynamite mathematician and physicist, and the one job she's wanted since she was a kid was to become a cosmologist. So, she was talking to a math prof about this, and the guy said-- and I quote-- that the problem with aspiring to become a cosmologist is that you have to wait until someone in the field dies before you can apply for a job. Needless to say, she's now exploring other opportunities.
But seriously, I think you're dead on here. Hell, I could probably go out right now and make $80K a year selling roofs. I've done it before, and I'm one of those guys who could sell a double bed to a nun. And it's definitely a job that has virtually nothing to do with math.
<< <i>or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of. >>
I was 34 when I went back, with one child and another on the way. I went in for a Master's in Economics, despite the fact that:
a) I hadn't taken a math class since my sophmore year in high school (1987), when I spent the entire last semester smoking Thai stick out behind the dumpster next to the cafeteria.
b) I had never taken an Econ class before.
c) My degrees were in Philosophy and a Master's in Creative Writing.
I'm going to graduate in April with a 4.0, I've aced every math class I've taken, and I will be quite surprised if I have trouble finding gainful employment. And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora-- I just work hard, and I take it very seriously.
If I can do it, then I think almost anyone can. >>
<<< And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora >>>
I don't believe that for a second.
But you're basically right in that mathematics isn't as difficult as it may seem to be - the whole key is sticking with it right from the beginning and building on it step by step. You can cram and pass tests or even score high grades with many subjects with not too much study, but mathematics isn't one of them. Ya gotta focus from day one, from minute one, comprehend each beginning step and build on it.
For sure the US does need more people with mathematics skills, and employers are willing to pay good bucks to those who can use that skill to help their companies beat the competition both foreign and domestic.
<< <i>or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of. >>
I was 34 when I went back, with one child and another on the way. I went in for a Master's in Economics, despite the fact that:
a) I hadn't taken a math class since my sophmore year in high school (1987), when I spent the entire last semester smoking Thai stick out behind the dumpster next to the cafeteria.
b) I had never taken an Econ class before.
c) My degrees were in Philosophy and a Master's in Creative Writing.
I'm going to graduate in April with a 4.0, I've aced every math class I've taken, and I will be quite surprised if I have trouble finding gainful employment. And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora-- I just work hard, and I take it very seriously.
If I can do it, then I think almost anyone can. >>
<<< And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora >>>
I don't believe that for a second.
But you're basically right in that mathematics isn't as difficult as it may seem to be - the whole key is sticking with it right from the beginning and building on it step by step. You can cram and pass tests or even score high grades with many subjects with not too much study, but mathematics isn't one of them. Ya gotta focus from day one, from minute one, comprehend each beginning step and build on it.
For sure the US does need more people with mathematics skills, and employers are willing to pay good bucks to those who can use that skill to help their companies beat the competition both foreign and domestic. >>
Excellent points. I always think it's funny to hear people talk about the subjects they aren't 'naturally good at', because the list always begins and ends with mathematics and learning foreign languages-- not incidentally the two subjects that happen to require the most work. The next time I hear someone say they just don't have a natural aptitude for Criminal Justice, or Sociology, will be the first time.
Not everyone is built for mathematics, although it does rank as the #1 job right now.
I am encouraging my son to get skilled in woodworking, auto mechanics and welding. He's geared to work with his hands and would probably prefer oral surgery to doing statistical analysis. As long as he loves what he's doing I'm good with it. Not to mention these jobs won't be going overseas.
To each his own based on his talents, skills, and gifts. The important thing is to keep learning and getting better at your profession. I tell him "just don't be working at Jiffy Lube when your 30 - get your skills then learn to run your own business".
This is a great country and filled with opportunities of all kinds!
<< <i>If you have your health and family is good then work will come.
Hang in there, one door closes another opens.
Steve >>
True words Steve.I guess I am lucky my days of being part of the employment force are soon coming to the end and my hope job is given to someone who is willing to stick around for close to 44 years like I was able to. I get very sad when I see people having to struggle when they are not at fault for loosing thier jobs.
I feel terrible reading that others are going through unemployment like myself.
I'm a Propmaker in the IATSE Local 44 in Hollywood and I build sets for TV shows and Movies. Although I consider myself employed, I'm technically unemployed as I'm not on any project. I've been out of work since Sept 4, 2008. Normally I work 1800 to 2000 hours a year and that's counting the 1 to 2 months a year I'm off when things slow down in the spring. During 2008 I barely got over 600 hours of work.
Right now there are only TV shows going on and only a couple of very small movies going on where there are normally close to a dozen movies going on. Our industry is in a major slowdown. The reason for the slowdown is because the Screen Actors Guild's contract expired in June and they are seeking a Strike Authorization Vote next week because they say the Producers are unreasonable to their "unique needs". Even though the Writers Guild went on strike last year and signed a new contract. The Directors Guild and a few other guilds signed contracts last year, the Actors are still wanting far beyond what all the other guilds have approved.
Because of all of the uncertainty of the Actors, the Producers and Studios have been very reluctant to start any projects since last June and it unfortunately affects all of the Union Locals in our industry where normal people like myself try and earn a normal living to support our families. Right now my local has over 35% unemployed and it's slowly climbing.
I think it's now time that I start planning on a side business to give me some supplemental income and to help when things are bad like right now. Fortunately, I have a background of doing websites, photoshop, marketing & photography to name a few.
I sincerely hope that no one ever has to go through what I have endured during the last 18 months.
Thank God my wife and two little ones are healthy!
damn bureau of labor statistics are misleading anyway:
they don't account for: 1- unemployed who've simply given up looking for jobs 2- if you have 2 jobs: 1 FT and 1 PT and you lose the FT job, you're still counted as employed, despite losing the FT job. 3- some jobs simply have high turnover b/c the jobs are suck min wage jobs, but they are counted.
total bs #'s that you simply can't trust.
I hear the economy in India is booming, we should move there.
The US gangs - EBAY/PayPal - will be cutting back on the use of offshore "call centers."
This week, the guys in the link below disgraced themselves and are being called "India's Enron." A few months ago, the guy was a BIG star on CNBC and was awarded TOP awards for enterprise.
Satyam developed the software that is used by Live Help and the PP-monkeys when you have complaints. It is the software that pretends to be a real person; that's why none of their responses make any sense.
Call-center workers are being dumped by the THOUSANDS, in India.
NOBODY - in any part of the world - is safe from what is about to happen.
/////////////
The movie guys here should look at movieposters.com and see what Bruce has built in less than a year. Movie-memorabilia - which the guys living in Hollywood have access to - is still pretty hot. Now might be a good time to build websites and sell that stuff to the folks who still have a few dollars left.
I fully expect that unemployment will be in the 20%+ range before the problems start to abate.
CASH is a fine thing to have a bunch of. BUT, there is no reason not to be using "time-off" to start building businesses that will work when the inevitable recovery arrives.
/////////
Guys who can make custom-cards and other sports-art, could be ideally positioned to grow their deals BIG during the next few years.
Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
Has anyone noticed any time you are calling a tech depts from companies like HP and similar companies you are actually talking to people in the Philippines?? Nothing wrong with the Philippines, but don't we have college students with similar knowledge that could work for similar money? That could put people back to work in the USA.
<< <i>Has anyone noticed any time you are calling a tech depts from companies like HP and similar companies you are actually talking to people in the Philippines?? Nothing wrong with the Philippines, but don't we have college students with similar knowledge that could work for similar money? That could put people back to work in the USA.
Brian >>
Brian-we have an overseas call center as well. The short answer to your question is US call centers tend to be much higher cost than countries like India and Philippines. Labor is a big part of that cost savings. We would have loved to have had ours in the US, but the math didn't come close to working.
"...We would have loved to have had ours in the US, but the math didn't come close to working..."
//////////////////////////////////////////
Yup.
$700 a month for a sober slave, or $10+bens an hour for a college stoner is an easy choice.
(Based on the Satyam docs that are being revealed, it seems most of us WAY overestimated the profitability of the call-centers. Their bids are so low that they cannot make any money.)
........
The call-center workers in PI and IN have been complaining that all of the bars are closed when they come off of the graveyard shifts that they must work to serve the customers in America.
It is still considered a good job in those places, though. Lots of stress; many of the callers launch into racist rants when they have problems.
Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
Thanks for the link. That would certainly be a nice place to work one day, but it's slow everywhere right now because all of the major studios nationwide work under the same SAG contract. Plus my local out here in LA has one of the best contracts in the industry and I would probably have to give up alot to work somewhere else.
There are also several nice studios up in North Carolina as well, which is where my ex-brother in law moved to last year. He's loving it there.
Comments
1) Go back to school.
2) Get serious about mathematics.
Many, many doors open up for you once you can do statistical analysis and get through Calc III (and no, stats and calc have almost nothing in common, but there you have it). We're beginning to segregate into two classes-- those who can do math, and those who can't. And I don't think anyone is going to want to be part of the latter group 10 years from now.
<< <i>or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of. >>
I was 34 when I went back, with one child and another on the way. I went in for a Master's in Economics, despite the fact that:
a) I hadn't taken a math class since my sophmore year in high school (1987), when I spent the entire last semester smoking Thai stick out behind the dumpster next to the cafeteria.
b) I had never taken an Econ class before.
c) My degrees were in Philosophy and a Master's in Creative Writing.
I'm going to graduate in April with a 4.0, I've aced every math class I've taken, and I will be quite surprised if I have trouble finding gainful employment. And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora-- I just work hard, and I take it very seriously.
If I can do it, then I think almost anyone can.
<< <i>This indeed sucks for all involved. Here would be my recommendation:
1) Go back to school.
2) Get serious about mathematics.
Many, many doors open up for you once you can do statistical analysis and get through Calc III (and no, stats and calc have almost nothing in common, but there you have it). We're beginning to segregate into two classes-- those who can do math, and those who can't. And I don't think anyone is going to want to be part of the latter group 10 years from now. >>
<<< 1) Go back to school.
2) Get serious about mathematics.>>>
Valid points but point #2 is much too confined...In my view a better #2 would be to become trained and knowledgeable in fields which supply products and services that people want and need. It's really that simple. I'll give you an example of how some people don't think when planning a career or employment opportunities. I remember at Penn State that there were a fair amount of astronomy majors...I don't know how many but it was a fair amount. Then I remember reading an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about predicted job openings in that current year...and astronomy was way down the bottom of the list and in that year it was estimated that only 20, yes only twenty, new job openings for astronomers would be available throughout the United States. Well in my view it is a bit foolish to study for a career with so little employment opportunities - and I realize that this is simplistic in that an "astronomy major" could branch out into other jobs, but it amazes me that so many colleges teach say film production, and like how many of these majors are going to go out to Hollywood and suddenly become the next Steven Spielberg? Yes, it's fine to dream that you'd like to be like Carl Sagan, but it's also wise to be cognizant that you need money to exist in this world and you need to have skills that you can either offer as a self-employed individual and start your own business, or have skills to offer to an employer who will pay you for these skills...albeit mathematics skills or whatever.
<< <i>
<< <i>This indeed sucks for all involved. Here would be my recommendation:
1) Go back to school.
2) Get serious about mathematics.
Many, many doors open up for you once you can do statistical analysis and get through Calc III (and no, stats and calc have almost nothing in common, but there you have it). We're beginning to segregate into two classes-- those who can do math, and those who can't. And I don't think anyone is going to want to be part of the latter group 10 years from now. >>
<<< 1) Go back to school.
2) Get serious about mathematics.>>>
Valid points but point #2 is much too confined...In my view a better #2 would be to become trained and knowledgeable in fields which supply products and services that people want and need. It's really that simple. I'll give you an example of how some people don't think when planning a career or employment opportunities. I remember at Penn State that there were a fair amount of astronomy majors...I don't know how many but it was a fair amount. Then I remember reading an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about predicted job openings in that current year...and astronomy was way down the bottom of the list and in that year it was estimated that only 20, yes only twenty, new job openings for astronomers would be available throughout the United States. Well in my view it is a bit foolish to study for a career with so little employment opportunities - and I realize that this is simplistic in that an "astronomy major" could branch out into other jobs, but it amazes me that so many colleges teach say film production, and like how many of these majors are going to go out to Hollywood and suddenly become the next Steven Spielberg? Yes, it's fine to dream that you'd like to be like Carl Sagan, but it's also wise to be cognizant that you need money to exist in this world and you need to have skills that you can either offer as a self-employed individual and start your own business, or have skills to offer to an employer who will pay you for these skills...albeit mathematics skills or whatever. >>
Funny side note on this-- I have a friend whose a dynamite mathematician and physicist, and the one job she's wanted since she was a kid was to become a cosmologist. So, she was talking to a math prof about this, and the guy said-- and I quote-- that the problem with aspiring to become a cosmologist is that you have to wait until someone in the field dies before you can apply for a job. Needless to say, she's now exploring other opportunities.
But seriously, I think you're dead on here. Hell, I could probably go out right now and make $80K a year selling roofs. I've done it before, and I'm one of those guys who could sell a double bed to a nun. And it's definitely a job that has virtually nothing to do with math.
<< <i>
<< <i>or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of. >>
I was 34 when I went back, with one child and another on the way. I went in for a Master's in Economics, despite the fact that:
a) I hadn't taken a math class since my sophmore year in high school (1987), when I spent the entire last semester smoking Thai stick out behind the dumpster next to the cafeteria.
b) I had never taken an Econ class before.
c) My degrees were in Philosophy and a Master's in Creative Writing.
I'm going to graduate in April with a 4.0, I've aced every math class I've taken, and I will be quite surprised if I have trouble finding gainful employment. And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora-- I just work hard, and I take it very seriously.
If I can do it, then I think almost anyone can. >>
<<< And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora >>>
I don't believe that for a second.
But you're basically right in that mathematics isn't as difficult as it may seem to be - the whole key is sticking with it right from the beginning and building on it step by step. You can cram and pass tests or even score high grades with many subjects with not too much study, but mathematics isn't one of them. Ya gotta focus from day one, from minute one, comprehend each beginning step and build on it.
For sure the US does need more people with mathematics skills, and employers are willing to pay good bucks to those who can use that skill to help their companies beat the competition both foreign and domestic.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>or get into healthcare or energy conservation/green sciences. My degree is in communications (production tv/film), with a minor in journalism and they're becoming more and more worthless. I've started taking classes in natural resources/energy conservation and am also considering getting a teaching degree for college level but I'm 25 and single so it isn't such a big deal for me to go back to school. I'd imagine most people here are at least 40 with families so telling someone to go back to school isn't really a possibility when you have family to take care of. >>
I was 34 when I went back, with one child and another on the way. I went in for a Master's in Economics, despite the fact that:
a) I hadn't taken a math class since my sophmore year in high school (1987), when I spent the entire last semester smoking Thai stick out behind the dumpster next to the cafeteria.
b) I had never taken an Econ class before.
c) My degrees were in Philosophy and a Master's in Creative Writing.
I'm going to graduate in April with a 4.0, I've aced every math class I've taken, and I will be quite surprised if I have trouble finding gainful employment. And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora-- I just work hard, and I take it very seriously.
If I can do it, then I think almost anyone can. >>
<<< And believe me when I say I'm not the brightest candle in the menora >>>
I don't believe that for a second.
But you're basically right in that mathematics isn't as difficult as it may seem to be - the whole key is sticking with it right from the beginning and building on it step by step. You can cram and pass tests or even score high grades with many subjects with not too much study, but mathematics isn't one of them. Ya gotta focus from day one, from minute one, comprehend each beginning step and build on it.
For sure the US does need more people with mathematics skills, and employers are willing to pay good bucks to those who can use that skill to help their companies beat the competition both foreign and domestic. >>
Excellent points. I always think it's funny to hear people talk about the subjects they aren't 'naturally good at', because the list always begins and ends with mathematics and learning foreign languages-- not incidentally the two subjects that happen to require the most work. The next time I hear someone say they just don't have a natural aptitude for Criminal Justice, or Sociology, will be the first time.
I am encouraging my son to get skilled in woodworking, auto mechanics and welding. He's geared to work with his hands and would probably prefer oral surgery to doing statistical analysis. As long as he loves what he's doing I'm good with it. Not to mention these jobs won't be going overseas.
To each his own based on his talents, skills, and gifts. The important thing is to keep learning and getting better at your profession. I tell him "just don't be working at Jiffy Lube when your 30 - get your skills then learn to run your own business".
This is a great country and filled with opportunities of all kinds!
"Molon Labe"
<< <i>If you have your health and family is good then work will come.
Hang in there, one door closes another opens.
Steve >>
True words Steve.I guess I am lucky my days of being part of the employment force are soon coming to the end and my hope job is given to someone who is willing to stick around for close to 44 years like I was able to.
I get very sad when I see people having to struggle when they are not at fault for loosing thier jobs.
Tony
I have 30 more years to go to match your 44. WOW. I can't imagine it. I better go play lotto!
December Jobs Report
524,000 lost in December
rd
Quicksilver Messenger Service - Smokestack Lightning (Live) 1968
Quicksilver Messenger Service - The Hat (Live) 1971
I'm a Propmaker in the IATSE Local 44 in Hollywood and I build sets for TV shows and Movies. Although I consider myself employed, I'm technically unemployed as I'm not on any project. I've been out of work since Sept 4, 2008. Normally I work 1800 to 2000 hours a year and that's counting the 1 to 2 months a year I'm off when things slow down in the spring. During 2008 I barely got over 600 hours of work.
Right now there are only TV shows going on and only a couple of very small movies going on where there are normally close to a dozen movies going on. Our industry is in a major slowdown. The reason for the slowdown is because the Screen Actors Guild's contract expired in June and they are seeking a Strike Authorization Vote next week because they say the Producers are unreasonable to their "unique needs". Even though the Writers Guild went on strike last year and signed a new contract. The Directors Guild and a few other guilds signed contracts last year, the Actors are still wanting far beyond what all the other guilds have approved.
Because of all of the uncertainty of the Actors, the Producers and Studios have been very reluctant to start any projects since last June and it unfortunately affects all of the Union Locals in our industry where normal people like myself try and earn a normal living to support our families. Right now my local has over 35% unemployed and it's slowly climbing.
I think it's now time that I start planning on a side business to give me some supplemental income and to help when things are bad like right now. Fortunately, I have a background of doing websites, photoshop, marketing & photography to name a few.
I sincerely hope that no one ever has to go through what I have endured during the last 18 months.
Thank God my wife and two little ones are healthy!
Brian
damn bureau of labor statistics are misleading anyway:
they don't account for:
1- unemployed who've simply given up looking for jobs
2- if you have 2 jobs: 1 FT and 1 PT and you lose the FT job, you're still counted as employed, despite losing the FT job.
3- some jobs simply have high turnover b/c the jobs are suck min wage jobs, but they are counted.
total bs #'s that you simply can't trust.
I hear the economy in India is booming, we should move there.
j
RIP GURU
Ya, except everybody on Ebay charges a lot for postage to India so would cost more to buy cards!
The US gangs - EBAY/PayPal - will be cutting back on the use of
offshore "call centers."
This week, the guys in the link below disgraced themselves and
are being called "India's Enron." A few months ago, the guy was
a BIG star on CNBC and was awarded TOP awards for enterprise.
Outsourcing Complaints About Fraudulent Baseball-Card Sellers
Satyam developed the software that is used by Live Help and the
PP-monkeys when you have complaints. It is the software that
pretends to be a real person; that's why none of their responses
make any sense.
Call-center workers are being dumped by the THOUSANDS, in India.
NOBODY - in any part of the world - is safe from what is about to
happen.
/////////////
The movie guys here should look at movieposters.com and see what
Bruce has built in less than a year. Movie-memorabilia - which the guys
living in Hollywood have access to - is still pretty hot. Now might be a
good time to build websites and sell that stuff to the folks who still have
a few dollars left.
I fully expect that unemployment will be in the 20%+ range before the
problems start to abate.
CASH is a fine thing to have a bunch of. BUT, there is no reason not to
be using "time-off" to start building businesses that will work when the
inevitable recovery arrives.
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Guys who can make custom-cards and other sports-art, could be ideally
positioned to grow their deals BIG during the next few years.
Brian
<< <i>Has anyone noticed any time you are calling a tech depts from companies like HP and similar companies you are actually talking to people in the Philippines?? Nothing wrong with the Philippines, but don't we have college students with similar knowledge that could work for similar money? That could put people back to work in the USA.
Brian >>
Brian-we have an overseas call center as well. The short answer to your question is US call centers tend to be much higher cost than countries like India and Philippines. Labor is a big part of that cost savings. We would have loved to have had ours in the US, but the math didn't come close to working.
Hollywood East
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Yup.
$700 a month for a sober slave, or $10+bens an hour for a college stoner is an easy choice.
(Based on the Satyam docs that are being revealed, it seems most of us WAY overestimated
the profitability of the call-centers. Their bids are so low that they cannot make any money.)
........
The call-center workers in PI and IN have been complaining that all of the bars are
closed when they come off of the graveyard shifts that they must work to serve the
customers in America.
It is still considered a good job in those places, though. Lots of stress; many of the
callers launch into racist rants when they have problems.
stay on the look out.
<< <i>Brian, Many folks are excited about this Company setting up shop here. It's a great town to live in, since 1620... Look promising?
Hollywood East >>
Thanks for the link. That would certainly be a nice place to work one day, but it's slow everywhere right now because all of the major studios nationwide work under the same SAG contract. Plus my local out here in LA has one of the best contracts in the industry and I would probably have to give up alot to work somewhere else.
There are also several nice studios up in North Carolina as well, which is where my ex-brother in law moved to last year. He's loving it there.
Brian