Mark Samuels, features editor, Computing

Low in morale, but in high demand

Freelancing could be an attractive option for IT professionals, as firms are keen to avoid hiring permanent staff, says Mark Samuels

Written by Mark Samuels

Computing, 14 Feb 2008

Cheer up, you miserable lot. Recruitment consultancy Badenoch & Clark says 25 per cent of IT professionals are unhappy at work, more than any other sector apart from human resources (HR).

Chances are the HR executives are feeling depressed because the technology workers are complaining to them about their working conditions, especially as Badenoch & Clark also reports that 55 per cent of IT professionals expect to change jobs this year.

Such expectations could be mistaken for opportunist thinking, particularly given the parlous state of the UK and global economy.

If the recession hits full downward tilt, you might assume most IT workers would just be pleased money is entering their accounts every month.

And are businesses really going to be fighting for technology talent during a credit crunch and impending worldwide recession?

Well, last week’s Computing revealed the financial services industry has seen high demand for some
positions.

If the recession hits full downward tilt, you might assume most IT workers would just be pleased money is entering their accounts

Mark Samuels features editor, Computing

But therein lies the issue. Firms in certain sectors are fighting for key IT workers and managers, but most are also keen to avoid hiring permanent staff.

Hourly rates for IT contractors in the financial services industry have risen by 11 per cent in the past six months – with pay increasing to between £45 and £50 an hour – according to the Association of Technology Staffing Companies and recruitment specialist SkillsMarket.

Demand for interim managers in the UK also increased last year, with the number of assignments and daily pay rates at an all-time high.

Technology interims were paid the most, according to the Russam GMS Interim Management Monitor, commanding average daily rates of £622 in December 2007.

So if you are prepared to take on the risk and freedom of freelancing there are reasons to feel cheerful.
Do not forget the other benefits that could improve your quality of life. A new day can bring a new environment, rather than the same old colleagues with their selfish habits, such as eating food at the desk.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But just hope the impending downturn does not bring a slump in contractor demand.

Because then the miserable stench of moaning IT workers will really become obvious.

What do you think? Read Mark Samuels’ blog at: http://knowledge.computing.co.uk