retraining

Always train whenever and however you can in this field IMO. Even while hunkering down.

We stop learning when we die! In the Tech sector specifically, one should always be looking to acquire new skills. Technology is always changing and advancing. If you do not expect to do so also, do not expect to stay in the field too long. Even theold boys working on OS/2 and MAN MAN still need to keep stuff fresh. I have never met anyone with a photographic mind yet, so anyone out there who can remember everything they read or are told immediately, and intuitively learn any new technology, props to you. I on the other hand need to learn technology the old fashioned way and I like to constantly play with something new.
As for retraining, I am still uncertain which direction I want to head. I do know however it will require learning newtechnology and/ or principles. I do not think there is ever a bad time to do this.

A career change due to recession is an interesting thought. Perhaps the general need for IT professionals is going the way of cobblers, carriage makers, tinkers, radio and TV repairmen, typists, word processing professionals, and auto workers. Greater product volume, but less skilled labor required. For those faced with a loss of job, it may be a good time to pursue that dream they gave up for a real job in technology. There is a strange freedom that comes when you have nothing left to lose, and this can make a career change an adventure instead of a crisis.

For those whose dream is technology then the challenge remains, as ever, keeping current. This means training in new areas, expanding beyond their current niche. With the equipment vendors pressed to find buyers, it may be a good time to press for free training in their newest products.

Hunkering down is probably a poor strategy. The one constant is change during boom and bust. It is a common misconception that companies reward the stalwart worker. The worker can find himself as obsolete and easily replaced as last years PC.

Since 1994 I've been promoting and writing about the great disparity between technical professionals and their business/communication talent. I believe the training is least effective in the purely technical disciplines.

Most technologists believe their greatest skills is being the best at the next popular technology. However, communication skills, business understanding, and your professional contacts are much more critical to the career. These are the areas where training is most needed. These are transcendent skills that stay with technologists for life - instead of being made obsolete with the next release or next technology.

Please review my article, "Why Technologists Must Learn To Speak Business" at my website: http://www.cbtoolkit.com It was published by Power Media Group (www.thetechmag.com) where my career column runs.

If you happen to be in one of those environments where the array of tech jobs is relatively small, say outside a major metropolitan area, you better be flexible and have a wider than average set of tech job skills. If you don't and the organizationyou are with is forced to make cuts, you may find that getting your next job may be tough.

You may also want to make sure that you have non-tech skills that can help you get into higher paying jobs as half-time tech, half-time 'other' employee. Small businesses often need 'half' people.

In any case, training in new skills and review of old skills needs to be foremost.

And as proof, certifications and retraining 'diplomas' can be useful.