5 things that suck about working in IT

Hi,

I've been working in IT for 25yrs, from starting out doing machine code & assembler to my current role of Freelance Oracle Consultant.

Many challenges of working in IT apply to most professions, I would guess. The biggest issue I have with various sites I have worked, is the acceptable varying (and low ) standard of many IT staff. E.g. if someone say:
1. Has got an X-box, PS2 & a Wii, they are deemed to be suitable to train up for a position in IT
2. Wears spectacles, knows serial numbers off by heart, and wears sandals, they are deemed to be suitable to train up for a position in IT
3. They are an experienced user who once followed a test schedule for the new website, they are deemed to be suitable to train up for a position in IT

This would not happen in say Engineering in which I started my career.

It is the reasons above that however senior and professional one is, one is always viewed as being somehow a bit nerdy - even though 2 of the wealthiest and most successful entrepeneurs in the world today are essentially IT geeks !

IT is a relatively new profession and I guess is still finding its feet. I feel that the shedding of jobs in the industry and the competition from overseas, albeit very painful, will in the long-term raise standards and ultimately raise the standing of the IT Professional in the eyes of the other Professions.