IT outsourcing. The dreaded “O” word that sends tech worker hearts racing and tech jobs flying off to other lands – or sometimes just across the street to another company.
My cyber-pal Natalie works in IT and has been thinking a lot about how to best prepare herself for the increasingly bumpy world of tech jobs. She writes:
“I’ve wondered if the best way to survive by being eternally employable is to make sure that you specialize or do something that needs a human doing it no matter what. Then I realized that as long as they can get a human to do it in another part of the world (where the pay is less) that my job is no longer safe.
So where does this leave me? I have to figure out what is unique about me and how employable I am because of that uniqueness. I feel that at times you have to have the heart of a ronin (wandering samurai) and have no allegiance to any one company or group.”
The heart of a ronin. I love the image. Natalie is right to invoke the independent samurai metaphor. Not only should tech workers nowadays be prepared to wander to new locations where the prospects are more plentiful – or to IT shops that specialize in fulfilling outsourced contracts – but they also need to be prepared to fight for what they deserve right where they are:
- Education – Stay on top of new technology and, when possible, look to introduce innovations that are not so easily outsourced. Make sure others see the practicality – and if at all possible cost-effectiveness – of your tech wizardry.
- Network – Even if you’re shy, make a point of keeping connected to your managers and co-workers. Not only does this better your chances of being retained in the event of outsourcing or job cuts, but you can find out what’s going on and where you might best fit in should there be changes coming.
- Keep an ear and mind open – When you do hear of new things coming along or new systems that are needed, think of ways you can help and then offer to do so. Be part of the change as often as possible. At the very least, you learn new state-of-the-art skills that can help you wherever you are.
- Create niches – As Natalie mentioned, create niches for yourself whenever you can. Yes, those functions could wind up being outsourced, but it doesn’t hurt to be well-versed in specialized knowledge or be known as someone who can come up with cool innovations and customizations.
- While more general applications have a higher likelihood of being outsourced, specialized (especially user-favored) applications may live to see another day. In addition, even an outsourced large-scale system with customizations will probably still need a local shepherd to oversee the flock of company-specific functions.
- Sometimes even if the internal position is eliminated, there’s an opportunity for well-paid consulting work there. Could even be the start for a new business venture for those with the heart of a ronin.
- Take on functional roles – No matter what, companies need people who can communicate with users as well as technical people. Even if functions are outsourced, being the one who works with users may mean you are kept behind – especially if the users ASK FOR YOU TO STAY.
- Build those relationships – Get yourself known as a can-do problem-solver type with a great attitude and ready smile. Do your best to become indispensable. Not a guarantee, of course…but can’t hurt.
Finally – if you dare and can stomach it – start to learn about outsourcing itself. While this will not be a solution for everyone, you might decide to become an expert in one or more aspects of the complex and growing field. Yes…I know it’s the dreaded “O” word, but a good samurai arms himself or herself with many defenses – just in case.
Even though some companies are learning that outsourcing isn’t always the great idea they thought it would be – some are even pulling back the outsourced operations for internal staff to handle – more and more companies are exploring the option, whether or not they eventually choose that route.
And so, not surprisingly, there are now companies that specialize in helping to evaluate, plan and, if desired, implement the outsourcing. And there are specialty companies that deal with legal matters as well as clean-up when the outsourcing turns messy. And there are also roles for internal people who understand the pitfalls and nuances – of which there are MANY. You might even learn enough to influence the decision NOT to outsource after all.
Outsourcing is one of those things that can be sold pretty easily on paper, but in actuality things don’t always flow as smoothly as promised. So there are more and more jobs – internal and external – for those who understand what the problems are and how to rectify them. And there is probably even a sub-niche for people who specialize in “insourcing” after a failed outsourcing venture. Now wouldn’t that gladden the heart of a true warrior!
Natalie is wise to suggest that a tech person must be psychologically prepared to move on if the situation arises. A true IT warrior must also prepare himself or herself to wage battle. There’s nothing worse than feeling powerless and living in dread of what someone else might decide for you. The trick is to face the “enemy” with knowledge of your own strength and how to leverage his power to your benefit.
Above all, don’t let yourself feel like a helpless victim of management’s whims. The best remedy for victimhood is to take action that helps you come from a feeling of strength. Start now to lay the groundwork that will give you the greatest chance of facing change head-on and emerging victorious.
The heart of a ronin – and the eye of a tiger!
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Natalie has her own blog called Design for Learning.
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New Work Coach Cafe Policy:
Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), as always your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.
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