One of the things that I think about is the
shortage of programmers I keep hearing about and
some of the proposed solutions such as lower
immigration requirements.

I do not at this time work for corporate America
because I have found most companies want my life
and soul if they pay me halfway decent, even if
they don't. They expect nights, weekends, and
holidays.  Several years ago I worked for a large
international company for a very short time that
had the attitude if you touch it you own it.  They
made their IS employees take a phone with them on
vacation. Yeah I type it right.  I made my first
vacation however I resigned and did not return
upon taking that vacation.  One of the things that
opened my eyes about that company was when I heard
I had replaced an employee that was fired for
refusing to work the 4th of July weekend.

I find corporate America does not want to invest
in its employees. The sign says "No Training
Here",  "You want a life? - Not Here!", "Pay and
benefits - that's for the CEO and his high level
buddies".

I said all that to say this:

If corporate America were to start taking an
interest in the youth of this country in high
school and college though good scholarships,
technology grants, and internships, coupled with a
better working environment, benefit package, and
work schedule, then maybe there would be more
talent coming into high tech jobs and maybe they
would not quit after a few years to sell cars to
get out of the rat race.

I've met a few people who have dropped out because
they could make a decent living without all the
hassle.

I hope corporate America wakes up soon and starts
giving back to those who make it all possible.

Somebody had to say it, I guess it was me.

Keith










My suggestion to corporate America is to 



John Mosier wrote:
> 
> Over the next couple of weeks I will be developing an agreement
> that will allow Excelco to establish a few internships.  I will also
> be seeking the SPONSORSHIP of others in the Linux Community.
> 
> In order to make it work for Excelco, I will need commitments from
> those who accept the internships.  Here are a few of the stipulations
> that I will have.
> 
> 1)  Intern would be expected to work specific hours and commit to
> a pattern of dependability.  For someone who works full time, this
> will be work consistently from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.  This work
> schedule is essential for the intern to carry his/her weight as a
> team member.  Interaction with other team members cannot be
> effective if punctuality is not observed.
> 
> 2)  Intern would be expected to commit to stay with Excelco for
> a specifically agreed-upon period.  This will be from 12 months
> to 30 months. Our acceptance of the intern to work here is mostly
> a drain on other Excelco resources at the beginning.  As the intern
> becomes proficient, that intern will become valuable to others and
> there will be a temptation to leave about the time the intern is a
> productive member of the Excelco team.
> 
> 3)  Intern would have to have references regarding strength of character.
> The ability to research problems independently, try new experiences,
> learn new hardware and software technologies, stick to a problem for
> days on end, ... all are valuable characteristics.  An unquenchable thirst
> for knowledge about Open Source tools and Linux issues is a valuable
> asset.
> 
> Excelco is willing to provide computers, software, a place to work,
> books, evaluation software, peripheral hardware, and other materials
> suitable for the learning experience and promotion of the development
> of the individuals.  I see this environment as a Linux laboratory without
> the formal classroom environment that usually happens in a school.
> 
> I posted this into the PLUG list in order to get the feedback from other
> PLUG members.
> 
> Please post your suggestions to PLUG.  I will gather the responses
> and develop my agreement from what I learn and from what Excelco
> needs.  I am not ready to accept applications at this moment.  Let
> us develop the agreement, then we will have a more formal way to
> process applicants and make our selections.
> 
> John Mosier,  Excelco      Fax:  (602) 992-2026  Voice: (602) 992-8076
> http://www.swinfo.com                                   http://www.excelco.com
> 2990 E Northern Ave, Ste A-101, Phoenix, AZ  85028    (800) 553-6911
> 
> 
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