I was really put off by the comments on Realrates about negative posters and that 'some people aren't even in IT anymore.' I felt that was directed at me. I am not programming anymore and have gone back to something I did 15 years ago, clinical data management. After seeing the outsourcing of systems overseas done by Merrill Lynch where I was an AVP, and not seeing any programming jobs in NJ for well over 6 months, I made a major career change.
Ironically, I feel like I'm 'in IT' more than ever. I am involved in the quality of my data every day, I am now managing a project (3 studies), supervising people, and I'm thinking of ways to use my analysis skills and 15+ years of programming to improve the way we verify data before a database locks. After on 2 months on the job I was in charge of QC for 3 large studies. On 3 consecutive weekends in August we locked 3 databases. The project programmer asked me to review one of his SAS programs for him. I could go back over to the programming side any time. I love every minute of my day even though we are overworked, understaffed, and underpaid. There are lots of opportunities for contracting in this field and that is definitely my plan for the future.
Well, that's my rant and why after the 'not in IT anymore' comment I deleted Realrates from my favorites. Not that I'm missed, I'm sure.
By the way, I'm a conservative Republican and working for the evil pharmaceutical industry.
