2 replies to this topic

[davidthefat]

Watch Outsourcing: 30 Days Full Length Episodes Online | Free on Fancast

Would you say thats an exaggeration? THe game industry is still based alot in japan and US.. but Other programming needs are outsourced right?

[WingedPanther]

I didn't watch the videos (not efficient on dialup and all). With that said...

I haven't been outsourced. The reality is that outsourcing only works if you can find the right skill set. Some people report good success with outsourcing, others don't. Personally, I figure I need to have a combination of skills that mean that I can't be easily outsourced :)

If all you do is basic database maintenance, don't be surprised if you get outsourced. It doesn't matter that you think of yourself as a programmer, your boss probably doesn't. On the other hand, if you perform database migrations, or other highly varied database manipulation, you are more secure. Why? First of all, you are no longer dealing with trivial work, especially if there is a lot of data massaging going on. Second, it cannot be automated. This means you need to be in close contact with the people who own the data.

Personally, I think outsourcing is the natural result of two things: 1) a global economy where working remotely is a viable option. 2) the tendency of US workers to over-estimate their own skill.

Finally, half of what I do is customer service. I have to smile over the phone, work closely with customers with a wide variety of backgrounds, etc. If the customers aren't happy, things get ugly.

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Many jobs are being outsourced because India can provide the services for very cheap. Many places that do outsource return to in house developers though.