Ah, a subject I can comment on from actual experience!

First of all, everyone in IT’s perception is colored by their environment. I’m sure there are plenty of bitter ex dot-bombers waiting tables in SD, but a bay area googler probably has a diff. perspective.

My personal take is there will *always* be a demand for IT folks that either have a solid formal education or a proven track record, combined with a passion for high technology. A combination of both is golden. This all takes alot of work, however.

The folks that are hurting are the ones that went to some degree mill, got some certs and then wonder why they are first to get let go when there is downturn. The answer is that they are the most expendable, as well as the easiest to replace. I’ve also seen people with good educations that over-specialized get hit. Lotta java programmers for example.

Regarding outsourcing, yeah its an issue, but lots of stuff is going to have to stay domestic. IT Security, for example. You really think companies are going to send that overseas? For many government and related institutions, its not even an option. This is my current gig and I love it, fun, challenging, I can telecommute, choose my own hours and dress like a rockstar. I’m planning on sitting out the downturn under university employ, as its fairly recession proof.

So, in a nutshell, my advice is that if you have a passion for it and/or are planning to get the relevant education, go for it. If you think you can go to Coleman college for 9 months, get a cirt and make six figures, you are going to probably be disappointed.