[Quinny]

I have had a very successful career but I am currently unemployed. I have offered my services for free but have been knocked back by more than one voluntary organisation. I have kept my skills up to date and to be honest I am way in front of local competitors in terms of skills and experience. I have converted a few customers to cloud systems saving them thousands, but most SME companies I have met in the IT industry are currently protecting their revenues and are not promoting cloud systems because of cashflow implications.

I'll always survive, but things are not good anywhere and anyone trying to say they are is stupid!

[SeaGypsy]

Stupid is a strong word. Certainly the easy days are gone for most people. Areas with low unemployment have housing shortages and sky high rents. Areas with high unemployment become depressing and dangerous. The middle ground shrinks and becomes depressing and dangerous.

As fully qualified in 2 areas which 5 years ago were very high demand and nice earners, both have become seriously competitive and suffered a wage slide. I can still get work, but it's harder work, no job security at all and less money than ever. As employers are being stressed they are taking it out on the grunt.

[SamInNebraska]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Quinny', ' ') I have converted a few customers to cloud systems saving them thousands, but most SME companies I have met in the IT industry are currently protecting their revenues and are not promoting cloud systems because of cashflow implications.

[Quinny]

Google??

Nothing wrong with working for free if it's for a good cause, it's obviously not sustainable in the long terrm. Voluntary work is often a good way to expand your network and pick up new areas of expertise.

The public sector austerity measures are starting to bite and damaging all sectors including voluntary. One organisation that I volunteered to help couldn't afford to send me on the training course because of cut-backs in funding.