In October, the U.S. unemployment rate reached a 10.2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. IT professionals, including web developers and designers, were among those looking for work. In spite of the instability, many industry observers believe there could be mass employment turnover in 2010 as professionals rebel against increasing workloads and shrinking salaries.
It seems counter intuitive to imagine that with such high unemployment rates many web developers would consider leaving the jobs they have. But recent studies, like one from Robert Half Technologies that showed 43 percent of 1,400 chief information officers surveyed were worried about employee turnover in 2010, indicate that many companies are prepared for the worst in terms of developer retention. Furthermore, according to published reports, some companies are getting overwhelmed with resumes when they post new positions, and not just from unemployed professionals, but also from individuals seeking to change jobs.
Burnout and Pay Are Major Issues
The problem, according to experts, is twofold.
First, many developers are beginning to feel overworked as companies, including some enterprise ecommerce businesses, move forward with projects that had previously been put on hold because of the recession. With fewer team members, developers are being asked to do a lot more work and are at a high burnout risk.
Second, during the several waves of layoffs and cutbacks in late 2008 and in 2009, many developers were forced to take pay cuts or, perhaps more importantly, to watch as their savings and investments shriveled along with company stock prices.
Together, these factors have some web developers and designers searching for new or potentially better positions.
“Technology teams, in particular, are experiencing rising workloads as businesses move forward with projects previously put on hold,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology, in a statement explaining several steps companies could take to keep their most talented technology professionals. “Employers need to focus on preventing burnout and keeping their best people engaged at work. This may be a challenge, given that staffing cuts and the reduction or elimination of benefits have left many employees feeling overworked and undervalued.”
Where the Grass is Greener
“I am finally getting paid what I was promised six months ago,” said a full-time Flex developer who asked not to be identified as he explained that he had finally received a raise that have been “frozen” as his company managed IT costs. “So I am putting my resume out there. I guess, I am not unhappy, but I if I found something better, I’d take it.”
And this Flex developer would not be alone. Many developers are seeking alternatives to their current employment situation.
Web developers are finding potential work in three general areas: (1) other businesses, (2) freelance or contract positions, or (3) at start ups. All of these can be attractive moves.
What Are You Going To Do?
With all of this talk of developers changing jobs, Ecommerce Developer would like to know what your plans are. In conjunction with Practical eCommerce, our sister site, we’ve put together a short survey. Please take a moment to fill it out. When we get enough responses, we’ll report back to you.
