Trends in IoT, AI, ML and remote work accelerating change; IT worker burnout and IBM i salary challenges; re‑thinking open‑office layouts for remote‑work balance; training initiatives for RPG developers, including a major upcoming IBM i training event; and contact information for IBM i professionals and hiring opportunities.
Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly
- Trends: IoT, AI, ML and Remote work Accelerate Change.
- Career: IT workers face burnout. IBM i Salaries: Underpaid, Yet Highly Valued And Hard To Replace.
- Remote Work: Back to Business: Re-Rethinking the Open Office.
- Training: Training RPG Developers for the Future.
Trends
IoT, AI, ML and Remote work Accelerate Change The past two years we have seen unprecedented change in IT. I believe remote work was a catalyst for the IBM i community to start on their modernization and digital transformation projects. In the past, many IT shops did things the old way, and got away with it. Those days are gone. "Acceleration in migration to the cloud, and more Edge data centres are being built. IoT and ‘smart everything’ is driving the move to the cloud, and IoT use will continue to skyrocket." What does all this mean for the IBM i? It means it's even more important that before.
Career
IT workers face burnout Is this one of the reasons salaries are on the rise? Anyone in IT knows that there are times you will put in some long hours. It just comes with the territory. However, sometimes it can become a little extreme. Reports state that "the technology industry faces a 'burnout crisis' as chronic workplace stress and exhaustion hammers IT workers." In fact, one report finds that, "42% of IT workers who are facing high levels of burnout are considering quitting their company in the next six months, while 62% of IT professionals report being "physically and emotionally drained." IBM i Salaries: Underpaid, Yet Highly Valued And Hard To Replace "It is a funny old world. In many cases, the applications that are running on the IBM i platforms of the world are trapped in a kind of time warp and so are the people who created and who maintain them. This is the only plausible explanation for the fact that salaries in the IBM i real world also seem to be in a time warp."
Remote Work
Back to Business: Re-Rethinking the Open Office Some IBM i and RPG developers are hearing rumblings of being called back to the office. While there are some who welcome it, most are very happy working 100% remote or having a hybrid option. For the organizations that are offering the option to move back, they are re-thinking the design of the workplace. They are doing it for good reason because, "humans are social. The desire to interact and collaborate in-person with one another is powerful." While Zoom and Teams calls have saved the day, it is hard to argue that there is nothing like having face to face interaction. What do you think?
Training
Training RPG Developers for the Future Widen the hiring pool, re-skill, and train to fill the IBM i skills gap. This should be the focus of every IBM i shop today that sees the value in the IBM i platform. This issue of Talsco Weekly about training RPG developers for the future is more relevant today than ever. As you read through the articles, take note that all topics covered through weekly, monthly and annual IBM i User Group trainings around the United States. One of the best, and most recognized IBM i User Group is in Wisconsin, the WMCPA. In fact, next week on March 15-17, they are holding the "Biggest Training Event" in the last two years. Take a look at the list of training sessions. The topics covered should be embraced by all in the IBM i community. Aside from the technical training, the biggest advantage of an in-person event like this is the opportunity to mingle with like-minded professionals in the IBM i community. I believe the most important thing you will find by attending the event that no matter what industry you are in or what your specialty is on the IBM i platform, there is something for everyone.
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