As an Unemployed It support Professional, I Decided to Relocate
Like many it support professionals, I’d grown used to perks of the trade. Flexible hours, casual dress and generous it relocation expenses readily come to mind. Working in higher education, I’d assumed that I’d be protected from economic downturn. Well, you know what happens when you assume. Still, I didn’t worry too much after receiving my [...]
Like many it support professionals, I’d grown used to perks of the trade. Flexible hours, casual dress and generous it relocation expenses readily come to mind. Working in higher education, I’d assumed that I’d be protected from economic downturn. Well, you know what happens when you assume.
Still, I didn’t worry too much after receiving my layoff notice. I had money in the bank and a bank of skills from which to draw. I decided to try information technology consulting, doing business as a sole proprietor.
My first step in the process was renewing many old contacts I’d made over the years. Luckily, most of them still had jobs. I also joined my chamber of commerce and started networking at many of their social events. Surprisingly, many small businesses either went without it support entirely, or relied upon the kindness of their techie friends.
At first glance, I thought that I’d found an untapped demand for information technology consulting within the small business community. What I actually discovered is that information technology consulting involves lots of leg work and fast talking, but very little real it support.
I spent most of my time trying to sign up customers to long-term contracts and chasing down payments from others. After months of empty promises and a rapidly depleting bank account, I decided the best move might be just that.
Researching it relocation planning was my first step. First I identified the cities where I’d most like to live. Then a quick perusal on craigslist told me where the greatest demand was for it support and information technology consulting.
I made certain to visit the cities I most liked, just to make certain each would be a good fit. In the end I chose Seattle, a city with a thriving it support community.
Comments Off
| | | 
Subscribe to It!
