A recent observation of mine, is that it seems that IT managers are having a hard time finding experienced, skilled software engineers. Apparently after the recent surge in outsourcing activity, it seems that many programmers have been cast into the role of babysitting large groups of offshore developers. As a result, many have somehow lost their desire to return to the coding ranks. Some managers have had a hard time understanding this and have reacted with incredulity and contempt for their onshore developers.

The truly galling and outrageous aspect of all of this is that managers now react as if they have been hurt, literally shocked and appalled at the unwillingness of some former coders to write code once again. Failing to see the hypocrisy of their stance, when they deliver the axe to those whose coding jobs have been outsourced to India, they use the needs of the business as their excuse. However, when the tables are turned and the American coders now embittered with their chosen profession avoid or openly refuse to code, project managers act as if they have been the victims of the ultimate betrayal. To them I say, reap what you have sown. The feelings of betrayal that you feel can only infinitesimally compare to the feelings brought by the commoditization of the programmer.

The bottom line is this. YOU wanted to hire cheap programmers in India or wherever the hell else you thought you could get a better deal. And now with some reports showing that at least 50% of all outsourcing engagements fail, you’re looking for us to come back and pull your hides out of the fire. Well, woe is me I feel so sorry for you. Now its going to cost you more than if had you stayed with us all along. Why? Because now I want even more money to sit in a cube and write code and because now, I’m pissed.