The 50+ Club

The Government is reeling from the overwhelming backlash of the electorate during the recent local elections and the election of Boris Johnson as the new Mayor of London. Well, it’s taken long enough but the people have finally figured it out - they’re being shafted, again.

This is not a political rant, it’s a common-sense one.

Governments are elected by us to manage the Country, sometimes there are difficult decisions to be made and that’s where leadership comes in. This Government simply rides rough-shod over any of our concerns or, more likely, does not even listen.

The trouncing at the weekend should be a wake-up call not only for New Labour but for anyone involved in Government from the smallest minority party through to every single public servant.

We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship, and don’t ever forget that.

In the last post I mentioned how hard it was to get the message across if you owned a technology company. But, if you are an electrician or plumber or handyman then life is a whole lot simpler.

Marketing is inexpensive and effective; customers are loyal as long as you deliver good service and the returns are good too.

Why would I want a proper job again

It really is pretty grim being in IT these days. Technology companies are dropping like flies, rates for employees are poor and, if you have your own business, then getting your message over is well nigh impossible.

There’s a lot to keep up with so it’s no wonder stress levels are high. Fact is, a couple of years ago I was complaining that no-one would employ me in IT being over 50 (probably struggle at over 40 actually). Nowadays, I’m not sure I would be interested if they offered be gold bars as a bonus.

I don’t think I’m alone given the numbers leaving the industry. Considering the Country is, supposedly, 30,000 suitable employees short annually you would have thought that older workers would be more readily considered. Get your blinkers off!

For anyone looking for IT staff now, try interviewing a few plumbers and electricians - that’s where all the IT staff that didn’t emigrate went!

What with all the new legislation and the need to enforce it maybe there will be some job opportunities after all - as inspectors. Local authorities are going to need thousands of them and its ideal employment for old grumpies! We can poke our noses into places with greater abandon than ever and tell people off for not putting up their signs banning things. Great!

Okay, I’ve updated the jobsite information with a new CV with most personal information removed. In particular, it will be difficult to figure out much else other than my name and what skills I have. We’ll see if that makes any difference!