Going to get laid off - Advice?

Gundamtdk

I got the notice that I am going to get laid off in the next few weeks.

This is somewhat predictable considering there were laid offs already.

I have done senior help desk support for about 5 years already.

I have looked for other tech support in the past with little results.

With the terrible economic situation, job hunting is going to be worst.

It seem that companies are content with hiring "high school kids" to fill up the technical support positions. Technical savvy but low pay.

I thought about going back to school to become a programmer since the prospect of technical support jobs are bleak.

I need some advice on what to next?

cisco_trooper

It really sucks but if there were ever a good time to be a broke college student, this is that time. You're likely going to be broke in the current economy anyway, at least this way you don't have to wrestle with the idea of leaving a good job with good pay to earn a degree. Go back to school if that is something you want to do. Obviously, you need to earn a paycheck so keep getting your name out there and keep that resume up to date with things you learn and do. Best of luck to you.

skrpune

sorry to hear that. Where are you looking for a job? I was searching for a while with little success, but I had a lot less experience (only a year) and ended up looking for part time work while I went back to school (which is hard to come by at all and when it does it's usually not for more than $10/hr in my area, booooo).

I've been seeing LOTS of mid level tech support jobs being advertised. People are still hiring, it's just that there are a lot of people going after the same jobs. So you have to try to be patient & make yourself stick out from the crowd a bit. Spiff up the resume & write yourself a killer cover letter. Talk to friends/colleagues & do some networking. If you have some comfortable dress shoes and don't mind standing in lines, go hit up job fairs. With your experience, it's just a matter of time before you find something - just be patient and keep a good attitude.

Oh, and for companies that are hiring "high school students" - they might be thinking they're getting a deal by picking up lower wage employees, but they're missing out on something that only comes with age..maturity and experience. Go out and find yourself a company that values those qualities that you bring to the table. And if you want to go back to school, then go for it!! Adding a degree to your repertoire can only help your long term marketability.