Ironica's Journal: Geeks need to get out of the IT industry...

...and into all the other industries. It's time to stop the segregation of technology as a separate department. As high-tech solutions become more and more essential to everyday business, there is a greater need for tech-savvy people in "ordinary" jobs.

I was thinking about this as I was chatting with my supervisor at LACMTA (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority) today. I was relating to him the difficulties I had in completing a task because of outdated software and inadequate hardware. The Catch-22 is, if you don't have the people who know how to use the stuff, there's no point in buying advanced hardware or software... and if you don't have the advanced hardware or software, what's the point in hiring people to use it?

Now I'm an intern there, and I know how to use the stuff because in a former life I ran a Computer Services department or four at Kinko's. But in spite of the dot-com bust and the general job market issues, tech professionals don't seem to be flocking to more mundane office jobs.

Well, it's time they did. Next time you're laid off, just think... "What do I really want to do?" Then do it. Maybe, like me, you'll need to get another degree first or something (seems Transportation Planning isn't something people usually learn on the job), but it will be worth it... for you, and for your world. Yeah, the one you live in, that one. (No, not the one inside the little box. The one that delivers pizza when you can't tear yourself away from the box.)