Jim Hampton wrote:
Hello gang,

We've seen the rec.radio.cb group go right down the tubes along with
many rec.radio.amateur groups and the bickering goes on.

Just like to share something with the group. This city (Rochester, NY)
has been in a recession since 2002 (according to the local newspaper).
Employers had been running ads for toolmakers with a minimum of 6 years
experience - and offering the staggering wage of $10.00 per hour!
Toolmakers? Good grief.

Wages here have sunk to unbelievable levels with most folks that aren't
managing to hang on to their jobs to $8.00 to perhaps $15.00 per hour -
and most below that $15.00 per hour figure. Unemployment here was 6%
some years back.

There is one very bright spot. If anyone has an extensive rf
background, one company has been hiring. I was one of nearly 600 last
year and they are adding more even as I post this note to the group.
Wages are far North of that $15.00 per hour figure ... and they had a
bounty on rf engineers and even well-qualified technicians last year.
Thousands of dollars for a referral that was subsequently hired.

My suggestion is this - have fun and don't worry about the folks that
wish to spoil the newsgroup. Even better, learn more about your hobby
whether cb or ham - and bother learning about rf circuitry. This is one
area that there are jobs in. Very likely in other cities as well as I
suspect the radio shops are having problems finding folks. The shop
that I had worked in was running ads last year and getting resumes from
across the country. I think this may be a result of the Internet and
cell phones which has resulted in youngsters no longer becoming
interested in radio. It does open possibilities for those who possess
the appropriate skill set.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and new year.


73 from Rochester, NY
Jim


Cheers Jim. Most of NYS has been hit hard with the exodus of skilled
jobs. Did some work in Owego at Lockheed Martin and I hope that facility
keeps generating jobs. Saw the downsizing when working at Grumman here
on the island. Worked there building planes but the powers that be moved
manufacturing to Fla. Still some engineering work in Bethpage but not
like years gone by. Now in telecomms which pays the bills.
Happy Holidays back at ya, 73, Jim