Choosing the Right Career

As a child I had a dream... A dream of having a great life, and to me that seemed like it was

possible only in the US. I worked all my life hard as I could, became a computer engineer and in april 2000 that dream was accomplished.

Everything seemed great and fanciful when I came, what I did not realize was ’’I M A CONSULTANT’’. I realized later that I did not come here to make a good career, then what did I come for...? It was someone who wanted to make money out of my efforts. Just for bringing me here, he would make money all his life as long I m with him.

This article is not about me alone, but of all the consultants in the united states who face everyday challenges. It is also to let people know how they might be ill-treated in the united states by such consulting companies.

Here are some questions I have not yet been able to find answers to.

1. What are you worth.

As per most consulting companies, you are worth what they pay you and a consultant is not supposed to find out their bill rate. Thats against company policies. What am I worth when I m not on a project. That is well explained. What am I worth in a recession period like this.

Do they tell what the bill rate is. Yes, when they get lesser, Is it fair... No. I think it is not fair because they do not govern by the terms of employment. An employee should and employer need not.

I know a couple of Java developers who were making over

100$/hr when market was good for Java, he was paid $50, 000/Year. He cannot quit his job, because he has a bond with that company. He has to be there for 2 years. My point here is not about the terms of the employment. My point here is about those people who look for weaker entities on this earth to exploit. Is it fair that the employer makes more than 50% of his income to just hold a visa and maintain payroll. I think no...

I was told by someone, There are about more than 100, 000 consulting companies in New Jersey alone. Do all these companies have offices. No..

Some of them operate from their home. What does it take to hold a visa, an address, phone, fax, a domain name and e-mail and may be a web page. How much does it all cost. Less than 500$, infact most marketing is done by 3rd parties.

All you need is a list of business e-mails

and when a consultant is available send his resume out.

If the resume is good I dont see a reason why he/she will not be in a project. My point here is not about the companies making money. Just that I want to explain how the opportunity of a consultant to live his life the way he wants is restricted.

1. What do you know?

I m a VB programmer. Thats what a consultant told his employer. Immediately he said, change all your projects to Java. I can sell you as a Java consultant for more. With VB I can pay you only 42K, but with Java I will pay you 50K. Most people dont realize that the consulting company does not really care about your career. What he is interested in is just making money out of you. Nothing wrong about making money, but is the consultant aware of that. Yes, some are and some are’nt. What I m trying to say here, Is that a consultant is not being paid for what he/she is really worth. Ask any consultant in america... Have a poll on the

internet, I can bet on this that more than 90% of the consultants will answer ’’No’’ to the question.

1. Can you find a fair Job.

Depends... Not as easily as a green card holder can. Of every 10000 jobs only a few may be 10 or more may be willing to do so. So that means, the majority of people will stay with their consultants for the rest of their lives or until they get their green cards.

1. Will the employer help you with a green card.

Most cases yes, because, not all but most of them exploit their employees. They know their employees will not leave them till they get their green card. And so, they make more money just because you cannot retaliate. Will they do this will US citizens or green card holders...

Hell... NO.... Because they have options to choose. H1B does not.

1. Which are the fastest growing consulting companies?

They are companies that bring people from outside. Most of the IT consulting companies in US are owned by those of Indian origin. Its a shame... Thats what I feel.

To conclude what I would like to say is ’’Beware of unrecognized consulting companies’’. There are some really good consulting companies too. But only one in 1000 may be. Know what you want to do even before you attempt doing it. America is a free and fair place and a good place to live, but before you make a leap in america and if you are coming here on work permit, make sure that you know who you are working for and what you are worth.

I end this article by quoting a few lines from my favourite band, whom I m think is the very best in https://lyrics. Pink floyd.

’’And did they get you to trade

for a lead-role in a cage?’’