Goodbye

[David Wilson]

I'm not a mathematician.  I got a B.A. CS/Math from Cornell in 1978.  I do not 
have a sufficient degree for a university position.  I do not have the 
wherewithal to go back to school.

I'm a computer programmer, and back in the day when employers wanted intelligent 
people who could solve problems, I had no lack of work.  But now they want 14 
skills, a Master's degree, 8 references, proof of recent accomplishments, and an 
energetic personality (read young and willing to put in long hours), and oh yes, 
local candidates only.  I can't break through the barriers.

I've done everything humanly possible to secure a decent income.  I've redone my 
resume professionally, worked with placement firms, updated my online profiles 
every week, tried networking, business cards, direct calling, the whole nine 
yards.  I've looked all over the country.  I tried to get into teaching, but 
No-Child-Left-Behind means that I cannot get a position ahead of a teacher with 
experience and credentials.  I spent $2500 on a course in medical transcription, 
but those jobs have all left for India.  The competition is fierce in every 
quarter.

In the past, I have posted here looking for help.  This is not a post for help. 
I don't need any more opportunities, suggestions or chin-ups.  I'm starving in a 
sea of those.  I posted to say goodbye. My life as a human being that matters is 
over.