Recession Resources for IT Pros

A recent Windows IT Pro Exchange & Outlook nonscientific Instant Poll featured the question "Considering the current economy, do you expect staff cuts in your IT department in the coming year?" Here are the results:

• 35% Yes
• 57% No
• 9% Not sure

(Poll results page.)

First of all, this question had a very low response—only 23 people voted—which I'll chalk up the fact that the topic is just too depressing. I have little to say about these numbers, other than: "Could be worse. . . . Could be raining." Which is to say, you've got to be able to laugh even in trying times. Good luck to everyone.

Meanwhile, here are some resources and things to think about for IT workers in today's economy:

• How Can IT Pros Survive and Thrive in Tough Times?
• 8 Ways to Recession-Proof Your IT Department
• Riding Out the Recession: Virtualize, Cut Costs
• Succeeding in IT: An Old-School Low-Tech Tip
• Use Social Networking to Boost Your Career
• Tracking IT Layoffs and Other More Positive Things You Can Do in a Recession
• 5 Ways to Become a Network Hero
• Top 3 IT Stressors
• What's Good About Working in IT
• Minasi Conference Offers IT Knowledge Fest