background
Outsourced programmers make up a large percentage of China's software industry. According to statistics, in 2019, the scale of China's IT service market reached 1.2 trillion yuan, of which the IT outsourcing market reached 360 billion yuan, accounting for 30%. In the IT outsourcing market, software development outsourcing is the most important business type, accounting for 60%. In other words, there are nearly a million programmers in China who are engaged in software development outsourcing.
cause
So why do so many programmers choose to outsource? Analysts believe that there are mainly the following reasons:
Low threshold: For many programmers who do not have high education, high skills, and high experience, outsourcing is a relatively easy way to enter the software industry. Many outsourcing companies do not have high requirements for hiring programmers, as long as they can write code, use tools, and communicate. And many outsourcing companies also provide training and mentoring to help newcomers quickly master the basic skills and project process.
High income: For many programmers who do not have a stable source of income and no other job opportunities, outsourcing is a more profitable way. Many outsourcing companies will pay programmers according to the size and difficulty of the customer's project, and there will be additional income such as overtime pay and bonuses. And many outsourcing companies will also give programmers certain social security and benefits.
Broad experience: For many programmers who want to improve their skills and expand their horizons, outsourcing is a challenging way. Many outsourcing companies will come into contact with different industries, different customers, different projects, so that programmers have the opportunity to learn different technologies, different businesses, and different management. And many outsourcing companies will also give programmers certain career development and promotion opportunities.
effect
However, being an outsourced programmer is not all smooth sailing, and there are many drawbacks and difficulties. Specifically, it is manifested in the following aspects:
High pressure: Outsourced programmers usually face a lot of work pressure, such as project schedule, project quality, customer satisfaction, etc. Many times, outsourcing programmers have to bear a lot of responsibility and risk for customers, but also have to endure the customer's harshness and change. Many times, outsourced programmers work overtime, or even all night, to meet deadlines and fix problems.
Low dignity: Outsourced programmers usually face a lot of discrimination and neglect, such as customers, colleagues, society, etc. Too often, outsourced programmers are treated as second-class citizens, excluded and isolated. Many times, outsourced programmers are devalued and ridiculed as incompetent and valuable people.
Development difficulties: Outsourced programmers usually face many development problems, such as technology, career, wealth, etc. Many times, outsourced programmers can only do repetitive and simple work, without access to core and innovative technologies. Many times, outsourced programmers can only do short-term and fragmented projects, and have no opportunity to participate in long-term and complete products. Many times, outsourced programmers only get some fixed and limited income, with no opportunity to get more and better returns.
Personal opinion
As a bystander, my personal take on the story of this outsourced programmer is:
I think this outsourced programmer is a very hard working and strong person who has been in the industry for 9 years, supporting himself and his family, and also accumulating certain skills and experience. I feel admiration and sympathy for him.
I think this outsourced programmer is also a very lost and confused person who has not found his direction and goals in this industry, nor has he realized his values and dreams. He said he didn't know where his future lay or what he was going to do. I am worried and sorry for him.
I think this outsourced programmer should have a better choice and opportunity, he should look for a job and life that suits him more according to his interests and abilities. He should give himself more confidence and courage to try something new and challenging. He should give himself more respect and love, to enjoy some good things and feelings.
I find the story of this outsourced programmer very instructive and resonant. I'm also a programmer, and although I don't outsource, I've had similar experiences and confusions. I also used to neglect my interests and dreams for work, and I used to sacrifice my dignity and worth for income. I also used to not know where my future lay or what to do.
Later, I began to re-examine my life and career, and began to look for what I really wanted to do and who I wanted to be. I started learning some new techniques and knowledge, started working on meaningful and challenging projects, and started making like-minded and encouraging friends. I started to give myself more confidence and courage to try new things and challenges. I began to give myself more respect and love, to enjoy some good things and feelings.
Now, I feel happier and more fulfilled than before, and more fulfilled and worthwhile than before. I feel that I have found my direction and purpose, and I have also found my value and dream. I feel that my future is in my hands and in my heart.
I want to say to this outsourced programmer: don't give up on yourself, don't lose yourself. You have your talents and abilities, you have your potential and opportunities. You can do better, you can live better. You just have to believe in yourself and follow yourself. You will find that your future is actually very good, and you will find that you are actually lucky.
This is my opinion and feeling, and I hope it can be helpful or enlightening to you. If you have any ideas or suggestions, you are welcome to communicate and share with me. We can learn and progress together, create and realize our dreams together. Thank you for listening and understanding!