Information Technology and Employment

[KillerGremlin]

What you are describing reminds me of the automobile assembly lines or robots replacing humans and stuff like that.

Realizing that advances in cell phone and Internet technology allowed them to downsize management to just you, I don't see any reason why they would rehire another manager if the economy improved, unless of course you need more help.

What used to be in person high level customer service calls or on-sote training events are now being fazed out because of the popularity of on-line meetings and training events. We simply need less people to get the same job done, and our clients are happier.

This is an ever increasing trend, for better or worse. I honestly see no reason why any company would rehire people for work that can be done efficiently or even more efficiently without them.

So, in my opinion (and to address this question):

Secondly, with how the landscape of careers have shifted in America over the last 20 years, is it necesarily a bad thing if they don't come back? Wll new opportunities be created in their stead as technology and business advance?

Will new opportunities be created? I think the answer is yes. Increased productivity means companies can pursue more ventures and get more things done faster.

Is it necessarily a bad thing? That I can't really answer. Obviously it's not good for the guys getting laid off. At the same time, I would imagine if you are one of the people who got laid off, you kind of had to expect or realize you are not a huge asset to the company.

I've noticed that many companies are laying off management. Management are often the unneeded middleman.