Re:Who the hell hired those idiots? (Score 1)

I agree with this except that it is extraordinarily expensive to fire someone and hire another - I worked in management before I became an independent contractor (more money, less aggravation) and the costs associated with firing and hiring are greater than one or two delayed projects. The problem, IMHO, is that competer programming is suffering from the Major League Baseball syndrome - dilution of talent. I entered the field by accident - as did most of my colleagues - and was drawn to it. This was before the time of computer science degrees and before the time that many people entered the field because it was highly paid - yes, I am an old fart. Computer systems require a very special kind of person - not necessarily nice, but one who can think like a computer, understand business and devote a large amount amount of personal time to working 'off the clock'. It's not for everyone. I don't think there's much you can do here. You can't fire an entire staff - political problems. The job has to be done. On the other hand, when the 10 and 20% layoff edicts come down, who are they going to keep? I been an independent for many years and been in this same situation numerous times. There's nothing better than waving good-bye to the slackers while you confront your boss with a competitor's offer. Just grin and bear it - revenge is a dish better served cold.