After receiving some feedback for my previous Job Log both in the comments, and from talking to people that read it, I decided to explain a little better, now that I have a clearer head, exactly what I’m looking for in a job. It is, of course, bad practice to change an entry that has already received comments so I am posting this update on the subject that explains things better
I’m looking for a job as a web developer. I want to work for a company that is as keen on standards compliant coding and accessibility of the web as I am, or at least one to whom I can demonstrate the validity of this point of view. I am dubious about the harmful .NET technology which appears to blatantly produce invalid code and seems to be directed largely towards entrenching dependence on Internet Explorer and other non-compliant Microsoft products at the expense of the rest of the world.
Searching and applying for a job is much about finding a company that needs my talents. It seems to be difficult to find a company whose site shows that they care about validation and standards compliance, so finding an employer who might be impressed by my skills in this area is big challenge.
My dilemma is that far too many decisions seem to be based on marketing or financial reasons rather than what coding is valid, and what is the right thing to do. My challenge is to demonstrate to a potential employer that an effective, valid and accessible site can be produced without compromising their financial imperatives. I want to make a difference; to improve the quality, usability, and accessibility of the web as a whole – I am not in this to make a quick buck, as many appear to be, I just want to make a reasonable living and perform a valuable service at the same time. I realise how idealistic that sounds, and I have been told on many occasions that I have a lot to learn and that I must accept reality.
Sir, I stumbled across your blog and, I must confess, the only reason that I stopped to read it was that I have never seen anyone go to so much pain to express a view which is (and I do apologise in advance for my bluntness) somewhat naive.
I am a senior software architect for a (dare I say it) extremely profitable corporate interest very much alive and well in the private sector – even in this presently less than encouraging marketplace.
I suppose the question that I would ask you to consider is this… Assume you’re a web-developer (I ask you to assume this because a beautifully framed degree does not a developer make, and, while I don’t doubt you’ll get there one day once you commercially focus all of your mis-directed passions, you’re no where near there yet.)
Now, you’re a real webdeveloper, with bills to pay and food to be put on the table. You’re either working for another, or running your own, company. A customer approches you and decides that you’re the man they want to design and implement their brand spanking new site (or refurbish their old one).
Do you seriously think that this potential customer really gives a hoot about standards compliance? The customer wants to PAY you (yes, even a meagher amount so that you won’t become corrupted by immense wealth) to design a site that markets their product, possibly facilitates on-line purchasing, LOOKS GOOD (yes, this is actually crucial becuase the public is funny about companies and services that PRESENT WELL), and above all, caters to the majority of their marketplace.
My friend, the web is a big place and I assure you from years of experience (I started out in this game before the web was the mess that it now is) that little Lachy is not going to save the world from the evil internet.
I know your excited about the contents of your uni texts, but remember that you aren’t paid to make this web a better place, you’re paid to service the customer.
Remember that.