Is it worth learning Salesforce although it is difficult to get a job in 2024?
Is this the best use of my time and money?
EXPECTATIONS
In 2023, I anticipated a brighter IT job market for 2024, largely due to widespread predictions, including those from the Federal Reserve, that interest rates would be aggressively cut. See this article from The New York Times in December 2023 titled “Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged and Signals Three Cuts Next Year”, which suggested that there would be at least 3 rate cuts in 2024.
REALITY
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s clear that the IT job market has not improved as hoped. Contrary to predictions, interest rates did not decrease, and tech layoffs have accelerated. NBC News highlighted this trend in their March 2024 article,“Laid-off techies face ‘sense of impending doom’ with job cuts at highest since dot-com crash,” noting that 2024 has seen the highest rate of tech job cuts since 2001. Data from the layoff tracker website layoffs.fyi corroborates these claims, suggesting that if current trends continue, total layoffs in 2024 could surpass those in 2023.
NOW WHAT?
Given the gloomy outlook for IT jobs, including Salesforce roles, a pressing question arises: "Is it worth learning Salesforce (or pursuing any IT track) in 2024?"
Traditionally, the IT field, particularly Salesforce, has been appealing to immigrants in the USA due to the ease of securing jobs and lucrative salaries. However, with the current job market conditions, it’s crucial to reassess whether investing time and resources into learning Salesforce is still a wise decision.
Some argue that the difficulty in securing job offers makes it less worthwhile to learn Salesforce or other IT skills. Then the question is"What field offers better opportunities for immigrants than IT?" Often, the response is silence and uncertainty.
Despite the challenging job market, there are still compelling reasons to learn Salesforce (or another IT field) in 2024. It is just that aspiring IT professionals should be prepared to:
Spend more time securing a job (around 12 months).
Prepare thoroughly for job interviews as they have become more competitive.
Develop a higher tolerance for rejection and setbacks.
If you can meet these conditions, no other field offers the unique combination of benefits inherent to IT professions:
Remote Work: IT roles often allow for remote work, which is especially important for individuals who need to balance professional responsibilities with home and family duties. Few other careers offer such flexibility to immigrants.
High Salaries: IT jobs, including those in Salesforce, can lead to salaries exceeding $100k annually after just 6 to 12 months of study. If you know of another field in the USA that offers such potential, please share.
Overemployment, Freelancing and Consulting Opportunities: If a full-time job is slow or unfulfilling, IT professionals have the option to freelance, consult, or even take on multiple jobs simultaneously, thanks to the remote nature of the work.
In conclusion, while the IT job market, including Salesforce roles, may seem daunting in 2024, the potential benefits of learning and mastering Salesforce can still outweigh the risks. Staying adaptable, continuously improving your skills, and leveraging community support can help navigate these challenging times and position you for success when the market rebounds. You can do it!
Alga!
