02
Sat, Nov
2 New Articles

Being an RPG Programmer in Today's World

RPG
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Are you facing unemployment as an RPG programmer?

 

I don't mean to jump on the bandwagon with yet another article about how the economy is affecting the job market, but I happen to be one of the many recently facing unemployment. I want to share my views on being an RPG programmer in today's world, whether you currently have a job or not.

 

Early this year, I was notified that my company would be replacing its IBM i system with software and support from a third-party vendor. I worked for a newspaper company that had been hit very hard, and they needed to reduce their work force and expenses. I was fortunate to have a few months warning before I was let go and was able to be selective about who my next employer would be. It was a scary time, but I felt fortunate that I still had a job, my employer knew I was job hunting, and I was still getting a paycheck.

 

I had been at the company for over 10 years, and it was hard to believe that they were replacing the IBM i system. It was the core of all the business, it was a solid system, and I had helped to keep our software responsive to the changing needs of the business. I felt irreplaceable, and it was quite a shock when the realization set in that I wasn't. Every day, I worried that they were only telling me that I had a few months and that they'd suddenly drop the ax and tell me to go home. Every day was filled with that anxiety.

 

I spent a lot of time on the Internet, reviewing reports on average salaries, looking for tips on interviews, and searching through job postings (off company time, of course). And here is a brief summary of what I found.

Reports on Average Salaries

Broke and facing unemployment, I combed through as much free information as I could find. I don't know how accurate those reports are. I suspected that I would be lower than average because the newspaper industry has been struggling for quite some time, and we had year after year of pay freezes. But when I looked at the average pay for an RPG programmer in my location, I was more than 20 percent below the average. I guess that helped with my resolve to move on, even if I hadn't been being forced out. But that also hurt me in the beginning as well. I really disliked it when a job offering didn't post the proposed salary, instead asking you what your minimum acceptable value was. I'm a programmer, not a salesman. Of course I wanted as much as I could possibly get, but I didn't want to make it too high and be passed up because I was too expensive.

 

In the beginning, I simply used the average salary amount that I found for my geographical location as my basis. I was still working, so I thought I would bid high and hope for a lucky hit. But I quickly found out that there were so many other people looking for jobs that there was a lot of high-quality talent willing to work for less. So, as time ticked by, I started getting more and more modest with my acceptable minimum salary, until I hit what was my current salary. I figured that I couldn't live on any less than what I was previously making, which was pretty low anyway. You can't find a much more accurate could salary report than looking at your own.

Tips on Interviewing

I had to prepare mentally for interviews because I hadn't been to an interview in years. Most interview stuff is common sense, like being confident and positive and wearing professional and appropriate clothing. But these common-sense lists are good to review in order to have a conscious checklist in your head while you are going through it. Posture was a big one for me. I tend to slouch down in my chair while programming all day. I know it's not good, but I subconsciously keep sliding down further throughout the day.

 

Confidence is another big one. It is hard to have confidence during an interview, especially on your first one, knowing that you are or soon will be unemployed. You are trying your very best, having so many things to say and trying not to say anything wrong. In my first interview, I was all stressed out and talked a million miles a minute. That's OK. It was the first of many interviews. Just reflect on what you thought you did wrong and do better the next time.

 

Prepare your perseverance. A lot of programmers are out there looking for work, and you may or may not get the first job that you apply for. Don't let it discourage you. All those other programmers out there are going through the same thing. My trick was this: Go into the interview just being yourself and thinking that you'll be going to another one tomorrow. Be yourself, keeping all of the etiquette of your mental checklist running though your mind. Give a genuine smile and enjoy the opportunity to tell someone about all of your accomplishments, knowing that they actually want to hear about it!

Searching for Jobs

Now, let's talk specifically about my prospects as an RPG programmer. So, here I am, an RPG programmer. I've been doing it for quite a while and am feeling pretty confident about my skills. I love the system and want to continue programming on it, hopefully making more money than I was making before.

 

After doing extensive job searching for months in the realm of programming in my area, I found there to be a minimal number of RPG jobs available. And the available jobs were paying even less than I was already making, which made me question the average salary reports even more. The primary jobs in the programming area were in .NET and Java, with some other languages sporadically mixed in, like PHP. I found that for every RPG job posting, there were about 30 .NET jobs and 10 Java jobs. These are only estimates and are only the jobs I found within a comfortable distance from my home, using multiple search sites over multiple weeks, so your averages may differ.

 

 The .NET jobs were basically paying about the same as I was making as an RPG programmer at the entry level. The Java jobs were paying significantly more (about 50 percent more) but usually required knowledge of Struts and Springs, which I didn't have. I applied for everything. Fortunately, I have been working with Java for quite a few years, so I thought I had a chance there. But I was focusing my knowledge of Java on integrating Java with RPG, so I didn't have a reason to implement either Struts or Springs. I had a really strong Java interview, but when they started asking questions about Struts or Springs, I had nothing to give. I knew that I wouldn't be hired, but I was tempted to go right home and load them onto my Linux box so I could get that knowledge going.

 

Months went by, and I did end up unemployed for a few months, but fortunately, I was able to score some RPG programming consulting work to make some extra money, and eventually my Java experience paid off. I was hired for a programming position that required using Java, C#, and C++. So I ended up in a better place than the one in which I started. I am in programmer heaven.

 

I am not saying that you need to drop RPG and pick up another language. I love RPG and am still programming with it today. I am saying that it wouldn't hurt to expand your skill set, either to be prepared for changes in the future or to expand the capabilities of your current system. With budgets being so tight, you could extend the capabilities of your RPG programs by integrating with Java to give your applications new capabilities without all of the expense of buying another system.

The Differences Between Java and C#

Have you ever heard that if you know Java then you know C#? Or the other way around? My initial thought was that even though they are both object-oriented and are conceptually the same, there would still be a big learning curve between them. Well, that's not the case. They are even syntactically similar! You could almost copy and paste Java code into C# source and compile it. The differences are in the usage of the libraries, which are relatively easy to change, and the class naming standards, so you would need to change some lowercase letters to uppercase letters in .NET. Other than that, it is extremely similar. My point here is that you could decide on either one to begin your learning, and the crossover truly will be minimal.

 

One of the biggest differences is with the Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), but even they are very similar.

 

Rational Application Developer (RAD) is the licensed IDE that is built on Eclipse, which is open source. Eclipse can be downloaded at www.eclipse.org/.

 

The WebSphere Development Studio Client (WDSc) is another alternative that you could use to develop Java and RPG in the same environment. But that's being replaced by RDi, so if you are starting out, you should probably start there.

 

Visual Studio is the licensed Microsoft IDE. Mono is a Novell-sponsored, open-source alternative that you can download at mono-project.com.

 

These are just a few of the IDEs that I have worked with. There are others out there, so feel free to discuss them in the comments section of this article.

Keeping Busy While Unemployed

Pick up a book and start learning on your free time. Download one of the free IDEs and start coding. If you no longer have access to an IBM i, you can also get free access to one at http://www.rzkh.de, which I found out from a helpful person on the MC Press Forums. Thank you!

 

It is always good to keep yourself busy when you are out of a job. When I wasn't job hunting online or writing articles for MC Press Online, I was writing a book called Advanced Integrated RPG.  It explains how to integrate RPG with Java to do such things as send email or create Excel spreadsheets and PDFs. It may be a good starting point for your adventure into Java and open-source technologies because you can perform practical applications of the capabilities in your current systems.

 

Extending your skill set beyond RPG is not conceding to elimination of the usage of RPG. Integrating RPG with other languages will make it a useful player amongst the other technologies. And it will also open up many other options to you, for both development options and career paths.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I may have covered some topics that you've already looked into yourself. But if you are currently unemployed as an RPG programmer, I just wanted you to know that you're not alone and there is light at the end of the tunnel. And even if you program in some other language, it is always good to update your skills, especially now.

Thomas Snyder

Thomas Snyder has a diverse spectrum of programming experience encompassing IBM technologies, open source, Apple, and Microsoft and using these technologies with applications on the server, on the web, or on mobile devices.

Tom has more than 20 years' experience as a software developer in various environments, primarily in RPG, Java, C#, and PHP. He holds certifications in Java from Sun and PHP from Zend. Prior to software development, Tom worked as a hardware engineer at Intel. He is a proud United States Naval Veteran Submariner who served aboard the USS Whale SSN638 submarine.

Tom is the bestselling author of Advanced, Integrated RPG, which covers the latest programming techniques for RPG ILE and Java to use open-source technologies. His latest book, co-written with Vedish Shah, is Extract, Transform, and Load with SQL Server Integration Services.

Originally from and currently residing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Tom is currently involved in a mobile application startup company, JoltRabbit LLC.


MC Press books written by Thomas Snyder available now on the MC Press Bookstore.

Advanced, Integrated RPG Advanced, Integrated RPG
See how to take advantage of the latest technologies from within existing RPG applications.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

Extract, Transform, and Load with SQL Server Integration Services Extract, Transform, and Load with SQL Server Integration Services
Learn how to implement Microsoft’s SQL Server Integration Services for business applications.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: