Despite the massive layoffs across the board in technology from Big Blue to small-fry tech companies, there appears to be a streak of confidence among the masses. People in technology – engineers, software developers, IT, sales and marketing – seem to be a bit stronger through this crisis than in the past. Some of this may have to do with the bubble bursting on many of us in the dot com era. Or, it may have to do with the hope a new administration promises. More likely, much of it has to do with the stronger backbone which runs through the technology community and the better tools available. There are companies who are growing despite the numbers you see in the headlines.

For every punch a particular technology segment takes, there seems to be a counter punch of growth.
• Sprint Nextel cuts while Starent Networks grows
• Razorfish reduces staff and we see http://www.solutionset.com/jobs.php
• EA does a layoff but iRacing expands

No doubt, these are examples of smaller companies but it shows you a path to hope. In addition, the on- demand tools and infrastructure available to new companies, creates a certain ease of entrepreneurship. This ease and surety to access massive, scalable infrastructure empowers more people to build winning businesses. In addition, the community interacts in a way which has also changed the game. Social networks now hang together in such a way which makes it is easier to connect with old colleagues, network new ones and find new opportunities. You can see this happening in small doses at this stage but it will grow. The speed at which people connect across social networks means that the right skills will find the right job faster than ever. An InMail, a Tweet or a friend request all make the connections a little smoother when assembling a great team. Faster connections mean everybody in the technology space gets back into the game a little quicker, fueling the recovery a little faster. We all become a little tougher and worldly, ready for the next challenge.

Neil is the Director of Marketing for My Perfect Gig, Inc. To check out My Perfect Gig's innovative interface for candidates and market intelligence technology for recruiters Click Here.