So here we see layoffs, but not before this contractor got his skill set sharpened, which is always a positive thing. Up north, we hear about a layoff situation due to lack of projects:

I'd like to say that I am a certified R5 Developer, and I am told by my management that there's a lack of projects happening here in Canada, which is their reason for letting me go. We're supposed to be resizing, following our parent U.S. company's reaction to the markets.

I've been on the bench off and on now since November 2000. The trend seems to be that WebSphere is growing in popularity and is maybe taking the limelight away from Notes.

Once again, WebSphere appears on the radar screen, pushing our friend into a tight labor market. Meanwhile, in the city of brotherly love, things are "nervous," as the market is as tight as cheese on a Philly sub:

I am an independent developer located in the Philadelphia, PA area and have been contracting for five years now. I have to admit, I am more nervous now about the market than I have ever been. While my current rate is real good, I anticipate a decline on the next contract. I was set to find a new contract about one month ago, and then I received an extension through August. However, I did begin searching and found the market to be very "tight." I had discussions with some fellow contractors that expressed the same sentiment. There were contracts available, but they seem to be shorter in duration and lower in pay. I hope you are right about things picking up in the fall; that is when I will be looking again.

Heading back up to, Canada, optimism is tempered by a tightening of hourly rates:

I am currently a Lotus Notes Administrator contracting in Toronto, Canada. I have been contracting for over two years now. Although I am currently on a contract that may soon be ending, I find the market in Toronto hot and cold. A month ago, my phone was constantly ringing with offers of contracts and full time Domino Administration positions. Now, it is quieter which is normal for this time of year.

I find the market much better for Notes developers up here, as they seem to be in short supply. Because so many companies have not yet completed their migrations to R5, I feel that there is still some movement for contractors up here. However, I too fear that will soon slow down because when I talk to other consultants, they are all focusing their skills on WebSphere. A lot of people feel that Domino is going as far as it can go--partly because there is only so much more you can do with the technology and also because of the manner in which Lotus is managing their business. Microsoft is making a strong push to a lot of companies here to move the Exchange for free, and some companies are showing some interest.

So far, my rate has not changed, however, since I am in re-negotiation to extend my contract here, it has been strongly "hinted" that my rate needs to come down.

After digesting these and many other similar comments, a picture starts to emerge. The market is clearly still soft, and there likely won't be relief until fall at the earliest. But things will get better, as companies re-staff to meet the recovering economy's needs.