No matter where you are sitting, the alarm bells are ringing. It's a tough time to be working in IT, or anywhere else these days. The economy is shaky, but it hasn't crashed.

A story posted this week predicts grim times for IT, with cutbacks here and continuing well into 2009. But ask yourself this question: How grim can it really be? If IT is necessary to keep the trains running, the planes flying and commerce buzzing, it is not an industry that can be cast aside. If IT is important for keeping costs down and businesses thriving, then who in their right mind would make steep cuts in the industry?

Sure, shave costs where you can, but always remember that saving a few dollars today can result in a high costs later on, and hurt growth and competitiveness. Hopefully, companies will continue to make smart investments in IT and especially in the IT workforce--the heart and soul of the industry, and key to the growth of the American economy. - Judi