Sanches Clarke’s Post

The recent wave of layoffs affecting Agile roles such as Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and related positions have created a perception that companies don't value these roles. Many companies have been practicing Agile for years and may feel they've reached a level of maturity where dedicated Agile roles are no longer necessary and now they are looking for a junior administrator who can just keep an eye on the process, hence the lower remuneration package. On the other hand, organizations may not fully understand the value that Agile roles bring. Agile is often seen as a set of practices that can be managed without dedicated roles, especially in companies that haven't fully embraced the cultural or leadership shifts required for successful Agile transformations. Such companies are looking for a meeting facilitator who doesn't interfere in other matters... Businesses are hesitant to hire mature Agilists, because of the misconception that they will will disrupt the current flow of work. The market now wants less experienced Agilists who can be controlled by senior leadership.   

A convergence of market forces no doubt. A combination perhaps, of the flooding of agile (coach) based professionals on to the market over the last 18 months, unscrupulous companies and agencies alike thinking they can take advantage of the current climate and the fact that "Agile" is simply not in focus for a lot of organisations now, typically because of previous misguided and failed transformations (by questionable Agile Coaches / Scrum Masters / Agile Gurus). There will always be someone to take roles at these crazy rates - but as always, you get what you pay for 🤡.

There is a massive power imbalance in the current market and employers have most of the power. There is definitely a large element of employer exploitation but I also appreciate there are economic pressures. That said, this practice is not sustainable long term and it will come back to bite some butts, with morale, loyalty, and productivity all taking a hit.

It's a real mishmash of a market at the moment, with companies chancing their arms on lower rates and job requirements that cover multiple roles - PM/BA. Unfortunately I think, we're a long way from seeing the rates go back to how they were post and during the pandemic, but specialist skills and experience (London Insurance, Private banking, SaaaS, Regulatory, Cyber etc... are still offering decent day rates.

Attempted Exploitation, I reckon! I often wonder about the quality of the CV's job adverts like these attract, surely folk with a decent level of knowledge and experience would just laugh at these and scroll on by - I know i did whenever i saw them!

Between being out of work and make 250 a day there's a massive difference. Especially if you got bills to pay. And they know it. Exploitation, yes. But it takes two to tango. I'm sure they had hundreds of applicants.

I think it's a mixture of what you've mentioned; businesses trying to take advantage and them misunderstanding the value a seasoned agile practitioner can bring

Your last sentence & the associated picture are spot on... FYI: I am lucky I no longer have a mortgage, and I have established other non-IT related self-employed business activities. (that pays a similar rate to that dioscussed here).

Supply and demand. For as long as people are willing take take those rates they will be offered.