What Are Your 2008 Job Predictions?What Are Your 2008 Job Predictions?

Bad economic news is making techies glum about jobs, even though managers supposedly remain fairly upbeat about IT hiring and spending plans, according to a new report. What does your gut tell you about tech jobs in 2008?Economic uncertainty, including the mortgage crisis, rising oil prices and fears about a recession, are spooking workers about job security and prospects, according to the latest monthly phone survey by staffing and outsourcing firm Hudson.

It's not just techies who are worried; in fact, workers across all the sectors surveyed by Hudson are nervous about jobs. Not a happy way to start the New Year. But is the pessimism a knee-jerk reaction to bad news, or is it based in reality?

Hudson officials say hiring managers haven't shown any signs of detouring from their hiring trends, which in 2007 weren't exactly robust, but were stable. In an interview with information, Paul Taylor, a Hudson VP, said the majority of line managers "staying on target" with IT project and hiring plans for 2008.

Still, "amid increasing talks of recession, workers' outlook can be significantly shaped by what they see and hear in the news," said Robert Morgan, Hudson co-president of recruitment and talent management in a statement.

"In actuality, the situation may not be as bad as some believe. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to report stable job growth on a monthly basis, indicative of the fact that there are still employment opportunities out there," said Morgan.

When you look into your crystal ball, what do you see for IT professionals this year?