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How to Recession-Proof Your IT Career in 2025

2025 has been a strange year to be in tech.
Inflation cooled — but not enough to help your wallet. Big tech cut jobs, smaller companies froze raises, and everyone’s suddenly talking about “doing more with less.”

If you’re in networking, cybersecurity, or infrastructure, you’re probably feeling the squeeze:

  • Your workload is growing,
  • Your paycheck isn’t,
  • And every recruiter email seems to offer less than what you already make.

That’s exactly why we built Raise Planner and the PingTraceSSH Job Search Tool — two resources designed to help engineers survive (and thrive) in a tight market.

1. You’re Probably Underpaid — Here’s How to Prove It

Most IT pros don’t negotiate effectively because they don’t know what they’re worth.
And even fewer can prove it with data.

That’s where Raise Planner comes in.
It’s a simple calculator that helps you:

  • Compare your current pay to market averages for your role and cert level
  • Factor in inflation and cost-of-living shifts
  • See exactly how much of your raise was “erased” by price increases
  • Set a target salary backed by numbers — not emotions

The tool even models multiple paths — one if you stay at your current company, another if you switch jobs, and a third if you freelance using your skillset.

Example:
A mid-level network engineer earning $105K today is actually making the equivalent of $96K compared to 2022 buying power.
With Raise Planner, you can visualize that loss — and justify your next raise or contract rate instantly.

2. The 2025 Job Market: Fewer Openings, But Higher Pay for Specialists

While entry-level IT roles are shrinking, senior and specialized roles are paying more than ever.
Cloud, security, and automation skills now command premium rates — but you have to know where to look.

That’s why we built the PingTraceSSH Job Search Tool — curated specifically for network engineers and security professionals.

Unlike generic job boards that bury you under irrelevant postings, ours filters by:

  • Cert level (CCNA, PCNSE, AWS, etc.)
  • Role type (NOC, SOC, cloud network, field engineer)
  • Work style (remote, hybrid, on-site)
  • Seniority & pay range

And we feature real, high-signal listings from hiring managers — not recruiters chasing resumes.

➡️ Want your post featured? You can even pin your job listing for better visibility.

3. Your Raise Strategy Needs Data, Not Hope

Negotiating without numbers is like troubleshooting without show run.

Raise Planner gives you:

  • Clear metrics on your current vs. ideal salary
  • Inflation-adjusted pay tracking
  • Income projections if you change roles or earn certifications
  • Exportable summaries you can bring to performance reviews

It helps you transform “I think I deserve more”
into “Based on market data and inflation trends, my current rate lags by 12%. Here’s how we can bridge that gap.”

4. How Smart Engineers Are Using Both Tools Together

  1. Check your worth with Raise Planner.
    👉 pingtracessh.com/career/raise-planner/

  2. Compare to market openings.
    👉 pingtracessh.com/career/job-search/

  3. Set your raise target.
    Adjust for inflation and build your case.

  4. Negotiate or pivot.
    If your employer won’t match the market — find one who will.

5. The PingTraceSSH Edge

What makes our tools different?
We don’t just give you data — we give you clarity.
Both the Raise Planner and the Job Search Tool were built for IT professionals who think like operators: analytical, structured, and ready to act.

6. Don’t Wait for the Annual Review

The economy isn’t waiting — and neither should you.
Raises are no longer automatic; they’re strategic. You need to ask, prove, and pivot faster than ever.

Start with the Raise Planner.
It’s free, visual, and brutally honest.
Then use the Job Search Tool to see what your skills are really worth.

👉 Use Raise Planner Now
👉 Search Jobs for Network Engineers

Because the only thing worse than being underpaid —
is not knowing it.

PingTraceSSH — Tools built for network engineers who refuse to stay stagnant.
Ping. Trace. Fix. Repeat.