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By Q. EARL YANCEY v
Rappuiuinock New* Con triijbtlnf Writer
Businesses engaging others to
.It perform services should beware may be perfectly clear to you and to the individual performing the services that you have a “contractor” relationship. This means that you consider yourself to be exempt from withholding income taxes, paying social security, industrial accident, and .unemployment taxes, or from being liable for any overtime hours worked. . *
The Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, the Wage and Hofur Board, th®,Unemployment Agency, and the Indus_ trial Acddent Board may all take a . different view. Each of these government agencies has its definition of an employee versus an independent contractor.
Career as a <
The use of computers is evident in almost every realm of society to, day. With the growth of computer usage has; come a growing demand for people with specialized knowledge in this field. The occupation of computer operator is one occupation that has grown rapidly and is expected to do so through this decade.
Computer operators monitor and control electronic data processing systems which are used to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data. Their duties usually include using job set-up instructions to decide what equipment will be used, and its order to use; setting control switches, selecting and loading data and materials needed for the computer run; monitoring the . computer and peripheral equipment for errors and breakdowns; and keeping records on the operating time and use of computers.
People considering this occupation should be able to work in a routine, organized manner. They should be able to work accurately and think logically. They should also be able to work well under pressure and manage their time well. They are expected to follow detailed instructions and to recognize errors in numbers, spelling and puncutation in written * materials, charts and tables.
Computer operators generally work a five-day, 40-hour week. They may be expected to work overtime when deadlines need to be met. As many computer installations are in operation 24 hours a day, operators may have to work shifts that include evening, weekend and holiday hours.
Training for this occupation varies. Some large firms offer training programs that require no previous experience, while others require up to two years of training or experience. Small firms usually require a minimum of six months experience in data processing.
In Virginia, there were approximately 5,570 computer operators employed in 1980. TTie projected employment for 1990 is 9,163. An average of 450 annual job openings is expected through 1990. The mqjorty of these job openings will occur in he Northern Virginia, Richmond, Norfolk areas. Earnings of computer eperators depend upon education, experience and place of employnent. Median salaries for Virginia eomputer operators employed in manufacturing industries in 1984 ranged from $200 to $350 per week.
Public and private two-year colieges that offer programs of study in this field include:
Danvilie C.C. [Jermanna C.C. Thomas Nelson C.C. Tidewater C.C. Virginia Western C.C. Wythville C.C.
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