"So do you think with all these IBM layoff rumors, I am safe if my manager just went on vacation?"
...So I ask my buddy the other day. "Yup, unless he gets laid off too." I can always count on him for a certain amount of clarity.
Turns out there is another possibility - let's just say it involves a new-fangled device that appears to be all the rage with the kiddos: the telephone.
So, it appears I get the distinct opportunity to jump start my career with an earlier than expected move. Oddly enough, and didn't see this coming, but, I am really excited about it. No kidding.
Honestly, change has never phased me, so that wasn't a surprise but it was the realization that for the first time in my entire career, I could be completely open about my intentions, to search in complete daylight with no sneaking around.
Go ahead, tell your boss, tell your buddies, what do I care, tell you folks, tell your dog. Sing it from the mountain tops - I want another job!
Seriously, as much as there is a certain anxiety about having a time frame lumped on the process, there is a significant freedom and relief of what is lifted off my shoulders.
I have done some really interesting things; I know a lot; I've done a lot; and doggone-it, people like me. I wonder what the general feeling is from my fellow laid-offers compatriots.
I am really excited about what lies ahead and truly pumped about getting a move on. So it behooves me to mention that I am, of course, listed on Dice and Monster - likely more soon. And check out my Linked In profile for history and what my peers have said about me in their recommendations of me... If you're working on something interesting, drop me a note and I'll send you my official resume.
I just wish Obama pegged me for Veep as I was pulling for - I was *totally* open on day one... Alas.
Jeff Wilson
Enterprise Architect, Technology Evangelist, and Master Inventor
whackscript@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkwilson
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Whether your manager is on
Whether your manager is on vacation or not probably has little impact in a huge company like IBM. They probably have to give their input (if any was solicited) on who to let go weeks if not months before the layoff actually occurs. The actual mechanics of the layoff are often done by HR people in many companies and the front line managers may have little to do directly and may not even know who is on the final list until after the fact. I don't know how IBM operates specifically, but it wouldn't surprise me.
People have been fired over
People have been fired over the telephone. I was once fired from a ob the first day coming back from a vacation. I think that there isn't a company around (especially humongous ones like IBM) that really care as much as their employees think that they do (about them).
Harsh realities.
Sorry, if that wasn't clear.
Sorry, if that wasn't clear. That was not intended as a question for the group. It was just the start of a tongue and cheek conversation with a buddy a few days ago. Whether my manager had nothing of interest to discuss with anyone and therefore safe to take a trip or was it that he DID have something awkward to discuss and just didn't want it to do it face to face... (at IBM, your manager delivers the news typically.)
So to be clear, he *did* go on vacation and I *did* get the call. (...and for reference, I do not think he was wimping out by doing it over the phone - just the way it played out.)
My ramblings were more intended to focus on what I would not have expected - that I am actually quite excited about getting a new job and doing something different. Talk to me in a few weeks if I haven't found any prospects but for the moment I am confident in my job-search-ignorance and feeling good.
- Jeff Wilson
Ah, I understand now. I
Ah, I understand now. I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Hopefully you got some kind of severance package from IBM, unfortunately a lot of us probably won't be so lucky when our time comes.
Layoff's are ugly business.
Layoff's are ugly business. Been there done that for over a year. on the other side now and feeling much better about my tomorrow's.
Good luck to you and God Speed
Thanks
kmac