#advice

I've been a Team Manager in claims with State Farm for over 30 years. I'm retiring this year after I get my MIP. Honestly feel sooooo sorry for everyone that has to stay. There have always been periods of ups and downs at SF. These last 10 years and especially this year have been an absolute nightmare. When I got promoted to TM in 1997, my boss told me to be sure to leave SF better than I found it. I tried my best but failed. The people running State Farm are absolute parasites, make no mistakes about it. To all employees, leave this place before it drains your soul, and damages your mental and physical health beyond repair. This place is just not worth it. Not saying the grass is greener on the other side but at least see if it is. The Executive leadership you have is exploiting you for only their gain, have destroyed any ounce of decency left at State Farm and are just pure clueless sc-m bags. All they want is conformity, not your opinion. All the Peakon, Voice and View, Skip Level Meetings cr-p are all just the same smoke and mirrors that the politicians use to steal you blind. It's not your TMs fault, but there are TMs that are bad and make it even worse as they drink the Kool Aid. There are still a few decent TMs/SMs that try to do the right thing but if they get caught doing it they get punished. State Farm is a sinking ship, that they crashed, and now the Captain and other officers are stepping over the elderly, women and children to save themselves and kicking people off the life boats. I get you need to pay the bills, but find a way out sooner than later. This get's a lot worse and does every day. I almost feel dirty everyday I have to work at this place, and you know deep down what this company is doing is just wrong at every level. Get out, just get out, Sorry, hope that helps some of you decide.

How long does one have to be at COP to keep the companies invested portion of the 401k. I am still in college and currently interviewing for a role here.

I've heard it is 3 years but also 5 years? Which is it for full time?

Thank you in advance, I was too shy to ask the recruiter.

I left SF about a month ago but stayed in the industry. I learned that SF was 10x more toxic than I thought… They underpay you, trap you in roles that make it harder to be competitive outside the company, and ruin your physical and mental health.
Senior leadership at SF has turned into a complete joke. I no longer feel embarrassed when asked where I work.
I hope you all actually take the leap and rebuild your lives by leaving that he-l hole.

If you're early or mid career think longer term about the implications of a shrinking oil and gas industry, and where you want to be in the future. This will NOT be the last round of layoffs if history is any guide. Do not wait too late to transition to something else with more long term promise. Don't box yourself into a role that will not translate to another one elsewhere. It is quite rare that you will make it past 55 (or even 50) in this industry and by then it would be too difficult to pivot.

Sound advice. OP: @c8+1ka0j1k60

For those who have been laid off, my heart goes out to you.

Has anyone used the services that Target has provided after the layoff? I got a call from RightManagement for resume and future career support. Is this a scam or actually legit?

Hi, Verizon employee here. I have heard that many former Verizon employees went to T-Mo. If you are one of them, can you provide some insight into the similarities and differences? Not asking for specifics, just generalizations. Curious about how different we all are. I am former ATT and found both ATT and VZ to be pretty similar

I recently found out that Hughes doesn’t actually own the Jupiter-3 satellite, it’s leased from EchoStar, and Hughes pays about $190 million per year for that lease.

I also learned that the SpaceX–EchoStar spectrum deal includes a clause requiring EchoStar/Hughes to refer new customers to Starlink. Essentially, if someone wants satellite internet, EchoStar will direct them to SpaceX’s Starlink service . Bonkers 🤯

hi, if by 11/7/2025 pay, I have reached the IRS limit of total gross income (base + bonus) and the limit for total contributions (before and after-tax from employee and chevron match), what else can I do now to continue receiving chevron's 8% match to the end of 2025?

Dan has yet added another prior colleague to the team, EVP Chief Transformation Officer...Be nice to folks so they can take you w/them wherever they go ;-)

Send mid year and end of year pdfs to your personal email. It’ll come in handy to update resume

If you have any personal stuff on work laptop, remember to send it to your personal emails/laptops.

Better to be safe Incase access gets restricted or completely removed.

Seems like a no brainer but I remember one of my X-co workers
In a different company had terrible experience. He was with the same company for so long that he didn’t realize how much personal stuff he had forgotten to transfer to personal computer. Then one day laptop access was all one & it got very chaotic.

Hi all ,
Firstly my heart goes out to people who got laid off ,one of my colleague got laid off and we were taken aback by the whole thing (never expected that he would be the one to be impacted by it)

I joined synopsys few months ago , I'm still in probation , I scared that they might lay me off , I can't stop thinking about it, if in the worst case scenario I get laid off , is anything that I can expect in terms of severance or anything at all ? Any advice here ? I work in TPG

She called me excitedly to share the news. I really didn’t have the heart to tell her how bad of an idea I thought it was, or how I don’t think he’ll last more than a few months in this toxic atmosphere. He’s too nice of a guy, and you need to have a much thicker skin and fewer scruples to survive here. I almost feel like an a--hole for not warning her, but what good would it do?

I know I’m going to. The urge to start job hunting right away is strong, but after everything we’ve been through, you’ll thank yourself for taking a little time to breathe, reset, and get your head straight before diving back in. I'm speaking from experience, since this the second time I've been laid off.

1. Collaboration: Being in the office can make face-to-face meetings and spontaneous brainstorming easier.
2. Culture building: Physical presence can help new hires integrate and reinforce company values.
3. Visibility: Managers can see work happening and provide real-time feedback.
4. Team cohesion: Shared space can strengthen relationships and alignment across teams.
5. Structured environment: For some roles, having a dedicated workspace helps employees stay focused and productive.

You see how these are all good things? Just RTO 5 days as you’re asked and we can turn this company around. Cmon guys. It might even be fun!

Please share your experience claiming unemployment benefits in the current state. I had worked for Wells Fargo for more than 5 years as a full time employee in lead level role. Looks like weekly benefit would be $300+ for 12 weeks with max of 4000 k +. And there is a waiting period involved for first claim?

I’m a GL31, that was laid off. My last day is late November. I have been with Optum for six years, and have been in various roles (including two integrations). During that time I’ve accumulated a decent amount of stock options (all currently worthless at the $400-500 strike price), and stock RSU grants. My next RSU vesting is Feb 21, and would have amounted to about $30K (at today’s share price). I also obviously am not getting a bonus for 2025.

My severance letter is offering to give me 12 weeks of pay, plus a week of unused vacation. No RSUs, etc.

My question is - before I sign my severance agreement, should I have a lawyer attempt to negotiate the inclusion of my RSUs as part of my package? Has anyone done or heard of this being a successful strategy?

I have 45 days after my last day to sign the letter. I feel I’ve put it the vesting time of six years waiting for these stock awards to vest, and that I should receive these RSUs that are just a couple months shy of vesting. Do I have any case?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

Leaving Loudly: Why I’m Gonr After a Decade
The End of a Chapter
Friday marks my last day after ten years of dedication, hard work, and consistently exceeding expectations—90% of my ratings were top-tier. Yet, despite the numbers, the experience left me drained and disillusioned.
Quiet Quitting vs. Loud Leaving
While many choose to “quietly quit,” I’m doing the opposite. I’m leaving loudly—not for drama, but because silence protects systems that harm. Speaking up matters.
The Human Cost
This ISP hasn’t been easy. It’s taken a toll on my aging parents, my spouse, and my kids. The emotional weight is real, and I won’t sugarcoat it: I’ve felt depressed and confused through this process.
One Piece of Advice
If you’re in a similar situation, know your worth and don’t ignore the signs. Blind loyalty can cost you years you’ll never get back.
A Hard Truth About Edward Jones
To my network: take a hard look at Edward Jones. High fees, outdated practices, and a culture that undervalues high performers have left me embarrassed I stayed so long. Tell your friends. Protect your future.
Closing Thoughts
Leaving is hard. Staying in a place that erodes your confidence and well-being is harder. Sometimes the loudest exit is needed.

Like most I am worried about being laid off.
What advice can you think of for those who may not be in the best headspace of the worst happens.

Trying to ask a somewhat positive and practical question. I have many issues with the logic of some choices I’m aware of but they may end up being a different thread sometime.

I have an offer from Carelon in the behavioral health area. I’ve heard the person that heads that business is a good leader (CP) but the person above her I should stay away from in Carelon (BW) I work in a similar field today but this is a promotion and seems like a good opportunity. I’m just concerned about what I’m hearing about the other leader. Any advice.

Life lessons from someone who was laid off from another oil and gas company years ago—and learned it’s not the end of life, but the start of a new chapter.

1. Identity tied to work

Often we invest so much time and energy into a job that we end up confusing what we do with who we are. If the company lets us go, it feels like they’re rejecting our identity, not just our role.

1. External recognition

Work is often a source of validation: bosses, colleagues, achievements, promotions. When that disappears, it creates a void that can make us doubt our own value.

1. Security and belonging

A job also represents economic stability and a place in a community (team, corporate culture). Being fired can feel like losing a “family” or security, which hits beyond just the professional level.

1. Social narrative

Society often measures success through work. This makes us unconsciously internalize the idea that being fired equals “failure,” even though in reality it’s just a change in circumstances.

1. Emotional factor

Even though rationally we know human value doesn’t depend on an employer, emotionally it’s hard to separate self-esteem from this experience, especially in vulnerable moments.

The key is to rebuild your narrative: being fired is not a judgment on your value—it’s just the end of a cycle in a place that no longer fits you. Your experience, character, talents, and ability to learn remain intact.

Practical Strategies to Reconnect with Your Value After Being Fired

🔹 1. Redefine the narrative

Instead of thinking “I was fired”, reframe it as:

• “That place was no longer right for me.”

• “A door closed, but it opens others that may fit me better.”

The words we use shape how we feel.

🔹 2. Separate “role” from “identity”

Make a list of who you are outside of work: parent, friend, creative, good listener, curious, resilient.

This helps remind you that your essence doesn’t depend on a contract.

🔹 3. Take stock of personal and professional achievements

Write down your accomplishments, not just at work, but also personal ones (e.g., learned a language, supported a friend, overcame a challenge).

Whenever you feel your value is in question, review this list.

🔹 4. Seek internal, not external validation

A company validates results; you can validate your effort, learning, and integrity.

Ask yourself: Am I proud of how I worked? Of how I grew?

🔹 5. Build a support network

Talk to people who value you for who you are (family, friends, mentors). This reinforces the idea that you are not “your job.”

🔹 6. Practice healthy detachment

A useful exercise: imagine your CV and current job disappear. What’s left? What remains—your character, creativity, values—is who you truly are.

🔹 7. Refocus on the future

Set small goals: a course, a personal project, learning something new. This restores a sense of progress and control.

When is Wayfair going to learn that you get why you pay for. We need to stop with all these oversea agents. They either don’t have enough training, don’t care, etc. The majority don’t help the callers and just make matters worse.

Since I’m seeing people worried about layoffs, should I decline if a position is offered to me? I had an interview that went well but I don’t want to end up getting sc--wed over by leaving my current company if I am offered a job with Cigna and end up being laid off a few months down the road

Has anyone read this book? All Intel employees should.

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/books/dying-paycheck

Has anyone used the benefit Right Management for career placement after EOI yet? Some googling has me thinking it's a waste of time. I'm not looking for a new job for another 6 months or so, so IDK if I can delay starting it or not.
Anyone find a good recruiter they can recommend for engineering/operations?

Starting a new role with the company for a senior position, I’m expected to be in office since I am near one of the pulse points.. what’s some advice you would give for someone starting off with the company and things you feel like your manager won’t tell you?

Does my screen need to be awake all day when wfh?

This is probably a good thing since Humana and most other Large MA Private Insurance Corporations seem to have a difficult job at doing simple accounting math when it comes to accurate Pharmacy RX Rebate numbers being reported to CMS and to Providers.

This leader really nailed it and I think this will help everyone who is anxious about the layoffs coming in 17 days.

https://fortune.com/2023/09/25/verizon-ceo-hans-vestberg-rank-mood-leadership-advice/

I heard a lot of fellows retired this year. Any tips on shortcuts to fellowhood? I heard it is a pretty sweet setup, sort of like tenured faculty - free to do you own thing. I'd like to be a fellow before I'm 40 so I can sort of get off the treadmill.

I've not found even one good use case so far in my line of application engineering. What are people's opinions on how much of the current "AI will change the world like steam engine" sentiment is reality vs marketing?

Just want to get info before I change positions please.

If you feel like there’s going to be a lay-off on a particular day, take PTO for that day. They can’t legally lay off someone on PTO, so they’d just add a different name that isn’t out that day to do that.

I'm a develop joining right before the new CEO.
I assume i will be the first one if layoff happens in my team.
All my long term plan has to be reconsidered at this point.
Relocation, housing etc.

Real advises please guys.
How long this thing would last ?
Should i start looking for new job?
Anyone i can talk to make myself feel better ?

As we get closer to showtime, what are some smart things to do if your name ends up getting called?

This can be tax stuff, general networking, etc.

Based on what I have seen on this site plus common sense, here is what I have gathered.

1. Wait to sign your offer so that you are paid in 2026.
2. Don’t go out screaming and burning bridges, you never know if you will end up back here.
3. Apply for state unemployment ASAP after you are fired.
4. Make sure all of your personal files are off your computer.
5. Don’t bother packing up unless you have really valuable stuff. Let the company deal with it.

What am I forgetting?

Car sales to follow.

Get out now voluntarily while you can.

This is going to explode at some point, the level of exclusion in this company is just unbearable, I had to say it, there's just so much toxicity I just hope this message reaches someone thinking of joining this company.. be careful

Just a word if warning:

Do not divulge too much personal information to your managers or H.R.

ITS NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS AND CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU. IF THEY PRETEND TO CARE, THEY DONT!!

Info about your marriage, doctor visits/health problems, children, family members. Be very careful who you talk to and document or secretly record any strange questions you may be asked, especially from Human Resources or the store manager.

And remember if something or some interaction with managers or Human Resources seems weird or a bit “off”, It’s because it is.

Long story short, get some skills here and hit the road. All Cogent wants to talk about is how to save a dollar and how to get excellent results from cheapest test equipment. They are all about serving the higher end customers and heck with the low hanging fruit. I do wonder how long they will be in business once the T-Mobile money runs out. They do like to under cut Lumen, ATT and Zayo but there will be a day when the big boys get smarter.

• You will not get meaningful information about how many were laid off
• You will not get meaningful information about what LOB/group was hit
• You will be disappointed with any information provided
• The same questions posted every week will continue to go unanswered
• Starting a new thread with the same question will not lead to better answers

Let's keep it concise so we can consolidate what little information is provided. That way the raging reich-wing boomer can go back to spam-voting their own threads about Indian employees.