Setting the Stage

In just a week, I’ll be stepping into retirement. As I wrap up this chapter, I want to offer a few words especially for those earlier in their careers or with a long road still ahead.

I’ve been through more than a few tough cycles, including multiple layoffs. If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to read the signs and right now, the signs are clear. The organization is laying the groundwork for peer-to-peer reviews and deeper performance assessments at the management level. This isn't fear-mongering it’s reality.

Since the last all-hands, several people have reached out to ask if their jobs are safe. My honest take? If you’re worried, it may be time to reflect. The truth is, most of the people asking are the same ones I’ve been quietly and consistently encouraging to step up putting in more than just a couple of productive hours a day, being accountable, and showing up in the office, even when it's not popular.

I know remote work is a sensitive subject. I’m respectful of people’s preferences and needs. But we have to acknowledge that the power dynamic is shifting. There were seasons like the early days of COVID when employees had leverage, jobs were abundant, and flexibility was the norm. But we’re not in that season anymore. Corporations are regaining control, and with that comes renewed focus on performance, outcomes, and accountability.

If you’re not visible, if your contributions are unclear, or if your peers don’t see you carrying your weight you’re already at a disadvantage. In a world where peer reviews are coming, that silence around your work may not be in your favor. Like it or not, you are your own brand, and people notice.

I’m not calling anyone out by name. But if you’re reading this and it hits close to home then you already know.

My advice, offered with sincerity and no judgment: show up. Take your role seriously. Invest in your growth, and build a reputation you can be proud of. This industry rewards consistency, visibility, and those who are willing to adapt.

Best wishes to all of you.

Comment! It's anonymous!

14 replies (most recent on top)

@OP
Retired boomer here with over 40 years in banking. Remaining with 1 employer for many years like I did is not realistic in today's modern work environment. You need to evaluate opportunities within and outside your employer continuously, as well as the financial health of the industry. Having a sideline business in addition to your career job is a financial reality for many, but also a hidden benefit (building new skills, challenges, etc.). Do not expect an employer to reward your contributions. Be ready to make employer changes, just as employers makes employment changes. Easier said than done but in reality, something to strongly consider. Best of luck to all.

The older frontline workers in Technology that I've meet are the most beaten down workers I've ever seen. Most have put up with an unending line of management cr-p in order to keep their jobs. They are all looking for the very first exit ramp and hoping for a package. I feel sorry for them. Younger workers struggle to understand that these older workers will soon enough be you if you stay here. This company is not a destination employer. Once you have skills, you need to leave for more money and respect.

I'm sorry but with that approach how am I going to victimize myself into success?

Thank God these boomers are retiring. It’s this mentality that needs to die with them.

@cn Oh Yes, the pretty healthy job market that a large portion of millennials came into during the Great Recession, where we had to fight against people with more years of experience for entry level jobs, and taking whatever we could find to survive and lowering our expected income over the years by hundreds of thousands of dollars. That great job market.

F*** Off wannabe "wise old person". Sounds like a new approach from HR or that cesspool of upper management to help people fall into their subservient roles. obey, Obey, OBEY! More like US Bank simping, than "setting the stage".

@cn You need to get the generations straight. You are either Gen X or or a millennial. You can't be both. Congrats on being on the back for retirement. I know for many elder millennials, retirement is but a pipe dream, mostly in part to the actions of our parents (the Boomers) generation.

Millennials are the first generation that is going to be worse off financially than their parent's generation. You can't afford to buy a home, you can't afford to retire, you're in crippling student loan debt, oh yeah and you can't afford to have kids, and the planet's cooked.

This post obviously was not written by someone born after 1982 let's be real. It's easy to have the OP's perspective when you aren't facing the same predicaments as younger generations. Not all of us could buy a house on minimum wage or whatever USB was paying in 1998.

Funny how everyone assumes old. I can only speak for my own social circle and family but as an old millennial guy (or I guess young gen x) , there are a lot of us that have benefited from a pretty healthy job market and stock market.

I've got three friends from college who recently retired after layoffs. I can't say US Bank has set me up to be exactly the same, but if we're being honest they've compensated me just fine. That's one thing I won't complain about with this company. 14 years in and I'm on track to retire by 55 and I've never been higher than grade 13 here.

Appreciate the time this poster took to share. I've spent 20 years in the industry and I watch the split between this message and the "old loyal" and "boomer" comments play out all the time. Whether you stick it out at one company or go somewhere else (I left USB 5 years ago), whether you're high up the corporate ladder or just starting, the principle is the same and it's simple. If you want to create impact and be rewarded for it over time, be committed to showing up, working hard, adapting to change, and pursue what is right at each decision point. Sure, call out what is wrong, but take some ownership and get things done that move the business forward. If you can't do that, go somewhere else - this is one of the most freeing things you can do.

He/She could be a boomer. Or a GenX that saved their money and invested it in the stock market.

Thank you! Have a great retirement

Out of touch old loyal worker lol

OK, Boomer.

Sage advice—thank you for your reflections. Wishing you all the best in retirement.

Thread regarding U.S. Bank layoffs

Setting the Stage

14 replies (most recent on top)

Post a reply