October, November, beginning of the next year. There will be nothing but layoffs all the time. I’m among those who would prefer to keep their job, at least for now. I haven’t had much time or the energy in the past few months to spend on job search. Looking for another job is more like another job. And when life deals you a lot of trouble and obligations, and a lot of actual work to do, then you don’t have much time to dedicate to anything beyond what you already have on a plate. But I definitely have hungry mouths and hungry banks to feed. So how to deal with anticipation and anxiety that never ends?
12 replies (most recent on top)
Dell has gone through business cycles before. We'll restructure and rebound, so the sinking ship feeling while unpleasant is unlikely to manifest itself as a dire outcome. As for dealing with the string of layoffs, can't do much except stay and wait or leave.
Is someone really advocating dealing with getting laid off by using a line of credit from one’s bank? I hope nobody takes this stupid advice. Deliver pizzas or drive Uber before doing something this id--tic.
I totally understand how you’re feeling. I feel like there is not a day and certainly not a week that goes by that I don’t think about when I will be laid off. It’s not a matter of if i will be, it’s a matter of when I will be. If I get a calendar invite for the week layoffs are happening, I get paranoid. If my manager pings me out of no where and says, “you got a minute to talk” I’m subconsciously thinking this must be the call. The work moral is not good. I still try my best to be optimistic, but I would definitely recommend having your resume updated and keeping your eyes out for any job openings that peek your interest. Maybe network outside of Dell and keep in contact with anyone who may be able to help you find a new opportunity.
rule #1 we know is have 6 months + emergency fund, and these days it should be closer to 12 months Get this is easy to say and not so easy to do unless one either starts it slowly and stays vigilant or has others means to cover job loss And no doubt we’ve all heard the best time to find a job is when you have one, so if you’re concerned make it your job to look for one or ride out the potential consequences
I didn't know Dell owned land and buildings. I always thought Dell leased a lot of them. I've heard a lot of offices were shuttered during the pandemic by breaking their leases. You could say that when things got back to normal, just sign a new lease. Major cities with plenty of office space is dealing with lack of tenants. Find out who owns these large buildings then you will understand where the push is coming from. Again, I didn't think Dell owned these buildings but I could be wrong.
I get the sinking ship comment. We've had layoffs for a few years now. Then again, sales from the past few years were great even though we were letting people go! People in other companies were also hiring like crazy. The good times just seemed to stop this year. I wish I knew the actual plan from Dell. People will say it's a certain headcount. I think that is part of it but there has to be more for pete's sake.
As for first class passengers,I don't know how you define first class passengers. I've seen first class brilliant people get cut. I've seen people that i've known for years blow it out of the park on performance just dropped. There was no reason in my mind.
No offense but this didn't just spring up. Dell has been a sinking ship for the last 2-3 years.
Even the "good" years weren't really that good. The obvious sign was when they started selling off land and buildings. Literally screams zero growth expected.
@OP+1uPMK6iN All in the one sinking ship im afraid.
Only the first class passengers survive.
The rest of to just live in hope.
Let's be positive as much as we can here. This original post can be applied to anyone going through this.
For those who feel they aren't in danger, please consider saving as much as you can. It's not just Dell but all companies can come out with a WFR.
As much as you can, I feel the aftermath of a layoff needs to be discussed. Hopefully, you've got some some sort of next egg. Talk to your bank about a line of credit. Put off any large purchases unless absolutely necessary. Can your family help with finances.
Some of these points may seem obvious but I had one friend that I discussed these points with and even though he was in danger of getting laid off, he was going to do a few large purchases. It is surprising after talking with that person, those large purchases were put on hold. So far, the person has not been laid off but it's just a precautionary measure.
Everyone has a different situation. I hear what you are saying about your situation. Unfortunately, you will need to make an assessment based on what is happening to your specific work situation. Are things not going well in your group? Have you talked to your Manager just to get a reading on what is going on(yes, a lot of people will ridicule me on this one)?
No one can give you magic advice. Talk with your family, your friends, are you religious? Talk to your religious leader etc. I have a few friends that just listen to me. That can take the edge off.
I am going through it too. I've talked to my friends. I try and tell myself there are things I can control and things that I cannot. It doesn't always work. I've talked to my manager to get a read on what is happening. The manager will not always be able to give you the company's direction but, as much as people think otherwise, they are in the same boat.
I wish you and everyone on this thread peace and good luck.