Let's see, I was planning on retiring in the next couple years anyways so not only did I get paid for my retirement but RJ also said they wouldn't object to claiming unemployment so I have been collecting both state and federal unemployment this entire time. I worked within the system for over 40 years so I am going to claim whatever is available to me. I feel sad for my former teammates having to pick up the slack and having to learn things that could have easily been turned over in a transition. Remember not my choice. This was all Paul, Bella and Vin. I speak to some still around and there is no longer any loyalty, just a big paycheck. I remember the days when I had my laptop connected at night, weekends and even vacation just to check on things. Those still left rarely do this (that I am aware of). Don't get me wrong, I feel for those a bit younger than me that have been hurt by this as well as those still holding the pieces. Just remember to thank those that made this happen.
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I just looked at the RJ career site and see over 300 postings including many in IT and Operations. I for one would never go back. I landed a job making about 10% less than I was at RJ but it was worth it to get away from the pressure cooker that RJ was and still is. I hear from folks still at RJ every other week or so and nothing has changed. Atmosphere is so bad. They are happy they are working from home and collecting a check but that's about it.
From time to time I check the RJ careers page and see that there are hundreds of open positions. More than once I have wondered if the lay offs were necessary. Some months ago I applied for a job similar to the one I had but after some time I received an email saying I was no longer considered for the position. My assumption is that RJ is not interested in re-hiring laid off employees.
I had to look for myself on the RJ career site and there are 382 open positions. I think most of us that were let go wouldn't think of going back but it certainly would have been appreciated if RJ had reached out. I have zero respect for this company.
I agree with the comments here. Also, why didn't they offer early retirement packages or/and furloughs? I have also been collecting unemployment and using some of my rainy day savings. Didn't expect for this to be a storm for me and not just a rainy day!
Some people have found jobs, some have retired, some like me still looking for a job. After the lay offs I realized that my skills were "old", I have tried to learn a few more things but I feel that there is still the issue of not having several years of working experience with the newer applications or methodologies, plus my age is not helping ( I am 58 yo.). I have applied for different types of jobs but so far I have not been able to get a job. I have to say that I would return to RJ if the opportunity comes.
Nowadays I try to take life easier and trying to enjoy my so far long term "vacations" in the hopes that that all of us still looking for jobs get a good one soon!
I can't agree more. Paul deserves the thanks and wrath of everyone he has impacted. There never was a reason to let 550 people go. There are currently 332 open positions on the RJ website. Why couldn't Paul have directed his team to reach out and at least contact every person let go. I would be a bit more respectful of the man if he did this. I for one would not go back. Maybe they are afraid of how many would decline.