I used to be enthusiastic about working here. It was a time when Ford valued the engagement and hard work of employees, their good ideas, and much more. That enthusiasm faded with time and today I have almost no passion for the job I used to love. I wonder if anyone still feels that former enthusiasm while working here?
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Please note, it may also be a consequence of the pandemic that you ask yourself the elementary question "what for?"
I do notice, however, that in the US the employee-employer relationship has become incredibly transactional.
- We have all seen that the gains are bagged by the few, so why put in effort?
- Bonuses at Ford aren't good and have become worse for anyone LL6 and under. That's depleting.
- Giving away your good ideas has almost guaranteed no benefit and the painful part is that you know that. Most likely your ideas wont go anywhere. And if they do you get a handshake.
- At Ford, too many engineers believe they will be LL6 one day and diligently work on that goal. So they behave like careerists. They wont exchange themselves with you, won't share, deprive you of information to not give you "the advantage".
- The company went through 5 changes in just a few years, and where is it all headed? No knows, so what for?
Unfortunately, as soon as you feel this way you should pack your stuff and absolutely go to a different company. These feelings towards your job and purpose will grow bigger and take your motivation one day. Leave MI if need be and discover what else there is. No one is going to miss you, don't worry.
Unless you are "pension", then you're screwed.
To OP: if you were in the growth areas of Ford's transformation, I doubt you would feel this way. I recommend getting into GDIA or software areas in Ford. There are openings posted. Why be down when if you have the proper data/software skills you can move into the company's exciting future areas?
A few years ago, I went from enthusiastic to not caring. Now I am just bored with all the meetings and nonsense tasks. It is starting to feel a tiny bit like not wanting to work here. I'll leave before it gets to the hating phase.
The thing for me is that I still love my work. But almost every interaction with management makes me feel like I just had major surgery and a root canal all at the same time. Luckily, my direct supervisor and my peers are great, and so after a few hours of smarting and wondering why management seems so clueless, I get back into the details of my work and can move past it....until the next inevitable interaction with management.
Ford is hierarchical. Always has been. But the hierarchy has become worse, not better, despite lip-service to the contrary.
I never thought I would get to this place but I am also hoping for the severance package. I wish we could know when to expect the next round of cuts.
I am with you 100 percent! I too have lost all enthusiasm for working here. If I was not so close to retirement I would leave. I am only hoping for a separation package now.