A lot seems to be happening, but there’s still no clear picture of how bad it’s going to get or who’s most at risk. HP feels completely directionless, and while I wouldn’t mind leaving or even being let go, the job market, especially for us, is awful right now. So yeah, I’m worried. The money has to come from somewhere.
9 replies (most recent on top)
"CWs don’t have 401k."
Yes, we do. My agency sets them up as a default deduction at 3%. You have to jump through hoops to get them to stop that and undo the deductions. They rarely do any matching funds, but some agencies do.
CWs don’t have 401k. We are too poor and can only afford to live in apartments.
To add on to poster below:
IF you are convinced you are about to be laid off..contact payroll and discontinue your 401k deductions. You may need those extra dollars..(and) if your SEVERANCE is paid out over time..vs lump sum they may (at least in my case) continue to deduct those 401k $ ..at a time when you need the extra money. Just a suggestion
Numbering scheme on post below is off. LOL
But points are well taken.
@OP
Understand the angst. It can be overwhelming to look for a job.
I agree with everyone that said to start looking now. Also agree that it is much easier (ironically) to find a new job when you are still working.
When I was first laid off in 2001..it was a shock, not only to the company but also our industry. I mention this because within 10 weeks I was engaged on a contract as a self-employed consultant. (Not thru an agency).
Why? Someone in my network needed my skills (and years of experience)..but couldn't get a req signed. Be willing to be flexible though as these days agencies are more common..Beware of agencies that intentionally try to low ball offers.
My point is, in 25 years my network has never failed me.
1) Update your LinkedIn profile (and your CV).
2) Flip the switch in LinkedIn (that ONLY recruiters can see) that indicates you are looking. They will start to reach out.
4) Apply for jobs directly at the company you want to work for ..in the CompanyA.com/careers section. (IMHO the 'Indeeds' / Careers.com are just aggregators)...I would not use them..your CV/Resume will get lost in haze of millions (also lots of fraudulent posts on those sites). It is safer to go direct.
3) Immediately start working your network. Grab lunch with an old friend, mention to friends, relatives, neighbors ..anyone that you know, that you want to move on.
First priority..get CV/LinkedIn profile updated now (so you have it to send out asap).
Then start working your network!
Btw..everyone should be networking as part of their workweek..even if you are not actively looking..just reach out to an old friend/colleague.
Yes, the IT job market is in the toilet. And someone's "HP skillset" won't help AT ALL since there's no demand for it outside of HP.
Yes I understand the market is cr*p. But OP is acting like they can't search or interview for a new company and sign a new job offer while still working at HP. I don't understand their hesitancy. Why should that prevent someone from leaving? If you play your cards right, you can start working immediately after your final day with HP. The way I read OP's post was, "I still work for HP but I don't want to leave because the job market is bad despite still working." Okay then don't leave and don't worry about the job market or try to get a new job while still working, those are literally your two options. If you're still working, then the job market should be the least of your concern. Only people who are unemployed have to worry about this. Imagine someone with billions of dollars complaining about the house market and they don't want to move because they're afraid that they won't be able to buy a new home.
When I left HP in 2023, that was roughly when they started implementing their "unlimited PTO", so OP can really take advantage of that.
Wow someone has their head in the sand.
"I don’t see how the job market would inhibit your ability to leave."
My brother, the market is cr-p. Flooded with entry level folks fighting for pennies, driving down wages. Older, seasoned engineers fighting for that 200k against 5 India sl#ves who have half a brain and the other half is propped up AI.
This post is kind of nonsense, no disrespect to you, but it does sound like you’re making excuses. I agree with your sentiment.
I don’t see how the job market would inhibit your ability to leave. I would only be worried if you were recently let go from the company, but you’re not. You may not be able to leave as soon as you may want to but you can still look for a job while still working at HP.
Thankfully you’re still employed that still provides pretty generous benefits and ample pay. Many people who are in your industry likely don’t have that luxury and are amongst the hundreds of thousands who were laid off this year.
So start job searching. You may have missed your opportunity to leave at a more convincing time because new hires at various companies are very likely wrapping up interviews and their candidates are being selected to start for the new year.
HP is sinking fast. It’s better for you to try to get out ASAP than for the axe to come down. “Fly you fools,” as Gandalf would say.
You have a better chance of finding a new job while still employed than keeping your mental sanity by staying HP’s mundane PowerPoint creating job.
Many people will go on the end of year shutdown only to come back and find out that they lost their jobs. USA contract workers are at most risk.