Thread regarding VMware layoffs

Guess what, it's exactly the same wherever you go. But sure, go ahead and follow your passion. lol.

Every job in tech is the same, who knew!

Words of wisdom

AI will certainly be replacing you

Your writing software to a spec someone else defines. Guess what, it's exactly the same wherever you go. But sure, go ahead and follow your passion. lol.

Found a boomer... Believe it or not, there is work out there that require more than coin operated drones on autopilot.

In fact, there is work at VMware that require actual thinking/research. But it will be axed by Broadcom since funding new product development is not their thing.

But I don't see anyone talking about passion or anything like that. It's not difficult to understand how an extended stay at Broadcom will negatively affect early/mid-career engineers trying to build his/her career. 

Senior engineers willing to settle for maintenance focused work aren't the sort of ppl younger engineers will want to build long term professional relationships with. That can't be difficult to understand even for Broadcom drones...

"For everyone who isn't hoping to retire at AVGO within 12 months, think of your future. This is at the top of my list of reasons why I want my severance, and will gladly leave."

You guys are fu--ing hilarious. Talking like you're out here changing the world. Your writing software to a spec someone else defines. Guess what, it's exactly the same wherever you go. But sure, go ahead and follow your passion. lol.

"Setting aside whatever pains I will end up having to deal with, having Broadcom on my resume will be a liability rather than a positive."

For everyone who isn't hoping to retire at AVGO within 12 months, think of your future. This is at the top of my list of reasons why I want my severance, and will gladly leave.

Engineering Manager here, said this >> "Here it is safer to be in a 'boring' product that is well entrenched with the customer base."

Maybe you find this sentence acceptable. But imagine placing this sentence in a Broadcom Software recruitment job description. Do you see why this does not appeal to someone with current tech skills, or someone younger who isn't ready to retire-in-place?

The reason why so many of us prefer a severance package is precisely for this reason.

"We got acquired by a very well managed, powerhouse of a company that has made commitments to invest and grow VMware. So much so that they will make VMware the flagship name for the Software business of the combined company."

Look, you seem like a very nice and pleasant person. But I just don't believe, as you do, that the words "invest and grow" have any place in the Broadcom Software vocabulary.

I believe that it is "as bad as we make it out to be." That's why I'll take the severance.

But since VMW BUs are not making their SaaS target, then most should expect layoffs?

Winner winner chicken dinner!

“Show me the money or I show you the door”

"Your probability of layoff will be in proportion to how much from the target the BU is. Everything is numbers."

Makes sense, based on what we know about the AVGO culture. So, if personal performance doesn't matter, then we just avoid being in an under-performing BU.

But since VMW BUs are not making their SaaS target, then most should expect layoffs?

Also, I think layoff and severance is hardly the worst thing that can happen to you. In fact it probably cam lead to better things for everyone as long as they put in some work

Check your privilege you cöck

They achieved their vicious reputation how ?

By being merciless PE ba----ds.

Look for the most obvious explanations of what will happen based on past experience and stop with “hope”

1. I

Engineering Manager here.

Pay attention to your quarterly BU targets in the all hands. Your probability of layoff will be in proportion to how much from the target the BU is. Everything is numbers.
Back in CA or (SYMC), we had immunity for next generation "startup within enterprise" products with weak revenue. Here it is safer to be in a "boring" product that is well entrenched with the customer base.

Your manager will stack rank the team. I assume this has visibility to HR layer for a potential layoff list. None has happened in my team so far over the past years, although I have provided the list few times.

"While it is prudent to be prepared for anything, I think too many people are so assured that the "worst" is guaranteed 100%."

The AVGO history of acquisitions has provided the 100% worst scenario. They have only one playbook that they follow, the Private Equity model of cost-cutting via headcount reduction. Once they've completed that task, there is no new product development or other meaningful growth strategy. That's when they turn to raising their prices across the board. So, isn't it prudent to face reality, avoid denial, and seek a better environment?

We've lived in a protective bubble for the last 18 months, it just got popped.

I'm not scared of being laid off - the last time it happened to me was the biggest and best pivot in my career.

You’re right, it’ll be much worse!

Hock asked me to pass on his thanks and your wire will be in your account on Monday.

Opp thank you for this. Let's remember to all be civil.

Maximum hopium... There is no need to guess what Broadcom's plans are for us; read their investor presentations from over a year ago. It lays out exactly why they've acquired us and it doesn't take a genius to see how they will get there.

As for my own situation, I am not banking on being able to cash out on much of what my Broadcom offer includes on the variable side.

Setting aside whatever pains I will end up having to deal with, having Broadcom on my resume will be a liability rather than a positive. If you are near the end of your career and care only about making some extra cash before retiring, Broadcom may not be a bad choice. That is not me.

Looks like we've jumped to the "bargaining" (or perhaps "acceptance"?) stage of grief, I see.

Are you me? This is totally what I am thinking. It makes sense to take things in a positive light. No matter who would have acquired us, layoffs were certain. No point blaming Broadcom for it.

I appreciate your post. You are going to get downvoted hard. No positivity is allowed here. Be prepared to be called Broadcom HR.