For those who survived rounds of layoffs before, how did you do it or why do you think you made it?
16 replies (most recent on top)
It's pretty easy. Find the right combination of doing your job well, differentiating yourself from your peers, and networking. Don't chase PSG's. Don't over network and build relationships all the time so they are there when you need them. Don't be the one scheduling meeting with leaders or job owners during a PDC or ROM. Don't be the one lower looping and worrying about ROM's. (here I am on layoff LOL) Close to 3 decades here and when I look back, I kick myself for worrying as it's all turned into opportunities.
@cgd, basically true. To avoid age discrimination lawsuits, Chevron had to post the age, psg, and general position of those EOI'ing with the rest of us. Some 26's (CTC technical and management types, from the job descriptions), a couple 27's (managers on the outs), nothing higher than that. Pehaps the key point, most were age 60-70.
Is it really diversity if no white males are left other than the executives?
I wonder what is the highest PSG who eoi-d. I can think of heaps of 26s and 27s. Can’t think of any 28 or higher. They tend to become entrenched at that level.
Having seen quite a few "reorganizations", it used to be about your performance. Now it seems to be more about simply "falling in line and drinking (or appearing to) the Kool aide".
For whatever reason, every time I go through these, they keep me!
Don’t be a white male in your 50’s. Regardless of your performance it’s a major negative in today’s world. At least it was in the last round of layoffs.
Do your job
EOI is not always offered but if it is, there will be instructions on how anyone can get it. Do not tell anyone until the time comes. Anyone.
I have never known anyone denied an EOI. I am sure that it happens, but not with normal worker bees.
Some pro tips!
What about the flipside - how to successfully land EoI?
You will either be laid off as the lowest performer in your group or because you are cross threaded with the boss or her boss or because your entire group is getting cut. In all three cases you can plan well ahead to avoid this. By the time the layoff is near it is usually too late to change your fate.
Don’t stay in one job position for too long. A moving target is hard to hit.
Dont be the slowest runner
Start doing some "man time" after work.
Easy: 1) Be in an business unit that is making money (or is otherwise favored by top management), 2) Get your direct report to like you slightly better than the guy sitting next to you in an equivalent position (for whatever reason, and not necessarily because you are better at the job), or 3) Be cheaper than the guy sitting next to you in an equivalent position (lower grade), because competency does not count for much (but see #2).