Thread regarding Ford layoffs

@rjf+1rj8G4O1: My perspective is very similar to yours. One advantage of being management is that you have a lower risk of getting cut. Ford does not respect technical talent. For example, I was the only one on my team that didn't have direct reports, so I was viewed as the one with the lowest workload because I didn't manage people. So you are at a higher risk for layoff. I was able to avoid it for many years but it finally got me in the end. Fortunately, I was there long enough to leave with a good pension.

''It's a business relationship, nothing more or nothing less. Get your paycheck''

Very true and it's unfortunate because there was a time when I felt different. The last 2 round of cuts destroyed any pride I had left in this place.

As someone who was SIRPe'd, and now thriving in another job in a totally different industry, my advice is to look out for your own best interest. There is no "loyalty" within any company, they keep you as long as they see fit. Do your job well but always look to see if the situation is to your and your family's benefit. Use Ford/any company, like they use you. It's a business relationship, nothing more or nothing less. Get your paycheck.

I was a LL6/LL5 for 20 years. When Ford got rid of me under “SMART Redesign” I was too young to retire but it was an unforeseen blessing. The best part of my career was being a GSR8. Good pay, got paid for every hour of overtime I put in, great teammates, more horizontal developmental move opportunities, the people above me had the real responsibility for the entire department running on multiple shifts, didn’t have to deal with the politics, budget cuts, headcount reductions, others performance reviews, and I had a lot better work life balance. I loved my teammates as a manager but I sacrificed a lot by having to put Ford priorities over my family priorities (holidays, weekends, etc.) in order to keep operations running. Also don’t judge your satisfaction on how high you go within the company. There are leaders at each level and there is more to life. It took me 30 years to realize that and the SMART redesign allowed me to get my life back with a better company, better working conditions, better morale, and with good pay. Learn from me. :0)

Ford pensions & retiree insurance back in the conversation and on the negotiating table in 2028.

Just get you paychecks and enjoy
You dont have to care for a company that doesnt care for employees

The statement about being LL5 by 35 is silly. SG7 is actually a career level position with enough range of challenge and pay scale. There is more to life than titles and money. Take a breath and spend time with your kids. You’ll be happier and probably live longer.

I have been working from home since 2010. No one really cares what you do at Ford. My boss have no idea if I am there or not. It's just a job and it pays the bills. I have my side jobs too. Now I am ready to retire from this place. 25 years is enough. Goodbye my friend.

I don't want to be a manager, since I am not good with office politics or people. I am too honest and straighforward to hold any manager position. I do love technical challenges, and I am good at troubleshooting. Why would I want to change that for dealing with people, particularly at Ford, where there are many clueless FnF employees that I won't be able to rid of them? There is nothing wrong with not being a manager, and at least I know and acknowledge my "weaknesses" and stay true to my preferences.