I’ve been with TIAA for years. It doesn't even resemble itself from the time I came onboard. This past year in particular has been tense and stressful. I also don’t see a particularly bright future ahead. I already started looking for another job. It’s true, the job market is tight, but there are other opportunities. They may not be great, but I need change.
11 replies (most recent on top)
I'm just incredibly burnt out
The retirement match is a no-brainer, but it depends on your job, career, and life goals. Some companies offer stock options, stock as part of your year-end bonus, or allow you to buy shares at a lower price than the current market rate. These options might have a better long-term value.
Now, let’s talk about the Region-Beta Paradox. This seems to apply more to older workers than Gen Z. It basically says that it’s better if things are worse because you’ll take action. If things are just kinda bad, you’ll just suffer through them. That’s what you’re saying, right? You don’t win life by having the most money at retirement. If you can be happier somewhere else and do what you want to do, it makes way more sense to leave. There’s no reason to suffer just to make your retirement account a bit bigger when you’re 65.
There are many of us who can’t get anything done because we can’t get people or funding to do what we need to do. At some point, it makes sense to figure out what you’re living for and if you’re not being able to accomplish anything at work is really it.
Don’t make a rash decision a few months before bonus just because of a retirement contribution. Sticking it out for the paycheck isn’t enough in my opinion to stick around forever.
Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. I've been here for over 3 decades, yes decades, and of course things have changed and will continue to change. Is it the same place as when I started? Of course not. Things change and life goes on. If I quit tomorrow thinking "i'll show them", they'd forget my name by Monday. Quitting to live out some revenge fantasy will not benefit you in any way 'cuz after about 24 hours you'll be saying "what the heck did I do". No company is going to give you double digit retirement contributions with you not having to put in a penny. And then match you 3% on top of that. Plus a very very generous amount of vacation just to name a few benefits. You won't find that out in the market place today....no way, no way no way. So unless you're so miserable that you are literally crying at your desk, stop and think before you make the decision to leave. I've stopped attending any and all EC town halls, stay in the knows, and any other calls I am not required to be on to do my job. I enjoy talking to my coworkers/friends, going to lunch with them and complaining to each other when we need to vent. But heck no I am not giving up my paycheck and great benefits because some high up said something that made my blood boil. I now have the attitude that there's no way I'm giving them the satisfaction of me quitting. Stop losing sleep over what's going on at the top because it's out of your control. Hope this advice from a long time employee prevents someone from making a bad decision and if you do decide to leave, I hope you find happiness in your next role.
The culture there has severely degraded. As sheltered as my team tried to be from the toxicity at the EC level, it flows downhill. I was part of the layoffs earlier this year, but still am very close to a lot of people who have stayed around.
There is little to no value in the people. The culture has swung to those of other financials that myself and others avoided because of how toxic they are. Many are beat down, spread too thin, and unappreciated. They may be appreciated by their manager and maybe a level or 2 up, but they’ve lost the power to really show it.
I was hurt and upset when I was laid off. Although I had already been looking after the sc--wing I took on year end comp, but decided to stick around and give it another shot. Even with T gaslighting us at that Town Hall early in the year. Had been there for over a decade. Was willing to go back after my severance period ended. But hearing what my old team has had to endure and continuing to endure, I think I’ll stay where I landed.
For those of you still there, I wish you luck. I hope the culture gets straightened out. And hopefully not everyone gets outsourced to Accenture.
Am I the only person whose job isn't effected by the EC's personality? We'd love a humble or sincere executive team, but honestly it doesn't impact my job. Roger and his cronies had much bigger layoffs so it's not like I have less job protection now then before.
My team's culture is fine. The executives don't control culture. They like to tell you they do, but WE control it.
So if you think the company is toxic, you need to look at your manager and yourself more than the executives.
The new leadership has created and encouraged the toxicity. When I started with this organization years ago the culture was vastly different, it is clear, the company no longer values their associates and needs to revamp their values to exclude “value our associates”.
This isn’t an airport. There’s no need to announce your departures.
16 weeks until comp. I’m going to resign after. They want it anyhow they need to reduce headcount.
But if you ask the brown nosers and corporate shills on this site they’ll tell you that this type of culture is expected and you’ve apparently never worked for a company before. The Stockholm Syndrome is real for some and you’ll never convince them otherwise. Hail T!
I've decided I'm leaving in March after 9 years and it's the only thing keeping me going
Many people are in the same position. TIAA’s culture is trash right now. We are all exhausted by the toxicity and the “look at me” leadership style that is in place throughout the management ranks. You would think we would have record breaking profits based on the intranet articles and LinkedIn posts.
Stay patient as the right opportunities will open up. Also, my gut tells me change at the top will happen soon as we can’t afford to keep losing billions in operating losses.