I was the highest paid on my team, had several years of only 4s and 5s on reviews, and had six years service, and I'm hearing from tens of others throughout Palo Alto where people with long experience and high pay that they were let go. Some of the most talented people I know.
It's shortsighted on very many levels, but hopefully for those leaving it is a gateway to better things. Let's go build great products and spread the best of what we learned.
The cuts were made to a budget number. Managers had to find enough people to come in under their target. They could do that however they felt worked.
Ironically in the past previous RIF victims, er, employees, were hired back at significant increases in pay.
There are companies that don't want to touch laid off employees as if they suffer from some contagious disease. VMWare is one of them.
Hate to be harsh. But if u don't see today at least 4 years back. Ur 4 and 5s don't mean jack. U should have take a few 3s and spent the extra time and effort on getting a job at places where there is more money and real future. Everyone needs vision. U don't have to be Steve jobs. But being able to see clearly what's written on the wall is basic requirement
Any managers that can comment on how they were asked to prioritize the decision making?
Fully agree. I have lost a team lead who is been with the company a total of 8 years (through acquisition) and not only was a good people manager but also a true tech SME in the product area, including customer facing projects, pitfalls and successes. Unfortunately, "business realignment" in the corporate speak (especially before quarterly results announcements) usually means cuts across the board of those who are less politically aligned with the chosen directions.