Thread regarding IBM layoffs

Jesus... I'd go get a job ASAP. IBM will suck life out of you without giving you anything beyond the regular pay - why would you do that? You are in a super hot area, just go and work somewhere else, they will pay you well as you come in but those pay increases are stupid.

Hello @2ykc and @4xzh - I am the original poster. I appreciate the feedback and good points. I think I'll stay quiet for now as one of my favorite mentors just left IBM and indicated that she may need help at her new place once things stabilize.

I am thinking that my best bet is to wait, see what happens with the mentor and jump the ship if the opportunity arises (she's a rock solid operator, great mentor and the company is very stable).

Again, I appreciate all the feedback!

First things First - Update your Resume ! Then circulate it to see what you are really worth on the open market. Armed with that information, then have a one on one with your manager about your concerns. If the conversation with your manager is successful then you have what you want. If the meeting with your manager is not successful, then you should be prepared to leave if the right opportunity presents itself because you may be labelled a "disgruntled employee". In addition, you must keep in mind that IBM is not a long term employer! You are evaluated and ranked on a quarter to quarter basis. Every IBM employee has an expiration date on his/her head. It really is just a matter of time before every employee's number comes up. It is simply the IBM way. Good Luck !

Let's be analytical here. You seem to indicate that you are worth much more on the open market than IBM is paying you. If that is the case, jump ship. Not only might another organization pay better, but the atmosphere might also be better.

I was laid off early last year, but I found another job quickly that paid better and was far more interesting. Do not make staying or leaving IBM into an emotional decision. For myself, although I wish I had not been laid off, it was definitely a blessing in disguise. It taught me that the internal IBM shenanigans need not be tolerated. Vote with your feet and a clear head.

One other side note -- IBM is running an experiment on your group, as it is on all IBM units: keep squeezing to keep the costs down. IBM is more than willing to risk squeezing too hard, rather than "chancing" on not squeeing hard enough. Maybe they think they can backtrack some, I don't know ...

By the way, you were lucky. I fought for six years in your same boat, no managers can do or did anything except gave me a layoff notice.

I would not talk to HR, they are here for escalating things that have legal ramifications, you do not fall into this category. Do not go around your manager (yet) - go straight to him, and spill it out - say what the issues are, if you can break it down into a category or two, the better.

Try to support it with numbers, this is the key, cannot argue with numbers if prepared/presented well. If that fails, ask him if escalating one level up would make sense, you have a 50/50 chance here, if he says yes, to up and do the same thing. if he says no, ask him what he suggests to alleviate this issue and how to follow up if his plan is working. time-box his plan, and in a week, two or three, follow up with him and do a touch-base. if that does not work out, he should escalate up together with you.

Your skills are in high demand - I would consider leaving IBM, the issues you describe are by design and help our margins. I will not get better