Retiring (not by choice) after 23 years under the big top
All in all Intel was good to me over the years. The last few years were horrible - let’s not minimize that. But what do you expect, Intel recruits from the human race so there is a lot of imperfections along with some really great stuff in that gene pool.
I've met good people and made good friends. Met a few real dopes too, but too few to bother renting them space in my head as I move on.
I worked hard and got to travel the world on Intel’s dime. Thanks for that.
For those of you left behind I'll add some value if I can:
Full disclosure - I have worked for two fortune 50 companies and both layed me off after 11 and 23 years. It’s the chance you take. Big is not always better.
Stay positive at all times and even in depressing times look for that silver lining.
Have a plan B. If you are over 50, create your plan B NOW. Your days are numbered.
Have a financial plan and stick to it.
Max out every investment you can.
Find a good manager, perhaps the key to success at Intel. Run, don’t walk away from incompetent or selfish managers. Take a lateral move, volunteer for a special assignment, ask to be put back to your old job, take a demotion, anything to get away from loser managers, they will pull you down to their level and beat you with stupid and destroy whatever career you have worked hard for. They will scape goat you for their inadequacies. Trust me on this.
Manage your stress - happiness is not possible if you lose your heath
When it’s time to leave a job, then leave. Don't linger where you are not productive or not wanted, those days are gone at Intel.
Treat co-workers with the polite respect and expect good service from everyone at Intel, but at the same time and to the extent possible, avoid those that give you less in return. Send an unsolicited 360 or email to their manager if they give you consistently bad service.
Be proactive rather than reactive whenever possible when it comes to your career.
Get a second opinion on everything, medical, financial, career decisions, etc.
HR works for management, not for you.
Truth be told, there a lot of ambitious people at Intel and some even have brains and talent, but most have personality disorders. It may take years for it to manifest itself, but with the excessive amount of re-orgs at Intel, they can stay under the radar and disrupt and destroy people for a long time. They thrive on chaos. (See find a good manager above)
Enjoy the ride and when the rides over move on and don’t look back.
Cheers all!