Thread regarding IBM layoffs

Advice

I am not happy where I'm at, either personally or professionally...

(I think that) If I could solve either of these issues, the other would become tolerable.

Here's a bit of background:

  • I moved to a new location in the US after college and have been here for almost 3 years.

  • I've failed to accomplish my personal goals while moving here, and because of this, I've grown home sick and it's starting to affect my work, so I'm looking for a change.

  • My goal would be to do one of the following:

    • Switch to full remote so I can keep my job, and move back closer to family (there are full time remote workers in my org)
    • Move to a new position within IBM
    • Move to another IBM location to start fresh.

My concern is 2 years ago I had a bad PBC rating (3), I improved to a (2) this past year, will that 3 come back to haunt me if I decide to try and approach my manager for a change?

What would be the best way to approach my manager on this topic?

If I tell my manager my concerns, will it affect my employment (potentially get a bad review since I'm struggling / not happy, or other possibilities)?

What are your thoughts?

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| 1146 views | | 5 replies (last May 16, 2016) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+HmRUAs4

5 replies (most recent on top)

I'm in GBS so hopefully this applies to your job role.

The first thing is that your PBC 3 is a negative blip, but it's not a 4, and it's not recurring. It probably won't be held against you, since you've rectified the issue and have shown (2 years) consistency.

The second thing is that for transfers to other facilities, they often look for 2+ and 1 PBCs. 2 might work, but from what I hear it's not really what they're looking for.

The third thing is your SAM is there to help you. Think of them like HR with your best interests in mind.

They want you happy, they want you growing, and they want you to stay at IBM. They have the tools and information to help do that. Use them! When I asked about a new job role I got bombarded with certifications and information as to how to not only do it, but excel in the new role ASAP. Finding that information on my own would have been tough.

So let's address your questions:

a-- Switch to full remote so I can keep my job, and move back closer to family (there are full time remote workers in my org)

Remote jobs exist. As explained below, there's a "Work Remotely" tab in Project Marketplace.

I also find sometimes it just happens that way. I've always found it easier to prove yourself on a project first, then ask for remote work. It's harder to ask for remote work when the manager doesn't know your skills/work ethic.

b-- Move to a new position within IBM

Very easy. Are you familiar with Professional Marketplace? Find a new project that suits your needs and skill sets (and maybe even your growth area if you have some training/Think40 done). Once you get accepted, make sure to communicate between both Project Managers to let you know you're moving (or working part-time instead of full-time on that project) so that they can fill any gaps in their own schedule.

Getting a new project with your current skills isn't too bad. Getting a new project with growth skills, or a job 2 band levels above you, can be a bit trickier, but I know people who have done it.

c-- Move to another IBM location to start fresh.

This one will probably require a 2+, or a project that really needs someone with your skills. You're not going to be able to easily move if you're just going to be on the bench in a new location, but applying for jobs at other sites and making it clear that (paid) relocation is agreeable to you might get you some extra consideration.

There are also "traveling" positions. I know a guy who spent 6 months getting daily per-diem and living out of a hotel, because he wouldn't relocate and his project needed him. Eventually he just relocated, but it was a great deal in the mean time.

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Post ID: @4xqe+HmRUAs4

I've been working from home for IBM for many years and you need three things: a job that can be performed completely remotely, a manager who believes you can handle it, and an organization that supports (or at least doesn't actively prohibit) remote workers. All you can do is ask.

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Post ID: @3vpq+HmRUAs4

Read the posts here, on the Watching IBM facebook page, and on glassdoor.com. This is a very hostile, unhappy place to work (anywhere in IBM, even work from home). It's extremely toxic. Check the recently released list of 50 best places to work (happiest employees) and start with that list. You will never find IBM on any of those lists. There's a reason for that. IBM is working very hard to jettison US workers, why would you sign up for that?

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Post ID: @1yej+HmRUAs4

I think you are looking in the wrong place for objective / constructive advice. Try talking with some of your more experienced co-workers. You might also want to review current job postings to see if there are jobs you believe you are qualified for that fit the bill in terms of location or mobile work.

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Post ID: @1rbw+HmRUAs4

Believe me when I tell you this, your manager does not care anything about your concerns or state of being. IBM only cares about IBM and acts only in its own self-interest. Your well being doesn't qualify. For all intents and purposes, although you have almost 3 years with IBM, you are just starting out. You have not made the mistake of staying too long, like many, including myself. If you know what is important to you and it sounds like you do, then you should pursue you goal of getting back close to your family and friends. You listed 3 options but I think you really considering looking outside of IBM. With IBM experience now listed on your resume, you may find the job opportunities available today are quite different than they were 3 years ago.

Don't get caught in a rut, be true to yourself and go for it.

Good Luck !

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Post ID: @1ozn+HmRUAs4

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