Would someone be able to give me some insight on what an IBM regular employee gets for health insurance? Also if you can compare a regular employee pay vs contractor pay, bonuses etc...
I've been a contractor that just got promoted to a fairly visible and high profile dpt/project and my manager told me I might be able to convert to a regular employee next year. Any help is appreciated
I'm a contractor with IBM and have been here for 16 years off and on...mostly on. I did get laid off a few times and then hired back into other positions. I used to love my job(s). But it's not fun right now. I am not busy. I'm sure I'll be laid off soon and can't wait for that to happen since I'm close to retirement anyway. But my days are spent sitting in my home, doing practically nothing, feeling out of touch and just wanting it to be over. I want to be out and find interesting things to do, see people, talk to nice people. But I won't quit, I need to make good money for as long as possible. If I am laid off, I can collect unemployment for as long as they'll let me before I can retire. Or I'll find another job for the interim. I truly can't wait to be gone.
I've found a mixed bag in terms of people. There seems to be a change in personalities or something. I've dealt with the rudest people this year! It's really taken all my control to not say the wrong things in reacting to the rudeness. I'm not sure what the issues are...but I feel like they are exhibiting "scared behavior". They are the ones who are "real employees" and they are nervous about their jobs. They are doing whatever they can to look good to their bosses so that they don't get laid off. So, if they can find fault with others...perhaps contractors...they can make themselves look better. Interesting times, that is for sure.
It is hard to say how your benefits as a contractor will compare to what you will get at IBM. Some contracting companies offer benefits and some do not, in my experience.
Some things to consider before making the jump;
1) What is the morale like on the team you will join? A lot depends on who manages the team and who the 2nd line manager is.
2) Do you live in a "strategic" location for the org you will join? If not, there is a good chance you'all be asked to move so you can work from the office at that strategic location.
3) IBM has been in a pattern of poor quarterly results and subsequent RAs. Do you want to be a permanent employee at a company that looks at you as a cost and as replaceable at any time? While it is true that IBM will jettison you as a contractor on a whim, it's not like you would miss out on any severance package. If you want a permanent position, then there are many better companies out there than IBM.
I work on a successful team of very dedicated and talented individuals but I'm in my "lame duck" period at IBM having accepted a position at another company. Why am I leaving? Because I'm tired of looking over my shoulder every quarter to see if I'm on an RA list. I've been a 1 and 2+ performer for the last 6 years and I keep my skills current. I shouldn't be worrying about the axe falling, but there is no rhyme or reason to IBM layoffs and personnel policies other than cutting costs. I also don't live in a strategic location, and regardless of how well I and my team perform, we're not immune to this silly policy. I refuse to move my family. IBM encouraged work from home for years and now, at the drop of a hat, are telling folks, "Move or be laid off."
Even if you have a great management chain, they are powerless to save you from executive stupidity, and at IBM there are a lot of directors, VPs, and other pointy haired executives, so the executive stupidity level is always very high. Do you really want to join this circus?
Morale depends a lot on the first line manager.
Health plans depend on plan availability in the zip code and there may be a range of plans from no frills high deductible with lower monthly costs for those expecting less health care to higher cost plans for those expecting more health needs.
Keep in mind that it's a horrendous place to work, extremely low morale, the company is failing, and you would probably then be laid off and replace by someone from a third world country (unless you are already someone from a third world country). Benefits are being stripped away all the time. Stay where you are, you'll be happier.