Work stuff

[cjsmith]

I actually found my boss's boss yesterday and volunteered for the layoffs. That was a bit of a gamble, I know, but I think I did the right thing. Managers in my division are going to be fighting tooth and nail to try to keep people. At least when someone volunteers, there is a little wiggle room. So I think I'll get let go...

...just wish they'd GET AROUND TO IT...

hmm. Presuming for some odd reason that layoffs will be on a Wednesday, I have at least one more week to finish this chunk of software. I'd like to leave it finished. Y'know, just in case they don't shut down my whole product line.

Comments

[joedecker.livejournal.com]

How did he or she react? I could imagine that being kinda stressful...

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I was a bit nervous, yeah. How exactly do you bring up "please get rid of me"? I especially didn't want to give the impression that I didn't like working for him, or didn't like the people, or was angry. The people are the best thing about this job. I've just been here too long, is all, and gotten tired of the way some things are run at the upper levels.

He was quite surprised. He said people had been coming by saying they would do this-or-that if only they could keep their jobs, but that no one had come by and said they wouldn't mind being let go. But he seemed to understand. I mentioned the fact that Rob isn't working right now and we could have some time together. Figured that was a good card to play, a normal predictable thing to want. And he did nod in understanding when I said it.

He also disclaimed all ability to make any decisions. I don't believe him for a second; I think he that though someone else will have the final say, this guy will have a lot of influence in the process, almost certainly enough to get me laid off. But I can see why he would say he's not the decision-maker. He kinda has to say that.

[joedecker.livejournal.com]

He also disclaimed all ability to make any decisions. I don't believe him for a second; I think he that though someone else will have the final say, this guy will have a lot of influence in the process, almost certainly enough to get me laid
off. But I can see why he would say he's not the decision-maker. He kinda has to say that.

True--I almost here his comment as "I can't promise you anything."

But there is almost a sense of ... well, what's the metaphor. At an execution, twelve riflemen, 11 blanks, one live
bullet?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Yes, those are two very good reasons why he "has to" say he isn't making the decision, whether or not he really is.

[joedecker.livejournal.com]

And I can't believe I wrote "hear" as "here". Need coffee....

[gs.livejournal.com]

...or should that be "knead" coffee?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Need coffee....

Naaaah, you're just upset because you missed Mary ripping her clothes off. Completely understandable.

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

Yeah, he's never been around when I've ripped my clothes off before . . . ;)

[oddhack.livejournal.com]

What I've observed through our many rounds of layoffs over the last 5 years is that high performers are more likely to want to get laid off for the package, since it's relatively easy for them to find another job - but they are exactly the people management wants to keep. I and several of my coworkers volunteered to take pay cuts as an alternative to more layoffs last time, not that anyone paid attention to us.

Not sure why I'm still here, really. Inertia more than anything else. I can't call my options "golden handcuffs" when they've been far underwater for almost the entire time and are likely to remain so.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

What I've observed through our many rounds of layoffs over the last 5 years is that high performers are more likely to want to get laid off for the package, since it's relatively easy for them to find another job - but they are exactly the people management wants to keep.

Hmm, good point. I guess I had fallen out of the habit of thinking of myself as a good performer. I've been unmotivated lately and I have presumed that it has affected my performance.

I'm not hugely confident of finding another job, but I could really stand to have some time off anyhow. Perhaps by next summer, when I expect to run out of money, there will be a job or two out there... [major wishful thinking alert]

Not sure why I'm still here, really. Inertia more than anything else. I can't call my options "golden handcuffs" when they've been far underwater for almost the entire time and are likely to remain so.

Same with mine! Ah, the joys of going through a Valley bust.