Thread regarding Dell Inc. layoffs

Not quite fifties but was laid off from DellEMC at the age of 46 a few years back after 10+ years with EMC. Wound up reenergizing my career. Resettled in the Boston tech orbit. Got hit by a Covid layoff earlier this year at one unicorn and was working again at another in a few weeks. I’d kept my skills current and also earned my MS on EMC’s (and later Dell’s dime).

Still writing software after all these years. Having a blast.

I was unable to work full time for a few years due to medical reasons after long term employment at EMC leaving just before the Dell acquisition. When I was recovered, I applied for a development software job I found on the Dell website and was rehired. I did not experience a hint of age discrimination in the hiring process and turned 60 during my first year on the job.

https://www.crn.com/news/data-center/insight-hires-dell-s-ex-channel-chief-mullen-for-dell-sales-blitz

I left a few weeks ago after I found a new role at General Motors in Austin. They are on a hiring spree again. Much better compensation. It's a big company too, that will have ebbs and flows, but not weekly layoffs. I'm 59. I didn't hate my job at Dell, but I know our team will be wiped out in the very near future. No reason to stick around for the ax to fall.

Many friends there are preparing for the next wave. Trust in their management has understandably tanked.

The best thing that I ever did for my own personal well being and sanity was to walk out of Round Rock 2 about 9 years ago. I’m grateful for the time I spent there, but my mental health was not worth it. For those that can leave while you can. Dell makes you feel like they are the only game in town, but guess what. They’re not.

I was laid off in the first wave after the Dell takeover (it was NOT a merger) after ~20 years with EMC. Good severance package back then, so I wasn't in a rush. I was in my mid 50's. Getting interviews was difficult and several times I interviewed with 30 year olds that were director level. I got to experience ageism firsthand and it is rampant. Overqualified is what I heard most. So I picked a national company with a local presence, good culture and reputation. I started over at the bottom with a entry level job, worked hard, got good reviews and made contacts in the IT department. Within a year, I was an IT director making much more than when I left and in a fantastic company that values experience. If they won't let you in the front door, go in the back door. And don't stop trying.

I want to add that in the Boston area, Dell (formerly EMC) does not have a good reputation at all. I liked my job and the people I worked with at Dell - but when I was out and about in the city of Boston - people were not really impressed. Some people had a mediocre reaction and some people had negative reactions. Even with the few positive reactions - they were still sort of hum drum. I know Dell is trying to change that perception but - they aren’t going to make it with the continued empty political BS and foolishly thinking that the fear of being laid off and creating a culture built on big egos rather than actual talent will create innovation. Hey how about creating Think Tanks and encouraging ideas to motivate people rather than leading by fear?

Imagine if we had labor laws that protected us here like in Europe! Here we only protect CEOs and their likes, not the avg joe. It’s time to vote intelligently!

I am 50+, about to hit my one year anniversary of leaving Dell (voluntarily.) This is my experience. I watched my entire team get decimated around me and decided that sticking around to wait for "the package" just wasn't worth it.

Found a job at a similar pay level in same field, with a healthier company that respects its' employees.
Way less drama. I can't say I didn't give up anything - my title was higher at Dell and I gave up the decent bonus (although that ended up not mattering for 2021.)

Something that Dell needs to think about is the effect of all these constant re-orgs and WFRs on employee morale and productivity. When you are worried about being "on the list" every single month, it has to take a deep toll. I agree with the earlier post that this is not normal in the tech industry, at least not to the degree that Dell takes it. There are plenty of tech companies that only resort to layoffs when they have financial problems. Dell's habit of only looking at the numbers and not the human resources will catch up with them. You can bet that their competitors are hiring some of their cast-offs and on the West Coast Dell is not known as a place that burnishes your resume. The cool cats at Google, FB and startups have a completely different culture and that is why they thrive while Dell stagnates.

As far as ageism, it is real and you have to figure out how to present yourself. As a developer I avoid mentioning old languages or assignments/projects I worked on before 2000. Amazon is hiring like crazy. Keep up-skilling and learning. Hang in there, you'll end up in a better place.

At age 49, I quit on a Saturday morning and had an interview with a Dell EMC competitor by Monday morning. 18 months later, I make double (yes–literally twice) what I made as a director at Dell EMC. There is absolutely a lucrative path forward for those who have been with Dell and are older. I was with EMC and then Dell for over 7 years. No drama at my new job, either. And I like my co-workers. Genuinely. I always struggled by being inspired by Michael Dell...but the company itself...toxic.

Yes, they cut me in January and I was blessed to land a gig (similar pay) in late May.

I took advantage of the career counseling Dell provided. That helped with strategy and day-to-day job search actions.

If possible take some time to decompress and then jump into the search full bore. It’s important to stay confident and positive. Network, network, network! I took some (free) online trainings to stay active and, you know, learn stuff.

I was laid off from Dell back in 2015 after working there for 16 years. I think that over time my salary had increased to the point that they thought I was too expensive. I'm currently making about 80% of what I was making when I left Dell, but I'm 100% happier. I've changed jobs twice since then, but finally landed in a job that I love. It's secure and low stress with some great technical challenges. I normally don't even take my laptop home in the evening. Dell was pretty much working around the clock.

Best of luck to all of you! I know it's stressful getting laid off, but keep in mind that it's only a job. Life goes on and life is good!

Hi, I have a lot of experience and can tell you that the constant reorgs and layoffs is not normal (outside of the tech industry). It is extremely excessive at this company. I have a question on this board about the industry in general - I suspect that even in other tech companies, the constant changes at Dell are probably excessive in comparison. With that said, here’s a positive story (it’s not about Dell though, but it is relevant):

My mother worked for a large manufacturing company for most of her career and found herself laid off at the age of 63. She wasn’t quite ready to retire and was very depressed. They gave her a great severance - her full salary and health benefits for a year, and then she actually did get another job within a few months. So she ended up collecting two salaries for a while and this company is closer to home and a much better fit for her age as she moves into retirement. I will add that she does not live in a major city and the job market in her area is challenging.

Use this time to reflect and think about what you really want. I was impacted but I also know I was not happy in my role at Dell. There were some things I liked, and some things I didn’t like. In particular I’m not a huge fan of highly political cultures where there’s a lot of lip service and meetings, and not much is accomplished. Unfortunately that is how my former team is evolving and I can see that I don’t fit in with that. I had thought about switching roles but after being impacted, I’ve decided not to pursue any other opportunities at Dell. I was always worried about the next reorg/round of layoffs and who knows maybe that influenced my behavior. Truth is I don’t like it and not interested in living that way anymore. There are many other companies and opportunities out there. Maybe it will take longer than usual to find the next great thing thanks to Covid, but it will and does happen - new great things at any age. Good luck and stay positive! Take advantage of the free outplacement services and the EAP program to help with the transition. I know I will.

Not exactly the same situation, I wasn’t laid off (but likely would have been if I stayed). But I’m early 50’s and left on my own earlier this year. Took a 15% pay cut but totally worth it to get out of the toxic environment of constantly waiting for the hammer to fall. It didn’t really hit me until last week when I started hearing from former colleagues who were impacted just how great it has been to not be in that environment. There is life after Dell. You may have to accept a bit less in comp, but the improvement in stress level is worth it. Believe it or not, not all companies expect you to make work the #1 priority in your life! Good luck, I’m praying for all who were impacted that you quickly land in a spot where you see what a great gift you’ve just been given!

After the week (plus some) I've just had, I could really use some success stories.