I’m so disappointed. My dad has worked at Nike for more than 30 years. He is the most hardworking person I know. He loves this company more than anything. Imagine working more than half your life doing amazing things for the company you love and then one day they let you go. b—s—. Nike is now my most hated company.
23 replies (most recent on top)
I’m really sorry to hear about the OP’s father and all of the other long time Nike employees who were let go.
This is really hard. You all built Nike into what it is today.
I hate it for him. But let’s be honest, if he was able to work for the company that long and enjoy the gravy train of all those stock purchase gains, bonuses etc, he should be in one hell of a position. I was only there during the last few years so that stuff wasn’t so great anymore, I could have taken the money gained through the stock purchase program alone and retired 15 years ago through smart investments
I was in the 25+ year category when my number came up. I hate it for anyone, it's a rough thing to deal with especially with tenure. Wishing your dad and the family all the best - from one former vet to another...you will find peace.
Sounds like your Dad had 30+ great years with a company. He is EXTREMELY lucky as very few people can say that they had that same experience in their lives.
Yeah it s—s, but there is no Nike tenure and he should know that...
Super unfortunate but seniority doesn’t always mean you’re safe.
This reminds me of Washington Mutual Bank, in 2008 I watched a 60 year old senior vp cry after realizing that he and his wife were going to have to start from scratch. After seeing that, I realized the truth.....you are a human RESOURCE.
I was exited in 2009. took a different job within 3 months - so came out ahead financially that year. I also was so p-ss-d I was exited - not at the company, but at my management line. Ultimately I decided I wanted to take control of the story, and so after 5 years elsewhere I applied and got a new Nike job. Point is that though this week many of us have no control - after this week we take back the reigns and can define our future on our terms. None of us are doomed unless you want to take it that way.
As much as I love the brand, this is the dark side of any Corporate America, we are all pawns and we are all expandable. Work for yourself and your family, Corporate America will never be your family.
A lot of good people have already been let go this week and it’s only Monday evening. I’m just devastated by the carnage.
Sorry for your Dad. 25yrs+... today I was gone in 9 mins flat...
As gas as people missing family vacations..?honestly that is on you. I have worked for the same company for 18 years.. let’s just say this thread caught my attention. One of the reasons I have had the same job for 17 years is because I am not willing to miss my family stuff for some corporate type to hit a number and make a lot more money.
Future of Nike is dark. They are getting rid of a lot of good people. Moral of the story—even if you make it past this cut you can never feel safe.
Nike is a non living entity.. not a person.. don’t get mad at your chair when your chair breaks after 30 years of comfort. People get confused by all that talk. That talk is to get you to work harder for a non living entity. This is the off gas of Capitalism..
@hqo, sorry to hear that, thank you for your contribution, hope you enjoy a happy life after Nike.
@gjs, empathy and compassion is what's needed. Try it.
I feel for you. I've been there 30+ years as well. Basically my only employer as I started while still in college. Today was my last day.
I am sorry for your dad. There is life beyond Nike
As someone who's at the end of my career and who's seen things both in the trenches and exec levels I am chipping in my two cents:
- folks with 30+ years at one place are RARE
- we should cherish them, they inspire people and give hope
- they also underline the human side of the company and the fact that this mutual relationship can last long
- what nike (or any other fortune 500 company) pays one, ten, hundred or thousand individuals is peanuts - literally - it's a rounding error on our P&L
- sometimes hard choices have to be made, and every effort should be made to not ax \
- if you ax them, treat them well and do it gracefully
I worked with a lady who was let go after 25+ years with the company. It shook her pretty hard. Let's accept it, it's a shock.
@Op - sorry to your father, and sorry to you. This is sad news for sure. To survive 30 years I have no doubt he was a great employee, so thanks to him for services rendered. I also hope he is able to move onto something better.
@gjs - Yes, Nike is a company. A business. But it is also a company that spends endless energy brainwashing employees to feel like they are part of a team, a family. So, many of us do just that. Many of us give up family vacations to perform critical tasks, at times are on call at all hours of the day, and put in more than we get rewarded for... That makes it more than just a job. I am only closing in on 20 years, but I would certainly expect a little more respect for my service. Can’t imagine how it feels at 30 year mark...
I hope he got a good severance and retire comfortably
@gjs you must not work at Nike. Being at this company for 30+ years I’m sure this individual would consider Nike their family. It isn’t OTT at all. It s—s horribly for this person and their father. Have some compassion.
Hmm sorry for your dad, but c’mon this is OTT. It’s a company, not a family. Not all people who have worked for Nike for decades are ENTITLED to a job for life.