I want to use this forum to say goodbye to friends and colleagues that are no longer with Nike as of this week. Many people that I have worked closely with, cared about, admired and trusted. It is true that we lost kind, smart, capable, knowledgeable brilliant minds. I am grateful to have worked with many of them. For certain there is a future for them outside of Nike, as I am sure they must also know, that is why it is truly Nike’s loss! I hope other colleagues might take the opportunity to say goodbye here too. Because it phukkeen s—s. It just really phukkeen s—s. I hope my work friends impacted know that I care and that I will miss them. Truly. I hope our paths will cross again!!
15 replies (most recent on top)
LOL...."a company with so much culture and perks and "s-xiness"" ....you must be f—ing kidding or totally f—ing blind
Uhm , you’re most likely next hun! Thanks tho!
Ok Dawn, thanks!
@sneakerhead, can i ask what industry you landed in? its challenging to go from a company with so much culture and perks and "s-xiness" to anything but.
@1aek, THIS X1000
I have survived MULTIPLE rounds of layoffs over the years. But sadly my luck ran out and I am one that got laid off last week. I have been there for quite a long time, and I was still kicking a–. ;). I agree with the anonymous comment above about reaching out to your friends and coworkers that have lost their jobs. You may feel awkward, but let me tell you..........NOT hearing from people you worked with every day that you thought you were friends with is HARSH. It hurts. We just want to know that ya'll cared and we were valued. I thought when I left the swoosh - I would be celebrating my long career. It is really hard to go out this way among friends that are legends.......People who have put so much into the brand with their passion and vision and energy were let go. We deserve a little more than this harsh exit with no farewell.
I am working as a recruiter and have a lot off experience placing ex-Nike people. If you are truly good and adding value to the business you work for , you will land very well and will be happy in no time.
On the other side, many ex Nike employees are not that good and were surfing on the strong Nike brand. They will have a harder time in an environment where the contribution of each and every player counts... As recruiters out role is to find out who is an value-adder so make sure you don’t talk in Nike cliches as managing the marketplace and positioning the premium brand..
Good luck landing something new! Many opportunities always for good, positive people!
@nai+1 You are so right! After I left Nike, the biggest adjustment at my new job was a bit of boredom and learning to work without fear. My work was done in about 30 hours a week due to learning how to be time efficient at Nike. My boss thought that I was a rock star and couldn't comprehend how I could get things done so quickly. Needless to say, responsibility and promotion came pretty quickly. It's funny how other organizations see ability and hard work right away in comparison to toiling for years at The Swoosh with no recognition whatsoever.
It is also refreshing to work without fear. At first, it was odd to not be given impossible deadlines, conflicting directions, nor being expected to sacrifice your evenings and weekends. You don't spend your first hour at home after work pulling daggers out of your back and numbing yourself with strong drink. It's nice to have a conversation about topics other than LeBron's sick stat line from last night or a rehash of a "SportsCenter" broadcast.
Work/Life balance will get better. Your social and intellectual horizons will expand. Sleep will vastly improve. Compensation gets larger too - Nike doesn't pay lower bands very well in comparison to other concerns and industries. A pretty campus with conveniences is no substitute for money.
Know your worth and then explore your options. It's a little tough right now but, most of you will fall upwards.
I left nike 3 years ago because of falss promises after receiving 5 years highly successfull that i will get my next step. First 3 months i was missing swoosh as i was holding to the past. But then i start focussing on my next step. What i should have done earlier.
Fast forward to now and my career has blown up. I never regred working for nike but leaving nike was best thing for me. And it will be for most of you.
My favorite was the push to those remaining to come in next week and dive back in to work. Ummmm.... What a mess. Those who remain have no clarity on their roles and were told to not talk to each other or their managers. Insane, unclear shuffling is happening. Plus, everyone has survivor's guilt and are mourning the losses created by the absolute chaotic carnage. Nice going, Nike.: In the middle of a pandemic, right before election week, and this close to the holidays. Sr Leadership does not walk the talk.
So how many S band and E bands got laid off this month. I heard 30 S Bands and 50 E Bands and about 75 others. However, the source is questionable
@gpn-there’s amazing life after swoosh. Remember, those massive and beautiful buildings are largely empty now. That virus can pack a punch. The only thing to miss is colleagues who become like family after you spend years with them. What’s not to miss, failed leadership, fear, mistrust, poor treatment of others, politics, finger pointing and general “a—ett” covering. Things unfold like they should, there’s places that do not deserve honest to goodness worker bees who just want to do their jobs and feed their families. All they want and mud fights and cage fights,..and D2C. bye bye chaos at the berm - was good while it lasted!
I encourage you to reach out directly to those on your team that were laid off - even just a simple text will do. I know you may feel uncomfortable and awkward and you may not know what to say (and probably feel guilty if you still have your job), but just tell them you’re thinking about them, how much you enjoyed working with them, and that they will be missed.
From experience, I can say that it matters.
Life after swoosh? Hell yes! Nike is a global leader, whatever work experience you’ve gained at Nike IS transferable, valuable and in high demand! I have also seen people laid off and then rehired in a new role. Remember, Nike didn’t make you who you are rather YOU helped Nike be who they are (were?)!! Best of luck!
This is not how I thought my Nike career would end after more than a decade of a great ride, but I have hope that there is #lifeafterswoosh