I went into business with my brother last year and now I decided to go all in instead of sitting on the sidelines. I discussed leaving the company with my manager and he asked if I could remain to help my team finish up a project we are on. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I don’t want to put my team in a bind but I’m anxious to leave. Basically, I can’t decide what to do. Would it be that bad to leave my team mid-project? Full disclosure, we are understaffed as it is.
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Some more foolishness I saw on this thread -
"IBM has plenty employee's and can plug any hole if needed.
The managers give BS excuses but they can easily get help and quick."
You would be absolutely correct - for maybe 20-30 years ago. The problem is that the hole now gets plugged with horse manure "tech" talent -easily available and quick plug and play.
For instance -
I know of an IBM DR/MS site that is running on gas fumes with regard to real technical support. It used to have at least a dozen techs.. now it has the project manager and an internal transfer "trainee" who knows little to nothing technically for the job. The senior tech help retired or was RA'd over the years and NOT replaced. A few of the site's clients wisely saw the writing on the wall with the "smoke and mirrors" support and have exited or will exit this year.
So - that fool notion of an "infinite well of tech talent" may have been valid in the 1980s-90s. It is NOT the case at present and from what can be projected by the "tech" I.T. supply market at present.
To address the rather silly notion -
"This is about what you feel you owe the other human beings on your team as colleagues and possibly friends, people who did not make this situation... "
Well, tell me, are any of your co-workers going to band together to help with your finances when you're RA'd? Most probably not. You've suddenly become a stranger. IBM doesn't even want you on the job-site. Did you and your co-workers socialize outside IBM that much? If not, then all you have is a work relationship that has also been "RA'd" . Sad fact - but that's the IBM mindset.
I would invite all to read a poem - available online which can be also viewed on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRDq7aneXnk
It's called "The Hangman" written by Maurice Ogden in 1951 and first published in 1954.
If you substitute "RA" for the hangman's (IBM's) activities, you'll get an idea of where you stand in the throngs of the IBM community as your "number" eventually comes up.
Happy viewing.
@3cor,
Spare us the BS
IBM has plenty employee's and can plug any hole if needed.
The managers give BS excuses but they can easily get help and quick.
I completely disagree with the majority on here who characterize these kind of questions as "IBM would screw you, so screw IBM".
It's easy to be angry at IBM and act out of that anger, but this isn't about what you owe IBM. This is about what you feel you owe the other human beings on your team as colleagues and possibly friends, people who did not make this situation. Have they earned any respect or care or courtesy from you? If so, show them some kindness on the way out.
If not, screw them.
It's your job to look after yourself, and IBM's job to look after IBM. If IBM has cut so many people that they have no one ready to replace you, that is their fault, not yours. This happens all over the company where they lay off 90% of a team and make the other 10% feel guilty for not being able to absorb the work.
All retention payments come with a multi year clawback period. It’s not worth it to even bring up. HR is such an embarrassment they couldn’t even move fast enough to get you a retention payment before your project is over. Took them 8 months to process a retention payment for someone on my team and he ended up resigning anyway.
F%$K that manager. Let him deal with the understaffed S%&T hole.
You should ask for double-pay to stay. Sounds like you're in control here.
Just tell your manager what I believe the words you are looking for is Retention Bonus.
Good choice. I would add I think it was horrible for a manager to impose on you.
Maybe your managers spouse can fill that gap once you leave.
Thanks for the responses. After a talk I had with some of my coworkers and this, I think I got the push I needed to leave right away.
If your new business was so good this would be a no brainer. What’s really the problem?
First comes you, second comes you and third comes you. Give IBM 2 weeks notice. Your manager should take over your project. This is why IBM has amazing managers. 😅
I would give him two or three weeks notice and do what you can for the team in that time.
No. No. No. IBM is your past. This enterprise with your brother is your future. Go with your future.
If the shoe were on the other foot, IBM would feel ZERO about canning you.
What do you really want to do? I respect that you care fir your current team; however, you have to put your needs first. As it was mentioned above, ibm does not care about, your health, your family. I don’t mean to be harsh. I would be conflicted as well; I cared too much fir IBM, and at the end it meant nothing.
If you really decide to stay, I Woujd definitely try to
Negotiate something. Good luck.
A manager’s job is to staff the project, be prepared for contingencies (people quit, get sick, etc.) and get the project completed - this is NOT your job!
What’s best for your manager is to get you to stay.
The question is what’s best for you and your brother?
If I were you I'd try to strike a deal... if you stay, you be put on the next RA list. At least then you could collect severance while your new business continues to take off. Otherwise, I'd leave. IBM doesn't care about you, why should you care about them?
You are in a new business so focus on that priority. If it fails or isn't as successful because you caved to IBM, then you're damn fool. And that could cause a problem with your brother. And all for/because of IBM?? Are you for real ??!! IBM would have no problem throwing you out any time they feel.
So make that "mid-project" the "end- of - project".
Good luck to you in your new business endeavor.
You are an at will employee. Remember at will works both ways. Do what’s right for you. That’s the beauty of at will