Thread regarding IBM layoffs

Unbelievably better. You learn that annual bonuses, cost of living increases, and merit increases are all standard at other companies. You have capable, motivated coworkers who don’t sit around complaining all day. Customers don’t hate you. It’s absolutely shameful how IBM leadership gaslight employees into thinking every company is a feckless swamp when it couldn’t be further from the truth. My only regret is that I didn’t leave sooner.

Yes. The grass is greener and I can hire someone to mow the lawn with the interest on the pay raise I got in the move. We even have a slack channel for exIBMers joining my company..

Yes, the grass is greener. I never liked IBM's culture and refused to drink the Kool-Aid. I am much happier today.

Much greener and the bank account is fatter

I left in August of 2021. I rested for 4 months without a job and then got back into it. I am not getting a pay increase or anything but I am WAY Happier every day. The kinds of unnecessary stress and lack of autonomy from IBM are gone, and I know exactly each day what I have to do at this new job to make a difference for my clients. Not to mention the products we have are way better so it's not a chore to explain "why are you selling this garbage to me" to someone that I need to build long-term relationships with (clients). Money is something but it isn't everything.

much greener, the hardest part was actually deciding to leave, I wish I would have done it years ago. IBM was good to me though, no complaints as it was a excellent work/life/balance however it was tiresome to see constant leadership changes, failing product launches, time and time again. If you can find a company that customers actually want, it's worth the move 100%

I know some people who regret it (from sales) and they fit a very specific template. They're relatively average-talent, and not as hard working who were able to coast by at IBM because of renewals/ELAs. They go to a startup or a true hunter role at a larger tech company where they have to work their bu-t off just to get a meeting. They get fired pretty quickly and hop around company to company every 1.5-2 years (sometimes less).

So if you're a average-talent, and lack the work ethic, don't go to a startup or a true hunter role at a larger tech company. It's a very different role. I remember getting monthly commission checks for my recurring stream revenue. That doesn't exist outside of IBM.

The ones who did well after IBM were very thoughtful about what they were good at and what they wanted. Don't be those people who are so desperate to jump ship they don't look at what they're jumping towards.

For me personally, I am so happy I left. I spent 2 years deliberately waiting for the right opportunity. I make a lot more money, have more growth opportunities, and genuinely like my coworkers. Good luck!

Left IBM in Asia 18 months back and I couldn’t be happier. Much better tech company I work with more humanness, benefits & compensation.

So far so good. I was hired by a former IBMer at a FAANG company who paid it forward to us smart ones who knew we needed to get off the Titanic. Received a 60%+ raise with a company that only reorganizes because things are going so well they need to staff up!

Senior consultant. Age discriminated and threatened by HR, bullied and pushed to leave. Nordics.
Virtue signalling psychopath corporation.

Yup!

I'm in my late thirties and left IBM almost three years ago by my own decision. I didn't hate IBM, but I was increasingly unhappy in my job function and didn't feel like I was making an impact anymore.

I made decent money at IBM, but my salary has about doubled since leaving IBM. When I factor in equity, I'm at 3-5x what I was making at IBM. All that aside, I'm much, much happier on the outside -- but I'm also working much, much harder.

I'm still rooting for IBM to turn around. I still know a lot of good people there. That's part of why I keep tabs on this website. But the prospects for a turnaround aren't good, and the sad reality is that people staying at IBM for 5+ years are viewed unfavorably by top tech companies. If you're on this site and considering a move, and you aspire to one of the better performing tech companies, you should act soon because adding IBM years onto your resume isn't the endorsement it once was. Not saying I like or necessarily agree with that, or that it can't be overcome, but that is the reality that's emerged over the past couple of years.

So much greener!! I left a year ago and came back to the board today when I saw the Watson announcement.

At ibm I had forgotten what it meant to part of a successful team delivering products customers actually want. I also make a ton more money. My only regret is not leaving earlier.

Having left a few years ago, I would say my life is now better than it would have been had I stayed at IBM. Although I did make a turn or two afterwards that made me think twice about my decision. With hindsight and with a better job, it was absolutely the best thing for me. The same issues that plagued IBM when I was there, are still there now, only multiplied. I even tried being an IBM business partner, but realized i was still peddling the same portfolio against better competition. Now I compete against IBM and love it!

Yes yes and yes 1000x if you're not one of those managers who are just paper pushers.

You'll see so much more respect as an engineer outside of ibm because those companies are making actual products to sell.

Also high chance you can 2x or 3x your pay.

I would say it depends of course on what you do. I find younger people are much harder to manage. I am over 50. if you have skills that are highly needed you will be fine. I think this is why many IBM executives join companies just like IBM. (a Business Partner). because it feels like home. Your first job after IBM may not be your last as you find the right culture for you.

I got about 15% pay bump, better benefits and no OT at all. Cannot complain. The current company is stable and has never had layoffs in IT.