I left seven years ago on good terms. A month ago, I got an offer and was happy to accept, especially since my last job had problems I was glad to leave behind. But coming back feels like joining a completely different company. I’m still in shock and honestly feel like I just made a huge career mistake. What happened? How did it get so toxic and unfriendly to employees? This is not the place I remember.
12 replies (most recent on top)
@1gb spot on
Schwab's been going on the wrong track since late 2016 or so. It really accelerated post-2020 obviously.
To be honest Schwab was great before the pandemic/pre-TDA. Things went downhill after that. Pretty obvious they only bought TDA for the accounts and trade platform only to then lay us all off after merging blue/green while upper management was unscathed and Walt taking a whole a-s year to retire. Only to become a permanent Board Member... Sc-mbags
7 years ago it was as you describe, you must have had a great management that shielded it from you, and now you have a management that promotes the toxicity. Happened to me, had great management, loved my job and Schwab. Then they laid off my management and all h3ll broke loose with the toxic mgmt we reported to. You now have toxic management as is most of schwab management is. So sorry.
OP, can you tell us a bit more about your specific experience? I'm a former TD who also has found much greener pastures elsewhere, but also got a taste of the icky Schwab culture for a short time span. Curious about what your experience has been since returning.
It's only a matter of time before an upstart competitor takes their lunch money. I've got my popcorn ready.
@c3 I mean he wasn't as bad as the 'two sisters' which left last year as well though... Imo
Ever wonder if it’s just you?
Nah! Too many of us recounting the same experiences for it to be "just us".
Ever wonder if it’s just you?
I can only speak to what happened in my department. Around the same time you left, our previous leader saw the writing on the wall & made a quick exit. The replacement was a clown & that is not name calling.
The new leader came in proudly showing off fire juggling skills (at an offsite) & bragging often about past circus experience from college. Seemingly unaware or perhaps fully embracing the unsettling power clowns hold over people, the clown regime officially began & the clown-curious quickly fell in line.
Along with this change came a cast of carnies with a focus on getting applause not outcomes. Over the next six years the clown leadership style took hold. The more clown-like you were, the more likely you were to be hired or promoted. Eventually though the EC grew tired of the head clown & the head clown was asked to leave (sadly there was no final fire-juggling sendoff).
But by then the clown crew was fully entrenched. What they all seem to have in common is a relentless focus on self-interest. If you’re not working to elevate/admire them then you’re of little value.
So now that the clowns are running the show, it is not about solving problems but more about making sure everyone’s camera is on, makeup is right, & that you’re clapping loud and hard for the latest and greatest clown act.
Came over from TD and had to take a mental health leave...I'm actually about to quit.
If it helps, many of us from TD Ameritrade are still in shock and looking for alternatives.