I can barely keep myself together; I have no idea how everyone else who is remaining is so chill and acting like nothing has happened.
I haven't done any work in 7 days and have been just sending out applications for other jobs just so at least I get started in the process instead of being surprised and thrown out to the street the next time this happens
@kcg Thanks for the perspective DF.
Mircodosing does wonders. :o)
As the song goes “you’ve been left on your own like a rainbow in the dark”…
You are being paid to work, so have some integrity and do your job, then look for other jobs after work every day until you find one.
@OP. The 2019 SRD surprised me, because that was not how we used to do things are Ford. Performance used to matter in this company. Later it became the new norm to throw away the best and brightest for saving a few dollars on a pension.
I was about to jump ship in 2020, when Covid-19 hit and all changed. I stayed with Ford, because I believed that layoffs were imminent on other companies, and being the new guy makes it easier for managers to cut my position. So I did the only thing I could do: increased my rainy fund.
I survived all layoffs so far (I am surprised about it, or maybe I am not as good as I think). Last year I was looking and found a position outside automotive. For budgeting reasons, the company decided not to open the position, and I am still at Ford. I have applied to several job openings, got a few interviews (Ford still looks good in the resume, it seems), but nothing concrete yet.
The job market is getting worse, and again, I believe layoffs are coming to all the companies in this country. So I decided to stay put again. No more wasting time in job searches when the market is this bad and I still have a "good" job. I'll dedicate my time instead in improving my skills to be more successful when the job market bounces back.
In the worst case scenario, I'll get some money from the company and unemployment. Also, I have a rainy fund for more than a year of expenses, generating a few thousands of dollars of interest annually. My wife started a part time job, which will also help if I lose mine.
So now that all is planned, and accounted for, it is easy for me to "keep calm" and focus. However, I must confess that I lost the desire to work and excel at Ford. I am going through the motions, TBH. Just waiting for the axe to fall or the economy to improve, whatever happens first.
Network and learn about working environments at other companies. Although many posters on this site claim all companies are equal it is not true. Find a company that reflects your values and has work that you are interested in doing. Don’t let others lull you into complacency, your instincts are correct, but relax, research and find your new employer.
A lot of us are worried but there’s not much you can do. Going to another company isn’t going to save you from layoffs. Lifetime careers at a single company are no longer a thing. Best thing is to enjoy doing your job and if the day comes move onto the next gig.
I wish I could edit these things…
…But if the management doesn’t realize how hard this has hit the morale and productivity of those that remain, they are truly evil entities from the clown continuum.
I’m sure that a lot of them are just good at hiding their anxiety.
Some surely are deluding themselves.
Some don’t have to worry, for whatever reason. They may have done well with investing. Their family might be wealthy. They may know that their particular skill is in high demand. TheIr spouse might have a good job.
But if the management doesn’t realize how hard this has got the morale and productivity of those that remain, they are truly evil entities from the clown continuum.