I so am fed up and disillusioned with everything that's going on here at Seagate and in the industry... When my kids grow up, I will do everything in my power to convince them pursue being a doctor, lawyer, or stay in academia and become a professor with tenure...anything but being a W2 engineer employed by some corporation. Same amount of education yo do all three things, and if they are smart enough to be an engineer, being a doctor or lawyer should be a walk in the park...with far superior $$$$ and job security. I don't see many engineers able to afford living in nice areas except the ones that made money doing a side business. But I see plenty of doctors and lawyers doing just that...
6 replies (most recent on top)
Well, you don't have layoffs in the military...
@149879 - I read recently that millennials are often looking for part time positions with many companies. The new trend is to have 2-5 jobs, each one part time, and each one perhaps in different fields to keep the employee engaged and happy and to cut down on the costs of having said employee around...from a company perspective. We have such amazing technology now - people can literally work from anywhere. However, this puts a much larger burden on middle management - we've all known for years that they could easily be eliminated and productivity would improve. Now we have the tools to just that. If I were tech savvy, I wouldn't worry. If I had tried to position myself in management following a "traditional" career path, I would be VERY WORRIED. Times have changed....middle management is unnecessary and a HUGE cost center. they should be eliminated with the quickness
@ Anonymous149735 and @ Anonymous149734 - good points of view on a very difficult topic
Most doctors would not recommend their profession to their friends/kids. Most lawyers are depressed and committing suicide at rates well above other professions. STEM fields are touted as great career paths but they're far from easy and may not be enjoyable from day to day. the key is to find something that appeals to you as a person and not worry about the money.
I think you just can't be so dependent on an individual company anymore. Keep your skills sharp, never stop learning. Pay attention to valued skills on the market, and always keep an ear open for opportunities. That big corporation doesn't really give an actual shit about you as a person. Seagate's no exception.
Don't get me wrong, if this RIF is as bloody as is being indicated, it's a terrible thing. I feel terrible for anyone affected tomorrow. But, if I'm talking to young people about how to be an engineer, the above is what I would try to instill.
It's still a good vocation, you just need to find a good company to work for (or go solo)