I think you feel the flu coming on, yes?
7 replies (most recent on top)
Make it your best assignment....ever. Go out on top showing the customer and IBM what they pissed away.
Why, if you are in sales, they move you right to reference salary and wouldn't get paid on any deals that close. I agree. Call your customer be honest and don't go. In the long run it could become a conflict of interest. Let your manager handle the meeting. Oh wait have the managers have no clue what we all do and can't do our jobs. They should have been cut first
Take advantage of the situation. I would let the client know ... tell them lots of things, including how IBM F'ed you over.
IBM betrayed you - just 1 month severance regardless of time served, no 401K match, COBRA coverage at 2X your current premium and your deductibles are re-set to $0 for the year, your manager will claim that you must take vacation prior to leaving (which is a lie) ... and now they expect you to be loyal to IBM?
What's in it for you?
When I was RA'd in 2016, I ceased all travel immediately. Out of courtesy, I contacted my customers, told them I was being laid off and didn't know who would be my replacement. They all understood and were quite sympathetic. I forwarded customer emails/requests to my manager. I spent the entire time networking and looking for a new job.
I consider myself loyal to both IBM and to my customers, but the RA terms were unconscionable and insulting, and put my family's stability at financial risk. I will always remain bitter about it.
Perhaps if you don't have as much to lose as I did, you'll see things differently. You have to live with your decision, not me. Best of luck making the decision that's right for you and your loved ones.
It depends. Do you like working at IBM? Was the Do you know what the layoff package will be vs. the length of the engagement you are being asked to take on? Is it a good learning opportunity that could lead to more work? You have to weigh the variables based on what will give you the best long term net result - e.g. total layoff package vs what you are getting now with 401K match, ESPP, etc. Five more months to go and you booked the time for annual bonus so these things are important to consider. It also buys you time to take control of your next move, looking for a job while you are on this long flights. Good Luck and sorry you are going through this. We figure many of us are right behind.
Yes: If its a nice place to go to, then do it. If the client is good, and the work is enjoyable, then do it. Good networking is more important now than ever.
No: If you're bitter (and why not!), then spend your remaining time looking for a new job. Travel almost always cost you personal money, even with per diem, etc.
I'm surprised your manager would even consider asking you at this point. A less than fully honorable person might even discuss their current situation with the client over a beer, and who knows where that could lead.