Attrition has never been as high as it is now, so I'm curious to know where are all these people going. Do they join similar big corporations, smaller companies or startups? I'd assume it's the last two, since I doubt any other big company is any different than IBM, but it'd be nice to hear from some of you.
10 replies (most recent on top)
Same here - left 6 months ago on my own terms after 18 yrs - last job was FLM - PRG 9. Fed up with all the b---s--- and the layoffs. Found much smaller company, got a 30% increase and got rid of all the b---s--- and the cutting. My health is much better and I even have time for the gym. Happy I left.
People really effected are down and out heading for bars or doing d--gs . Some have broken families now or worse . It’s not reported and IBM doesn’t care.
"To an IT firm far far away ..."
"Too many refuse to put on their big boy pants and move on."
Exactly right. Many come on to these boards in complete denial. They see someone post about a looming layoff and can't seem to fathom that its actually going to happen, or worse happen to them.
The simple truth of the matter is
1) If you are in a part of IBM where they are no longer investing, or even back filling positions when someone leaves, that is a RED FLAG and your days are numbered.
2) If you are over 40 and working in the USA or UK, you have a target on your back. It doesn't matter how you think you contribute, or even historically measured - forget it. All bets are off. You are expensive and they will replace you.
3) Unless you are working in a part of IBM that is considered part of their strategic imperatives that will make them real money - you are a target. And not talking about just being stuck in a new "Watson" business unit, and trying to show how you are now relevant. I mean really working on next generation products that will make IBM Millions profitable bucks.
To @YJkfxmX-1kfg ,
Good for you. I think way too many people stick around IBM and complain about no future.
Too many refuse to put on their big boy pants and move on.
I'm also an older employee. 50. Based in the USA, and left on my own terms. For me I saw complete lack of investment in a profitable part of IBM that I was working in. I saw the writing on the wall that there was no way, either this business or myself would survive IBM for another 5 years, let alone 13 - if I was to retire at 63. So decided to leave. I found a new job in about 2 months. I was pretty picky about what I wanted. I ended up going to another large company but got a $30K salary bump. Since I've being there for 2 years now, I have had two salary increases that were more than my entire time at IBM (10+ years) "merit" increases. Look, nothing is perfect, but I would say I'm certainly happier out of IBM.
I went to a competitor in the BI space - and can honestly say I have been happy every day since.
I rarely think of IBM - and it is rarer to see them in competitive situations. IBM BI has become irrelevant. It is fascinating that IBM does not hold the related VPs responsible. No problem. In my current position, I can only encourage IBM Cognos management to please keep up the bad work.
Some things I learned in the past 3 years after leaving IBM:
-
Colleagues can have shared good will. One team doesn't need to lose, so another can win. I know at IBM, that can be hard to believe.
-
Senior management is not filled with narcissists. In the 1970s, IBM management was top shelf. They helped you with your career as much as theirs. We all know those days are long gone at IBM. Go elsewhere and you can be inspired once again.
-
Vision extends beyond the next quarter. Good products do make a difference. They usually take more than 3 months to build.
If you still have ambition and talent, don't waste it. Other employers will value your contribution. Think about it - and do it.
I recently left for Accenture. I’m also an Accenture boomerang.
It was a great place to work when I left in 2014 and can confirm that 5 years later, it’s far better than IBM.
Great advice and good luck to you. The word you are looking for is "complacency"
This is why IBM setup shop in so many one horse ghetto towns.
These people will never move on. They are like a pig complacent in its own sh!t.
After a 15+ year career at IBM, and years of stress wondering if I would lose my job, I finally decided to leave IBM on my own terms. While joining a startup might sound exciting, I'm an older employee with a family and I didn't want to take that risk. So, I joined a smaller company with about 6000 employees worldwide. I was granted a ton of stock as a signing bonus and received a ~$35k salary increase. Most importantly, the toxic work environment is gone.
I don't know why anyone would want to stay at IBM. There are far better places to work. Don't wait for the IBM pink slip. Get your resume ready and start researching companies and positions now. You need to be ready to pounce when your ideal job gets posted.