Drop Dead day today

[NullSmurf]

My employer, after having acquired a competitor in December performed the first round of RIFs today. Its actually two weeks notice being delivered to most, but not to my nearby colleagues who didn't make the cut. We're a tier 1 Internet provider and we have access to more than a $billion worth of hardware. For us, its a box and an escort to the door. Several of my good friends "died" today. I'm good at what I do and my Karma seems to be in order, but I can't help suffering survivor's guilt, I'm gonna have a glass of wine and something nice from the humi. Thanks for the vent.

 

[minesman]

I know the feeling. Outsourcing is claiming the 'life' of about 35 of my good friends come March. The pain is real.

 

[junkman_56]

I know the feeling all too well…
I have worked for UUnet, Worldcom, MCI and now Verizon; all while sitting in the same cube. I have survived 8 or 10 of these so far and it does not get any better. It is very hard to see folks that you have worked with for 4, 5 or 6 years walk out the door. It is even tougher sitting around and hoping the axe does not fall on you. Unfortunately it does not get any easier. Hopefully your company will stop the madness soon. So us, the end of the layoffs are not in sight yet.

Hang in there and good luck.

 

[chewbacco]

I guess it's better them than you...but can't help but feel bad for them.

Losing your job sucks no matter how it happens.

There's a reason why you're still there.
Be thankful and have a really nice cigar.

 

[slowhand]

I know the feeling. We've lost about 35% of our support staff over the last 18 months. Thank goodness I am good at what I do also I handle mainly IP based telephony systems and our skill doesn't grow on trees. Yet.

Good luck,

 

[NullSmurf]

Yeah, like it or not, its a fact in telecom or any high tech these days. I cracked anoter Fat Tire and opened the upstairs humi. Hillbilly just bombed me with some nice sticks, of which, a JR Ultimate just spoke out and said, "me! me!". It was dandy.

edit: grammar

 

[jstrat]

My company just did another reduction in force. We lost over 200 people. Sadly, we seem to do this at least once a year. My previous employer also did RIFs on a regular basis. It becomes part of the job, but it still sucks when it happens to your friends and colleagues. Especially those with families.

 

[DevilsMilk]

Nullsmurf,

I feel your pain, I remember when I worked for the now debunked FirstWorld Communications in Greenwood Village in Colorado and they did layoffs and went belly up. Luckily I jumped ship before it sank. Here in Florida when I got hired on with my current employer they were getting rid of some services and did a RIF, I was new to the company and as such did not get paid as much as some others and was saved. The person in my department was mad and as such took it out on me verbally. I just shrugged my shoulder and told her, "Sorry but it was not my decision and I am not about to sacrifice myself for you".

 

[NullSmurf]

Nullsmurf,

I feel your pain, I remember when I worked for the now debunked FirstWorld Communications in Greenwood Village in Colorado and they did layoffs and went belly up. Luckily I jumped ship before it sank. Here in Florida when I got hired on with my current employer they were getting rid of some services and did a RIF, I was new to the company and as such did not get paid as much as some others and was saved. The person in my department was mad and as such took it out on me verbally. I just shrugged my shoulder and told her, "Sorry but it was not my decision and I am not about to sacrifice myself for you".

[snapback]290327[/snapback]​

There is no justice. I have team in Denver and Atlanta. This re-org consolidated two groups, both with members in both cities. I gave one guy in Atlanta a "Significantly Exceeds" review in Q3 of this year. He was one of the most technically gifted guys on my team. He got whacked. I wonder who he pissed off...

 

[Wayno]

If outsourcing is such a big problem in your field, maybe you should start looking for a different career. That's what I would do if I were you. Outsourcing has become a big problem in the computer field. I personally don't think that it's worth it to be in a field that's outsourcing its jobs overseas to India and China. The time will come when you will be out of a job. Why don't you try to get into a field like customer service where there are an abundance of jobs? Many companies need customer service reps that can speak good English and who have good communications skills. You should check it out.

 

[TBaGZ]

You don't think customer service is going to be outsourced as well? HAve you not tried calling a customer service line and gotten someone that could barley speak the language?

 

[Wayno]

You don't think customer service is going to be outsourced as well? HAve you not tried calling a customer service line and gotten someone that could barley speak the language?

[snapback]290722[/snapback]​

Yeah, but at least there are a dime a dozen of customer service jobs around even though they are being outsourced. The good thing about customer service jobs is that it's easy to find one because they are plentiful.

 

[TBaGZ]

Yeah and the thing about customer service jobs is that you have to deal with customers.. customers are people... people are A$$HOLES!!!

 

[IgwanaRob]

Yeah and the thing about customer service jobs is that you have to deal with customers.. customers are people... people are A$$HOLES!!!

[snapback]290978[/snapback]​

"This job would be great, if it wasn't for the F&#*ing customers!"
- Randal in Clerks

 

[Wayno]

Customer service jobs are the way to go for all you techies out there who's jobs are being downsized and outsourced. Think of it as making a career change for the better. The pay is really good and the job is really fun.