IBM RAs: "It's on Me"
Earlier today: IBM's "RA Season" is Nearly Upon Us, But Tens of Thousands Are Already Marked for Removal With PIPs (as "Low Performers")
Some hours ago a former IBMer (won't name him, he deserves his dignity) explained what IBM did to him during a so-called 'RA' (round of layoffs).
We reproduce the first half of it here:
Apparently, My Experience Has an Expiration Date.Two years ago this week, I had my last day at IBM. I was selected for what IBM called a “resource action.” I was never given a specific reason why. My manager's explanation? “It's on me.” Whatever that meant. (Ironically, neither he nor his manager is still there, either.)
I've since learned that many people call being out of work a journey. Personally, I'd call it a struggle. “Journey” suggests a scenic overlook and a nice lunch somewhere along the way. I'm still looking for the lunch. Here's what two years have looked like:
• I've been one of the final two candidates for 11 positions. Nine reportedly went to internal candidates. For the other two, I heard some version of, “It was a very close decision.”
• I've been ghosted by recruiters who specifically promised to get right back to me.
• I've received rejection emails at all hours, including 3:23 a.m. on a Sunday. Apparently, even rejection doesn't respect work-life balance. (Yes, I know they're automated.)
• I've interviewed on vacation, from a hospital room, in another country, and from a car. None resulted in an offer.
• I've watched people I've interviewed with end up on LinkedIn looking for work after being caught in layoffs themselves. Suddenly, the experience becomes a lot more personal.
IBM has no respect for the workers and it tries to hide the layoffs. █