If you read my previous post, you are aware of what is going on at my place of employment. What I didn't add is that I am not happy about my current assignment which has led me to realize that it is time for me to reevaluate my career choice.
I have a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in computer engineering. Sound impressive? Well, I have no desire to continue in either field. This is not because of the economy where IT jobs are being outsourced to the best shore. Nor is it because IT wages are being decreased and the hot technology keeps changes. It is because it brings me no joy! I actually hate programming and consulting. I probably always have; but salary cuts and work force reductions have made me realize just how much I don't like what I do. With each round of cuts, I have, unknown to my husband and mother, been praying that I am on the hit list. Now, is this financially responsible? No! Does it make sense to wish for a small severance package when you have no plan? No! But does it makes sense to dread going to work each day and feeling under appreciated and stuck? NO!
I took a leap of faith and applied to Nursing school. Yes, nursing school. I want to help people and I want a career that cannot be off-shored. I want to feel like I have touched somebody and made a difference. Creating an application for an engineering quality management system (my current project) doesn't make one bit of difference in any one's life and my efforts are recognized by my company.
When are you too old to follow your heart? When is having two degrees in another discipline a deterrent for following your dreams? When is too scary to take that leap? I don't know how I will make this work financially or time-wise, but I will not be in this same place two years from now wishing that I have done something in 2009 when I first had the notion. What's your leap of faith about?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Been away for a while...... EDS kicks you when you are down
I've been away for a while and so much has changed. Our country has a new president (GO OBAMA!!!) and is in the midst of an economic tsunami. Meanwhile, I have been a ball of stress:
I am working for EDS which was acquired by HP. Since my last post, I have endured months of work force reductions wondering if each Friday or payday will be my last. I have watched valuable team members being escorted out with only a few hours notice. In response, I cleaned my desk of all personal effects so that when the time comes, I am able to turn over my laptop and make a quick, emotionless exit. What a way to work.
I was reorganized to a manager in another state that I will undoubtedly never see and who can not speak to my qualifications or is familiar with my skillset area.
I was forced to choose whether to work in a dedicated office space or from home where I am allowed to come into the office for first come, first served "hotel cubes". In my dedicated environment (which I chose), I will have to, at some point in the future, contend with half the space as cubes are redesigned to eliminate any privacy which in someone's convulated mind, is supposed to promote productivity. Try coding with someone next to you smacking on gum or on a conference call!
And for the kicker: It was announced that all employees (HP and EDS) will endure a 5% pay decrease. OK. I took that in stride. I figure that means that more jobs will be saved. I can deal with that. At least I have a job. THEN....... I receive an email on Friday, March 13 at 5:05PM:
The email states that for the month of April, only the pre-acquisition EDS employees will take an additional 10% pay cut. Hmmmm, let me see: This message comes out after most people have left the office for the weekend. Also, only the EDS employees (US & Puerto Rico) are taking this 15% hit for the month of April. What the heck is going on?
Since this is not a confidential memo, I can quote this part of the message: "While we have no plans for an additional base salary reduction, we will continue to closely monitor the performance of our business and make further adjustments as required in the coming months."
So, my questions are these: In the wake of rising energy and food prices, how am I supposed to live? How can I live financially responsible, when my salary appears to be variable? Should my productivity decrease by 15% as well?
Bottom line: They got you by the (pardon me) balls! There are hardly any IT jobs to be found. Where are you going to go? If you do leave, you forgo your severance package that more than likely is ultimately coming. Also, if you find a new job, you run the risk of "last in, first out" when that company's numbers hit the skids. I have never been so discouraged. I can't even begin to explain the changes to the 401K matches and pension plan. It's too much to handle in one posting.
Can anybody out there hear me?
I am working for EDS which was acquired by HP. Since my last post, I have endured months of work force reductions wondering if each Friday or payday will be my last. I have watched valuable team members being escorted out with only a few hours notice. In response, I cleaned my desk of all personal effects so that when the time comes, I am able to turn over my laptop and make a quick, emotionless exit. What a way to work.
I was reorganized to a manager in another state that I will undoubtedly never see and who can not speak to my qualifications or is familiar with my skillset area.
I was forced to choose whether to work in a dedicated office space or from home where I am allowed to come into the office for first come, first served "hotel cubes". In my dedicated environment (which I chose), I will have to, at some point in the future, contend with half the space as cubes are redesigned to eliminate any privacy which in someone's convulated mind, is supposed to promote productivity. Try coding with someone next to you smacking on gum or on a conference call!
And for the kicker: It was announced that all employees (HP and EDS) will endure a 5% pay decrease. OK. I took that in stride. I figure that means that more jobs will be saved. I can deal with that. At least I have a job. THEN....... I receive an email on Friday, March 13 at 5:05PM:
The email states that for the month of April, only the pre-acquisition EDS employees will take an additional 10% pay cut. Hmmmm, let me see: This message comes out after most people have left the office for the weekend. Also, only the EDS employees (US & Puerto Rico) are taking this 15% hit for the month of April. What the heck is going on?
Since this is not a confidential memo, I can quote this part of the message: "While we have no plans for an additional base salary reduction, we will continue to closely monitor the performance of our business and make further adjustments as required in the coming months."
So, my questions are these: In the wake of rising energy and food prices, how am I supposed to live? How can I live financially responsible, when my salary appears to be variable? Should my productivity decrease by 15% as well?
Bottom line: They got you by the (pardon me) balls! There are hardly any IT jobs to be found. Where are you going to go? If you do leave, you forgo your severance package that more than likely is ultimately coming. Also, if you find a new job, you run the risk of "last in, first out" when that company's numbers hit the skids. I have never been so discouraged. I can't even begin to explain the changes to the 401K matches and pension plan. It's too much to handle in one posting.
Can anybody out there hear me?
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