All names are changed….
Jim lives in Fairfield, Connecticut. He was laid off during the pandemic. As he searched for jobs, he became a bit desperate and took a job with a company based in Florida. Since the pandemic was still in force, Jim was allowed to continue to work virtually but with the understanding that he would move to Florida once the pandemic was over. Jim’s wife and two children were not pleased but they understood the situation.
Jim started work in October of last year. In the last few months, he has been looking at houses in the Tampa area. During this time, he had become friendly with Greg. Jim and Greg went out for a few drinks one evening and Greg – who while the same level as Jim had a strong connection with one of the senior executives – let slip that the company was in negotiations to be sold. Once the sale occurs, most of Jim’s department would be laid off.
When Jim came to Career Counseling Connecticut, he relayed this tale and also of his prior lay off which also involved some deceit by senior management (“All is well. Keep working hard.”) who knew that the company would have to cut staff months before it notified those affected.
Jim noted that “people suck.” I understood but then offered my disagreement. I think people are generally good but when put into situations that almost demand that they act in self-preserving style they often act poorly.
Broadly speaking, working in corporate America has become one of those situations. This was not always the case. Twenty years ago, while the bonds that forged communities within large corporations were fraying, there still was some sense of loyalty between both management and employees. Maybe not a lot but far more than now.
The solution: take control of your career. Otherwise, others will have that control.