My manager called a meeting today, and this was when we already had one scheduled for Thursday. Plus, he hates meetings in general, so this was pretty strange. IBM (including Tivoli, which is the group I work in) has already had a layoff this year, and I’ve been very wary about our group being put on the chopping block. So this meeting had the hairs on my arms raised up.
We got into the call, and my boss starts talking about a long talk he had with his boss over the weekend. I was just waiting for it: the word that we were all being let go. I was already trying to figure out how I was going to pay for insurance, my mortgage, where to find a new job, etc., etc. But getting let go wasn’t the end of his story. Long story short, the small group of eight guys I work in is getting broken up and split across several different products in Tivoli’s stable. We are currently in an enablement team, and anyone who knows anything about big business knows that enablement doesn’t produce dollars, and in an economy like ours, they look very, very closely at things that don’t directly pay their own way when it comes time to make cuts.
I feel fortunate not to have been let go outright. I’ll be working with a new tool called Maximo. It’s an asset management tool meant to help medium- to large-sized businesses track their stuff, virtual or real. It’s apparently a growing segment, so hopefully I can fit in and be successful. I’m worried that it’s going to mean a lot of travel, but right now that’s only a fear. I don’t really know what the job will entail at this point.
Whew. Good to hear you’re safe for now. Fingers crossed for you.
Glad to hear you’re still employed.
Thanks, guys. This is scary stuff…
Yeah, glad you dodged the bullet. We’re all running on adrenalin here, too. What about a lateral move into the old team that is now part of the new team? At least you have the chops for it, references, etc. A possibility? Anyway, good luck. Hang in there.
Thanks, man. Hopefully this’ll work out and I’ll be able to weather the storm. And hopefully the economy kicks back into gear in the next year or so. What was that about a lateral move? Are you talking about heading back to CM?
I’m still in CM, buddy, only for another company. I meant our old company, which is now part of your company, for you – I mean, assuming it was possible and you were interested.
Ah, I get your super seekrit code now. Yeah, it’s definitely a possibility — something to mull around if the axeman comes a calling. From what I hear Maximo is an up and coming product, so hopefully it’s something that will provide some stability. I’m curious to learn more about it, and if nothing else it’ll be another good feather in the cap.
So glad to hear this story didn’t have a horrible ending. We are living in strange and terrifying times… I’m doing a spiral dance of prosperity and stability for you!
Yeah, things are, to say the least, on edge here at the Beaulieu household. And yes, I was wondering what that odd feeling in my gut was. I think it’s helping!
Glad you were spared. That is scary.
Hey Brad, that’s a scary situation. It’s one of the reason I’ve decided to stay with my current job. Government jobs are safe so long as we have a president that believes in bigger government.
The asset management tool you mentioned, Maximo, looks interesting. It just so happens that I’m looking for a better way to manage several large scale projects handled by multiple agencies located all around the State. We’re currently looking at a customized Sharepoint system, but options are always good. I’ll have to mention to some people.
Thanks, Ken. Yeah, Maximo seems interesting. I hope it turns out to be a fun product. On the plus side, it’s quite similar architecturally to the products I’m most familiar with, so on that end it shouldn’t be a big leap. Most of the learning curve will be in what specific objects the tool allows for and how best to architect a solution for a customer. That kind of stuff only comes with experience, so it might be a bit of a bumpy road until then.