I am not a high CL employee. I am not even exempt, but I’ve been with the company for 30+ years and I have seen quite a lot. I’ve seen the company change from a tough (but reasonable) place to work into a dysfunctional psychological nightmare.
Because of this, I decided to retire much earlier than I ever expected. When I took this job many years ago, I was told I’d be a fool to turn it down. I was straight out of college and was very naïve. I didn’t even negotiate my salary! It started off well, but it’s always been an extremely competitive environment. That alone isn’t difficult when you work hard & do a good job. If someone was not doing well, they usually knew it. Now, you could be praised for 364 days if the year and then after ranking be told on day 365, you are NSI.
Although, most of the years have been rather good, I did give up many other opportunities mainly out of loyalty and genuine care for the company and its employees. The golden handcuffs presented themselves very early & easily. Because of this, the last few years have been incredibly difficult to watch. It started with the email announcing we will not be laying off individuals (something that should never have been sent out), through them laying off individuals via PIP/forced retirements ending with things being done as we speak. Not to mention, I’ve seen one too many good people change in negative ways order to survive the ranking process & this cut throat environment. I’ve also seen too many deserving people let go while utterly toxic people are promoted. That can only go on for so long before the ripples become waves and everything starts to crumble.
So, I haven’t told anyone, but I am going to retire at the end of the year. Am I ready financially? No. Am I ready to stop working? No. Do I think I’ll find a comparable job (as far as benefits & pay)? No. More importantly, can I watch this company continue to take advantage of & change good people into either shell shocked or ruthless individuals? No, I cannot. I read the book, The Hunger Games. I don’t want to live it or watch my friends live it.