Thread regarding Comcast layoffs

I’ll tell you a cautionary tale about how Comcast works. Years ago, I knew someone in a Director role. They worked at Comcast for decades with most years in that role. They tried multiple times to get promoted but each time was denied for people MUCH less qualified. This person was deeply respected but the leaders here wouldn’t promote them. Then a layoff was announced, so this person applied to higher roles internally, but still didn’t get any in time, so was let go with many others. Despite Comcast throwing them away, they defended Comcast and it was evident they had Stockholm for a place they identified with for years. A year later, they still didn’t have a job and I wondered if it was because they struggled being let go from a place where they deeply identified and may have been the only place they ever worked. Eventually, someone in a director position at Comcast quit, and this person then applied and was rehired into that role. I know they were happy being back at Comcast but what really happened is the leaders constantly rejected a promotion to this person for years for people much less qualified, threw this person away in a layoff despite their loyalty and performance, then rehired this person back into the very same role they had before been clawing so long to get out of. This person had went from knowing they deserved a higher role to now begging to be accepted back into the lower role they had before - just as Comcast prefers. You are right to want better for yourself. They do not promote the competent or qualified. They promote who they can control.

@ck LOL a personal attack with no constructive criticism. You're practically Comcast management material already!

@bf This is the best response here. Really thoughtful, I love "Awareness doesn’t always translate into action." Thanks for your reply

Please don’t listen to the people here about politics. I’ve worked for over 20 years and accepting a job at Comcast was my biggest mistake. People who have been there long have a jaded view of politics because Comcast teaches a self sacrificing cutthroat political culture not common in other companies. I’ve made out very well and you were correct to advocate for yourself after 3 years of silence and being lied to. This place isn’t made for a competent, honest person like yourself. That’s the reason you should leave.

i would’ve fired you quicker if i were your manager. you sound immature and naive

There’s a lot to unpack here. First, I’m sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately, going over your boss’s head is rarely a good move unless there’s a serious ethical or safety concern. There are unwritten rules in corporate America that nobody teaches you in school, and knowing your audience is a big one. I genuinely wish it worked differently.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that whatever traits or behaviors you dislike about your boss, chances are your skip-level already knows. We sometimes assume leadership just isn’t aware, but more often than not, they are. They may choose to overlook it because that person delivers results in other areas, has established relationships, or simply isn’t a problem they’re willing to address. Awareness doesn’t always translate into action.

On the flip side, there are plenty of boneheads in this company, and accountability is a whole different issue. Some poor performers seem to get shuffled from team to team rather than actually being managed out. It’s frustrating, but corporate politics and performance don’t always go hand in hand. Sometimes understanding that reality is just as important as being good at your job.

just look at Jones vs Comcast lawsuit.. raising concerns will get you FIRED

@an Nah, they don’t belong there. Had they said nothing, they’d never be promoted. It’s likely this person is competent and is a threat to the folks above them. So it’s a lose/lose. Thats what makes this company so bad.

You're on your way out. you need to learn some political etiquette.

@ac sums it up. If you find yourself escalating above your manager, not only is it going to happen, you’ll annoy your boss because even if you’re 100% in the right, you’ve made them look bad.

Don’t ever expect them to fight for you and even if they do, expecting them to win is not going to happen.

yep. this is why I just keep my mouth shut. nothing good comes from stirring the pot unless you are looking for escort to the exit.

@OP Buddy, the exact same thing happened in my team as well. Two of my colleagues were laid off after they raised concerns about the very same issue in front of our director. Unfortunately, it seemed like they were targeted simply for speaking up.

It’s really frustrating when you’re technically strong, putting in your best effort, and taking your responsibilities seriously, while others seem to enjoy all the benefits without contributing much.

After watching two of my closest colleagues lose their jobs right in front of me, I’ve chosen to stay silent for now. But how long can we keep doing that? What are we supposed to do when raising genuine concerns could put our own jobs at risk?

To give you an idea, there are around six people on my team who, from what I’ve observed, lack even the basic technical knowledge required for their roles and contribute very little. Meanwhile, the people who actually work hard and raise legitimate concerns seem to be the ones facing consequences.

It’s disappointing and honestly discouraging to see this kind of workplace culture.

This is Comcast. They side with people who don’t work and who hurt the company. But it’s top down. The business runs to fill executive leadership pockets, not to sufficiently serve cable to the community. Because of that, they prefer people easy to manipulate like your former team sounds. Comcast is a uniquely terrible place to work. The abuse is shocking and they’re unethical but pay out to cover that. You’ll find other toxic companies but none like Comcast.