I just graduated from MSU and joined Ford as an IT FCG. I had to wait 2 months to start and relocated from Grand Rapids to Dearborn.
They just had another cohort of new college grads join this week. Why would they continue to hire us if they knew months ago they'd be making such huge cuts? I am at a loss, I just uprooted my life and made financial commitments and now I have to worry about this.
I was in your spot roughly 7 years ago. I told myself that as well. I recommend you exit the automotive industry NOW! cause once youre mid-30's and enough years in, your peace of mind goes out the window in this industry.
Become a " Workplace Experience Manger ", send out emails about doors being painted and what restrooms are closed. You'll be safe, that's a value-added position
Dude your from Michigan why are you surprised by this. Dont listen to people saying fcgs are safe i have seen two get fired in the last year because of 1 had a cr-p personality and the other was not good call it not a good fit. We have a 1st year fcg that is not doing well either but i work in fast pace job in the manufacturing area.
Look you dont have family that relies on you work hard get some skills, network and if they let you go well you have skills and references. They dont let you go well thats up to you plenty of fcgs stay and some leave for higher pay. Ford does not know how to keep good people i suspect its the same with the other 2 Oems as well.
Haha! No worries, you're young. Ford thinks young people will fix everything.
No one is fine. Think of the law suits if they fire only us old folks…
Fwiw, was part of the 2019 GM cuts. They mostly cut newly hired people (last in, first out), senior, and fcg equivalent in my dpt. They just created my group 6mo prior and had ppl move across the country then laid 1/3 off 9 months later….I naively thought I was good to go….mgmt couldn’t be that shortsighted! Maybe be prepped just in case.
The FCG program is pretty good. I agree that you are probably fine. Show up and do your job. Have some fun doing it. Remember you are trading your time for money. In my 33 years I have met a few truly amazing engineers. However, most were just happy to see Friday come around. One of my supervisors once told me Ford did not want to make a little money they wanted to make a lot. Next year when you manager is throwing a profit sharing party or team cookout just remember his bonus amount was probably equal or greater than your yearly salary. The further you go up the chain the biggest the party gets.
Don't forget how you are feeling and plan your way out accordingly.
Welcome. It does not get better.
As an FCG, you won’t get cut. You are cheap to pay, health care is cheap, don’t have a family yet, so you are all good. Sleep well tonight and know your job is safe.
You are fine, you don’t have a pension and your salary isn’t high like the people that have been at Ford 30+ years.
I am so sorry... But I am looking to get out of automotive. It's a constant doom and gloom.
Look up "hire to fire"
After a heads up is spread that a reduction in force is planned in 3 months managers hire to fire to protect their teams headcount by sacrificing new hires that haven't had time to become impactful yet.
Welcome to the auto industry. Unfortunately this is normal.
You’re fine dude - you’re still young and cheap. But if you’re any good, keep your LinkedIn up-to-date and resume in circulation outside of SE Michigan based companies. Automotive is too bo-m/bust to make a career in. Best advice you’ll get.