Yes, I remember Harvest, and most of us thought it was horrible. But, in retrospect, it was just a reorganization that failed – many of us have seen failed reorgs, so no big surprise there. But if you think back, the whole personality of the org changed when Rollin left and KAT stepped in. But, I think the thing that left the biggest impression on me was how managers, directors and execs that were supposed to be seasoned IT professionals just sat by and watched the whole thing happen. Many managers, directors and execs simply nodded their heads like lemmings. Of course, they teach you to go along, once a decision is made every one falls in line. So when absolutely terrible decisions were made, we all just fell in line. There were a few rebels that voiced concerns, but they were silenced pretty quickly. I personally knew a manager who was told directly by his Sr. Director to shut up and play ball or else he’d find himself on a PIP. He was already on a job search, and left shortly. The point is this, the company has changed. The personality of the company has changed. There’s no value given to experience, length of service, past sacrifices and doing what’s right. The Indian influence and practices have now permeated the organization at all levels to a point where it’s not just a bad place to work, it’s an active suck storm.
Having said all that, I am gone now. There are real IT shops that actually let managers manage and people have lives. There is respect and honor and loyalty. I still have friends at DGTC and most of them are just trying to hold on to get to retirement. They are gritting their teeth, trying to bear the unbearable.
For those that are still there, if you’re young, get the heck out. If you’re in Bentonville/Rogers, get out before the whole area turns into the Deli slums.
Walk away.
If you’re trying to wait it out because you’re older, I wish you luck. That’s certainly a tough road to go.