Thread regarding IBM layoffs

My manager basically said I’m too valuable to the team to be given a promotion

He didn't use those exact words, of course, but that was the gist of it. How do you even respond to something like that other than quitting? (Which I now fully intend to do as soon as I can find something else - and I wasn't planning on leaving any time soon.)


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Post ID: @OP+1m1y0mrrr

21 replies (most recent on top)

@rm it’s happen first week in December

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Post ID: @s2+1m1y0mrrr

IBM managers are such sh--s.

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Post ID: @rt+1m1y0mrrr

@OP your id--t manager is trying to butter you up before the axe falls in the next month or so.

You'll be the Thanksgiving 2026 Turkey !

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Post ID: @rm+1m1y0mrrr

@k2 precisely, which means getting them doesn't mean they really want to keep you.

Maybe they want you for a year more while they continue to decimate your team, but they are just golden handcuffs to keep those they want right now but they can still terminate you at any time later. And yes, the unused RSUs just fade away like a broken promise, a stolen pension, lifetime healthcare retiree benefits that were swapped out for something that won't cover you for a year.

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Post ID: @mn+1m1y0mrrr

RSUs disappear if you are laid off

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Post ID: @k2+1m1y0mrrr

@fp And just because you received RSUs doesn't mean they won't lay you off next year. I had them and cashed them in three years in a row, but was laid off before the fourth became due.

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Post ID: @fv+1m1y0mrrr

If you are valuable, your manager can give you RSU (restricted stock units) as incentive. They can also give you in-band raises and other things. If they didnt, it’s just lip service.

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Post ID: @fp+1m1y0mrrr

@ee IBM was taken over by these silo’ed cliches that only benefit that inner circle. They need sheep though and workers to advance their personal agendas. It’s very much like the slaves who built the pyramids for the pharaohs.

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Post ID: @ef+1m1y0mrrr

@e3 Yes promotion = unemployment. At IBM success will get you fired.

I ki-led myself to get to STSM but my job was over 5 years after that - not because my performance was more strictly graded but because I cost more, period.

You might extend this a year or two if you give really good hed. But many people are out in just 2-3 years following a major promotion like this.

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Post ID: @ee+1m1y0mrrr

@e7 let’s be honest though IBM has been coasting for at least 20 years now on its past reputation. We all know we are a shell of what once was. It’s been a very slow realization but average joe public is finally catching on to reality here but others in industry have known long before. Our peers haven’t taken us seriously for a long time. The only influence we have had is our money. We use the same buzz word marketing playbook to try to restart and extend that that influence artificially but it back fires on us often when reality catches up to our bold promises. It will be interesting to see how quantum plays out. I have a feeling it might be our last attempt and it could break us when the check comes due.

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Post ID: @ea+1m1y0mrrr

@e7 The company is bending, almost breaking, under the weight of the "dead weight" do nothing id--ts, starting with the slimy Indian and his cabal of thieves.

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Post ID: @e8+1m1y0mrrr

@ck It is sad, indeed. The company was great to work for years ago ;-)

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Post ID: @e7+1m1y0mrrr

@ag Yes getting into a higher band will make you a target if you are doing ja-----t for the company’s “growth”. There more of these folks than those who are doing everything they can to make their clients successful.

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Post ID: @e3+1m1y0mrrr

This is so sad to see what has become of a once great company and great people.

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Post ID: @ck+1m1y0mrrr

I get what you’re saying. I’m not surprised by that comment. Managers know that if you get promoted and get a pay raise, there is a good chance you’ll be on the RA list at some point due to making too much.
But it is also a lame a-s excuse trying to make it sound like your manager is doing your favor. They should fight for you if they want to keep you.. just goes to show how dysfunctional that company is.
On your way out the door just tell them “I am way too valuable not to take the promotion I got at my new job”

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Post ID: @b2+1m1y0mrrr

Bob calls BS.

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Post ID: @ar+1m1y0mrrr

Getting placed in a higher band will make you more vulnerable to elimination

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Post ID: @ag+1m1y0mrrr

@a7 not OP - but it happens a lot more then you think

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Post ID: @aa+1m1y0mrrr

@OP You've got your marching orders. Aim for the day you give notice - when you tell your manager that you're too valuable NOT to be promoted.

Devise a plan, start looking, and make smart decisions along the way (you don't want to trade one bad scene for another).

You'll get there.

Best of luck to you!

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Post ID: @a9+1m1y0mrrr

@OP That logic doesn’t make sense. They should give you a promotion to retain you. Good for you to take matters in your own hand!

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Post ID: @a7+1m1y0mrrr

Get it in writing or secretly record them saying it to you asap

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Post ID: @a6+1m1y0mrrr

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