This is a much better idea than involuntary layoffs. Maybe we'll get another similar offer soon.
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Do you think we will jump on too. Makes more sense to do it when everyone else is doing it too. Get lost in mix of sorts. Instead of doing it solo when all headlines would be just us
Google just jumped on the bandwagon. AI isn’t delivering as expected, BUT the costs of the AI build out have already been spent. THUS Folks have to go to get costs under control. Expect more of this over the next year not less
https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/11/05/google-joins-the-surge-of-tech-layoffs/
@qa Losers ? IBM has enough losers, particularly in India. And the list of losers should start with the incompetent CEO, Alvind.
Why do we need more?
IBM prefere Pip's , its cheaper !
I am currently doing a project for a customer who is implementing some IBM stuff on Azure, and the Microsoft folks are helping... they are (Microsoft) pathetic at best... They don't know their own Azure sh-t. So, no surprised that 60K of them are getting a package to leave. They should take it... and please don't apply to IBM as we don't want losers.
“ how generous is the MSFT option?”
MSFT has made me a multimillionaire. It helped a lot that my wife also worked there. Speaking only for myself, it was a great ride and I can’t complain having worked there 19 years. I am 54 and will be taking the offer. Even though I can theoretically look elsewhere I don’t want to. I believe the younger folks should have the opportunity I had.
Even if they offer 1 wk/year severance and vests my RSU, I am golden.
I realize I am lucky and many people are not in this situation.
@ag yes and that literally everyone is interviewing elsewhere
@Cw. India’s headcount has most likely seen its apex. The substitution of labor has driven India’s headcount growth due mostly to lower labor rates. (IBM actually grew profits by approximately 60 cents on every dollar of labor moved to India). That for the most part has run its course, and automation will now be the next big focus. What does that mean? It means a lot of workers in India will be replaced by AI SW. I expect IBM’s total worldwide headcount count to approach 200k by end of 2027- mid 2028.
@cs and an increase by the same amount for headcount in India.
Microsoft has done buyouts in the past. They usually average a 30% + acceptance rate. That would net to a worldwide headcount drop of approx 10%. Pretty much in line with what IBM’s RA/PIP initiatives are achieving
In much of Canada, what is left of the last of us is both skeletal and sclerotic. I think that it's too late to offer something so general. I suspect that they really want to make targeted cuts because they can no longer afford the last useful person cashing out. I also suspect that that same dynamic is also in place in the US and other counties that don't start with an I and and with an A. And there is no way they are cutting roles in any countries starting and ending with those letters.
The other issue is: how generous is the MSFT option? Because I suspect that the standard RA "offer" is as miserly as legally possible.
Is anyone else feeling dread lately? I feel like everyone should be way more worried then they are right now
Buyout or push-out ?
Bob offers retraining. Sign up now.
https://www.reddit.com/r/IBM_Employees/s/J1RddgUBh5