Thread regarding Wal-Mart Stores Inc. layoffs

Learn From Layoffs

I left Walmart in 2011 after almost 20 years, some years were good, some less so. Given the unfortunate events that started this week, nobody should be surprised with all anxiety and worry over potential job losses shown here. I will give my best advice, whether you work at Walmart or not...

Corporations are not your friend, parent or caregiver. It is a transaction, not a 'relationship'. You provide a service in return for money.

Automation is the new reality. If a robot or code can do your job, you will not have a job. Period. Do things robots can't do (it will become increasingly difficult as robots are getting better at an alarming rate)

Layoffs and periods of under/unemployment must be factored into your financial plans. Don't get into a mortgage and car loans that assume a 30 year stretch of uninterrupted income.

Save money. Don't be a fool. Save, always save. Lots. Of. Money! A six month cushion is a minimum. Eat ramen and drive a 10 year old car until you reach that goal

Note: if you have worked at Walmart for 10+ years and don't have 2 nickels to rub together, you should have a serious discussion with yourself (and a good financial planner too)...

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| 3421 views | | 5 replies (last April 5, 2017) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+MEA2VgP

5 replies (most recent on top)

@jcj - our kids know this already. this is why corporations complain about millennials - they do not want promises and fluff, they want to paid and taken care of right now - it drives employers nuts, but kids learned lessons by watching their parents being played by corporations

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Post ID: @abr+MEA2VgP

I am a former associate, let go in 2015. No better way to leave than with a nice check. I can now share something a seasoned DM told me long ago: "You can love the company, but it can't love you back." While true, that's only half the story. The really successful ones play the "cheerleader game" without actually buying in emotionally. It takes a bit of a sociopath to pull that off, but that is the real emotional intelligence required to succeed in an environment of increasing consolidation and outsourcing of work. I would change that DM's advice to the following: "Make them think you love the company, learn all you can, keep your powder dry, and when it's time to leave, do so gracefully." That advice works equally well outside of Walmart, by the way. Best wishes to those leaving WM. The experience you gained there will be of value to you in your next role. Cheers!

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Post ID: @fsx+MEA2VgP

I've been with the company for over 10 yrs at Home Office and in the field. I have seen this happen time and time again with Layoffs and elimination of positions. Family members of mine have personally been affected. I learned long ago not to give my blood, sweat, and tears to Walmart or Sam's. A wise mentor told me "we are all just pawns, no job is secure". With that, I have no debt, my vehicle is 16yrs old, and I live within my means with a backup plan for when this will happen to me. The head count will continue being axed, prepare now. Good luck!

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Post ID: @aan+MEA2VgP

Good advice. I would also highly recommend making a budget and sticking with it. Take that Dave Ramsey course if you need to if you can't do it on your own.

Always have a back-up plan! Play out the various scenarios you would enact if you get RIFd. Have your resume always updated and out there on the job sites. Review it every month.

I would go as far as having 1 year's worth of funds on hand in case you go through a job loss and not just 6 months'.

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Post ID: @dsu+MEA2VgP

""Corporations are not your friend, parent or caregiver. It is a transaction, not a 'relationship'. You provide a service in return for money. "" How true , Easy said BUT hard to internalize this and we like to believe take employee engagement too seriously!! Need to teach our kids how to demarcate this. Probably we believe organizations will stand BY US as we go the miles to make things happen for them in each of our roles and as we age the RELATIONSHIP wanes..

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Post ID: @jcj+MEA2VgP

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