Today was really hard. As many of you may know, my company took what we euphemistically call resource actions today. . To some it was a necessary portfolio alignment. The others it was the end of long careers .I'm at client meetings today. The meeting was really good technically. We really like these people and we love the challenges that they pose. Even as we spoke with them today, we were all getting emails and instant messages from longtime colleagues we just received word that their jobs were going away. it was such a strange contrast.
On one hand, I know the company has to change and evolve… That's why we are still strong after 100 years. At the same time, my heart breaks to know how many people's livelihoods , retirement plans, even the definitions of themselves changed irrevocably today in that one minute call from their managers. Many of these folks ,like me, live to work not work to live. They define themselves as an engineers, computer scientists, programmers … whatever. When the situation takes that definition away from you, it's easy to wonder what you have left. For many, this change will actually be pretty welcome… Many of my friends were ready to retire anyway. For some, this change will be a needed, if not welcome, kick out of complacency. But for many… This is going to be hell. And for those my heart goes out.
Heart is the important word here. I can't help thinking that business….not just our business …. is too focused on the mind these days. What is the short-term financial outcome. What to the stockholders want?. To me, work is a way of keeping heart and mind together. You can't have one without the other. Business strategy and people's needs cannot be separated. It's not that I see another way. It's just that I regret that has to be this way.
The economy and the stockholders are a tough master. I hope as the economy improves, we like many companies will re-find our hearts. I think this is the only path forward.
For All of my friends who are affected today I wish you strength and creativity. I hope this turn in the road works out okay for you. you're in our thoughts and hearts. .
Night all, night Sam
– Me
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Thanks so much for this. As a fellow IBMer I also empathize with the anguish some of our colleagues may be going through. And as much as I identify with the work I’m lucky to be doing, maybe the team insight here is that we are not our jobs ….even when we love what we do. That is just part of the story our egos build to support the illusion of self. The real truth is that when we feel for others we’re connected to a bigger truth.
So well said, John. You express exactly how I feel as well.