I'm on the cusp of GenX/GenY - as such, I've heard through the grapevine that we're not too loyal to our jobs and that we change jobs more often than the generation that came before.
Some of you that I've met through networking over the past couple of months describe rounds of layoffs at the companies you worked for. If you were still there after round one, how did you feel? Were you looking for a job while you still had one? Did you think that after 25 years with the company that you wouldn't be affected? Maybe there's only going to be one round?
After the next round, what did you do? I've met people who worked for companies through five rounds of layoffs and then it was their turn to be dismissed. Through that whole situation, they remained loyal to their company and stayed with them - not looking outside their company for other opportunities. I even know some people who are very open to returning to the same companies who laid them off. They've even received invitations from their former employer who would love to have them back when "the economy improves".
I would love to hear your opinions on this phenomenon called loyalty. Would you return to the company that laid you off if they made you an offer right now? When the first round of layoffs happened, did you start looking for another job? Are you going to be as loyal in your next position?
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Suzanne this Rod Hiemstra. I have replied to a few of your pieces and we met at the last Pink Slip Networking event.
ReplyDeleteAs I told you then I had 29 years at the Maytag Company before the plant was closed.
I was (as I like to put it) one of last 600. We were indeed all loyal to Maytag to the end.
How did I feel when the end came?
That is harder to explain, sadness for sure,also some relief as it became very dificult towards the end.
I suddenly discovered I did indeed have some pride in what I had done for the company in those years.
I had done some soul searching shortly before the end and was indeed planning my next step of going back to school.Maybe it ws slightly different for me too in that there was the finality of the plant closing so there was no going back.
And I'll be honest there was also some feeling of betrayal in that after all those years of loyal service they no longer needed me.
Would I bring this loyalty with me to the next job. I can say yes to that as that is just who I am.
Did this answer any of your questions?
I think moving on is the best option and keeping the memory of an employer as part of our past. Going back would be like divorcing and then marrying the same person again. That makes no sense - it is better to move on to something different, better, fresher...
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