I don't especially agree. By the time I got to be Vintage I needed more than just money. Satisfaction has a lot to do with it.

 

I agree it is about more than the $$ and I have been through about 4 similar situations. You all know how easily I get POd. Take a deep breath. This is new. Inhale - exhale. A move to a cube is not the end of the earth. Plot your strategy while towing the company line, get everything lined up and THEN split.

I learned this after my first layoff which we survived, but were not at all prepared for. The second layoff I was ready, and we really had no problems. Next layoff, I'm going to just retire and trade equities.

Don't let the bastards get you down, but take care of business before you burn any bridges. It is a heck of a lot easier to get a job when you are not looking for one, esp in the IT field these days.

my 2 cents.

Dave

 

Agreed. I figure that would be part of any decision to change.

 

Absolutely right.

 

Exactly. I'd just as soon drive a long haul truck. I think I'll repaint the garage trim tomorrow afternoon.

 

The only thing I've not seen mentioned so far ... and by no means do I disagree with the comments to date ... is that there's a gut feeling involved in what's happening or coming down the road.

I've learned to put a fair amount of trust in that "feeling" when it arises ... most times it's been pretty accurate ... even as now I feel that I am approaching a similar crossroad with one of the most long-standing and bottom line conscious companies remaining in the US.

Mike, I can certainly empathize with the thoughts you have shared, and the advice rendered above is certainly sound. I have to remind myself each day to keep a level head and to analyze my options while keeping things going such that my conscience is clean. If your gut-feeling is telling you something, trust your experience and listen to what it says ... but at the same time, keep that balanced perspective until you are prepared to resolve this on your terms and in a way that you're confident will not disappoint you later.

After all, you have to live with you when all is said and done ... the company, on the other hand, does not.

 

I went through the same thing. Been with the company for 5+ years and one day I got called into the CEO's office and was informed that they are moving me from my office to a cubicle "temporarily" because a new girl they hired (came "highly" recommended) needed an office. She was already in a big cubicle (largest of the floor) but wanted something larger so they had someone going into her big cubicle and me going into a small one. "We'll get you an office as soon as we get more space in another floor". Okay whatever.

I talked to my buddy at work and told him I wanted to walk out. He just told me to calm down and think about the consequences. He said nobody would blame me for walking out but why not collecting a paycheck while looking for another job? My immediate boss, who was away on vacation at the time (perfect timing for them to ask me to move) also got me another office when he got back as he saw the whole situation being unacceptable.

I knew then I didn't want to stay at a place like that. I got a much better job a few months later. It would have been harder if I wasn't working.

I learnt to expect the unexpected and that "the right thing" for you doesn't necessarily mean "the right thing" for the company. It shouldn't be that way, but it's the reality today at most places.

I'd say stick around and plan your next step carefully. You'll all be okay. Just relax a little and realize that you'll laugh about this later. Good luck.

 

Sad to read this. It is a reminder of some of the reasons why I decided to retire early even though my bottom line was negatively affected. I loved my job, but all the office politics, unfair tactics and "pandering" that went on had become grating to say the least. Sometimes even after 9 years have passed since I decided to retire, I miss the excitement of the office, but those times pass rather quickly. Personally, I'd quietly find something else before making an exit. Changing from an office to a cubicle is business as usual in companies today. Sadly big business has no clue how it impacts a person's self esteem to be treated in such a manner. It makes us feel like a commodity or piece of furniture instead of a real live human being who gives and gives and then is treated shabbily. I wish you both well.

 

There's nothing like a good night's sleep and a cool morning to soothe and calm.

I'm going to stick around until I find something I like better. But it will never be the same there. That's a damn shame.

Thanks everyone.

 

Good decision.