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This is NOT the IBM your parents knew – this is a dysfunctional hybrid

Senior Software Engineer
Current Employee
Has worked at IBM for 20 years
January 30, 2015
1.0
Doesn't RecommendNegative Outlook
Pros

Large enough to facilitate broad career exploration. As an IBMer, you have an opportunity to try an array of different career venues. The continual professional education is great. The benefits, however, are marginal compared to other industry leaders.

Cons

This IS NOT the 'Big Blue' your parents knew, and their parents before them.

This is a hybrid of "exceed at any cost" (even at employees expense) and once on top, "stay on top at any cost" - again, often at the employee's expense.

I have been with this company over 27 years; have seen it expand and contract with market fluctuation and can say with certainty, borne out of experience, this is the worst it has ever been.

For the young talent out there, DO NOT consider this a company you will retire with, but rather one that is a good start and building of skills. Then, port your skills over to a company that will invest in YOU.

IBM will NOT invest in you. Instead, they use every last ounce of your talent, work you 70+ hours a week, then eventually seek to remove you in some way when management no longer has a use for you.

THAT is the new IBM way.

I am still here but leaving soon and want to impart my wisdom to anyone thinking of joining this company. I would recommend you speak with a few old timers first.

Advice to Management

I am management...

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