IBM

I hear some people get paid well; that was not the case for me.

In the 12 years I was at IBM, the company changed drastically.

It started with little things (no more free lunches, etc.) and eventually ended with major changes (401K), which mostly affected us blue-collar workers.

The morale after the summer 2013 layoffs was infectious, and I honestly hated going to work.

I combatted this by just working from home, but in the end, I just saw too many people who didn't care anymore.

A lot of people had and still have the "I'm waiting for my [severance] package" mentality, which I will admit, I had for some time as well.

I also saw many friends who were laid off struggle to find jobs, and that really bothered me.

I spent the better part of six months studying and applying for jobs outside of IBM.

I frequently encountered negative comments and stereotypes about IBMers from recruiters, HR personnel, and other engineers.

Unfortunately, regardless of your skill set, there is a general pessimism towards IBMers.

I think the longer your tenure at any company, the more skepticism people will have towards your skill set.

Looking back, I think I thought the severance package was worth waiting for mainly because I had started to believe what some managers at IBM had instilled in me: fear and self-doubt.

Many times when I complained about pay, bonus money, or ratings, I got the good old "you should be happy you have a job."

The last one my manager gave me was, "IBM offers a lot of flexibility for you and your family."

It is not IBM's responsibility to keep you skilled, but it's usually a good question to ask yourself: Can this job/company help me grow professionally?

I feel pretty blessed that I left, and I think it was a smart move emotionally and professionally.

I have encouraged friends to leave as well, but for some, that just seems impossible.

I don't think you can right the ship; there are just too many messed-up things going on there.

I hope the best for all IBMers and hope that I am wrong about IBM.

Good luck, IBMers.