Boss quit, team coming apart. Advice?

[HardDrive]

I work for a large bank. The past 1.5 years have been a downward slide for our product(we are internal). Someone, somewhere has decided that we are no longer a strategic product, and will be allowed to wither.

Whether that is right or wrong is neither here nor there, its happening. And I can't figure out what to do. My Boss, the head of our business analysts, and some important staff have left or are leaving. For those of us staying, we estimate that it will take at least 2.5 years to replace all of our functionality. And adding to the ambiguity, our upper management teams have about an 8 month SLA. In some cases only 6. Come october, there could be a total reversal, and we have 10 reqs open for hiring. It bizarre. We have reqs open for staff right now, and we are hiring.

How far do you let things slide before you bail? I still feel like I'm doing important work and adding value. I guess I could get the boot tomorrow, but it does not feel like it. *knock on wood*. For some reason, my gut says to stay, that there is opportunity in the chaos.

Any sage advice in times of turmoil?

[Rick Lee]

Look out for #1 and don't step in #2. They have zero loyalty to you. You should reciprocate.

[VincentVega]

If you havent already talk to the guys you respected that left for their take. Listen to RL on focus on yourself.

good luck

[Alan A]

1. Can you get another job?
If so go to 2 if not make it so you can go to 2

2. If they cut your team/lob/product/whatever is the payout worth waiting around for?
If not go to 3 if so see if a package is in the cards. Try to upskill while you are cruising - no point working your ass off if you are hanging round with your hand out.

3. Get out and beat the rush.

My 2c fwiw.

[HardDrive]

I can get another job, but I don't want to. I like the language I'm working in, I know the product I'm working on. Even if its a death march towards the gallows, I would gladly stick around another year or so.

There would be no payout at the end. Only a pick slip. We typically are given a window to find employment internally before actually being laid off. I would leave before it got to that point.

[John Rogers]

Update your resume and be sure to use all the important technical banking mumbo-jumbo and look for a new job as fast as you can. Reference letters may be an issue if your management has already left so get some as soon as possible.

[Gogar]

If you try to perfectly time your jump from the titanic you will get sucked down with it.

So start looking before you actually want to.

[varmint]

Beware the furniture movers.

[drkshdw]

The best time to look for a job is when you don't need one.

[LakeCleElum]

Guessing your wife still makes great money and you could ride out a lay-off?

I say ride it out and look for the opportunity to move up. Sleep with one eye open............

[Superman]

Do what you want. The future is uncontrollable and besides, it works in your favor anyway.

[Gus Berges]

From someone who has been unemployed (in sales roles no less!) for more than 22 years and now finds himself without a job as of nearly 7 months ago, I'd STRONGLY suggest you look elsewhere while you can. Also consider if this is the right time to start your own business as the older you get, the less "employable" you become.

Of course there is always an exception to the rule, but based on personal experience, it is a lot easier to move from one job to another while being employed.

[sc_rufctr]

No possibility of a pay out? Begs the question... Why not?

I'd stay just to see the ****show and as you wrote there may be an opportunity in the chaos.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by drkshdw

The best time to look for a job is when you don't need one.

^^^^ What he said. Stay where you are but shop around for a good opportunity while you don't need a job. Having a job takes the pressure off of finding the right job.

[Baz]

A lot of good input here - but I'm thinking no one here can give you the best advice as that has to come from the little voice inside of you. So listen to your instincts and you will be just fine.

Lastly - what I tell anyone who is contemplating future work endeavours......always use your expertise as leverage to improve your position. You have great value - use it to your advantage as you move forward.

Hope this helps and best of luck, Josh.

[HardDrive]

Thanks for the input guys. Very helpful.

I'm going to stick around....and start looking for work.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by varmint

Beware the furniture movers.

I'm dim so I'll ask if this is a reference to the deck chairs of the Titanic?

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Thanks for the input guys. Very helpful.

I'm going to stick around....and start looking for work.

Remember how delicious that cone of ice cream was many years ago ? Trust your gut and do what you want to...until you don't want to do that no mo'. Sometimes sticking around and watching a sinking ship takes it's toll....walked away for good ten years back....my choice, no regrets. Best of luck....and look out for Josh...life is short !

[jhynesrockmtn]

What do you support at the bank? Are they outsourcing that to a 3rd party? Seems like a lot of turmoil and no answer as to why. What do the folks who left have to say? Seems like more information is needed. My future son in law is in IT and seems to have a new job every 18 months or so.

[rfuerst911sc]

My 2 cents....... you like what you are doing , you like the environment and you currently have a job . Keep doing what you are doing and keep your ears open for any internal chances for improvement . At the same time update your resume and get it out there on the street . You may get hits you may not . Look over any new chances that may appear and make a decision based on the data you have at that moment . Loyalty is a two way street and it is becoming a one way street.......... YOU have to look out for # 1 because no one else will . Good luck and keep the change