Time Warner Telecom Pushes for Telecommuting > "When people think times are bad" ...

"When people think times are bad" ...

reply to Devanchya
Yep. If a boss views you as a faceless entity, you are less likely to be promoted and more likely to be cut when times are tough. It's a catch 22. On one hand, its good for you and allows great freedom to work from home. On the other, you are at the mercy of a company who looks at the numbers and not the human factor. If numbers come out low, your paycheck or career might come out the same. This is backed up by many studies that find face time is the best way to build repertoire and build interactions with other employees.

reply to AtlGuy
Yes and I would say that would have to be even worse in some respects. Instead of being able to meet or see your boss occasionally, you both are virtual entities to one another. While I am sure you have met your boss in person, I doubt its on a regular basis (assuming). Hence, when it comes time for promotions, raises, etc you are stuck lobbying off an email or phone call to plead your case versus an in person discussion. This is of course pending you didn't opt to fly down and meet, but that gets pricey.

Most of my team is spread across the country.
Nobody's local. I've met my manager once in 4 years.. and I've had 3 different managers since 2003, and one more coming up.

Being in the office has its benefits - but isn't always feasible.
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Canada = Hollywood North

reply to Devanchya
Many larger companies are now outsourcing any job that can be done from home so telecommuting can be just asking to be fired if you work for one of these evil companies.

reply to Devanchya

reply to en102
Without a doubt, that is true. I think in good times, telecommuting is a great thing. Companies are more likely to promote and not worry about the raises as much. The only issue is that in times of lean, job cuts are a huge worry. Those with face time often have an ally if they are in the good graces of their boss. I guess its as you said a mixed bag with mixed benefits. I think being able to work from home would be great. If you arent feeling well or have something to do that day, you can take time off to do it as long as you get the work done.

Ouch. Well I guess since you get to train the new boss, hopefully he's on your side. Let's hope he's a good guy. The only downside is that you have to make sure you dot all your Is and cross your Ts when training a boss. You don't want him or her to appear inept and the shit to fall from the top back down! If done right, then you should be in a good spot since he knows your name and you gave him the proper tools to do his own job.

Well, upper management knows what they're doing (not always what we're doing), and I have to pretty much ensure that what we're doing is not offshored or obsoleted. Basically I gotta sell my stuff to a new manager.
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Canada = Hollywood North

Sounds like "fun". I imagine you got to always stay on your toes and constantly remind them why your position is valuable. Sounds like a stressful job =). Then again, I doubt there is any job that isn't filled with it these days.

Pretty much sums it up... managers are like a revolving door. None are here longer than a year or 2.
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Canada = Hollywood North

Somehow I got a funny hunch that isn't because they are quickly promoted within the company? Let me guess, its because they opt to leave for greener pastures? That says something pretty negative if a company has that bad of a turn over.

Many different reasons...
I happen to work on projects that many managers don't want to touch (ie. too complex for many to grasp, and its a bit of a square peg/round hole issue).
Managers (of various levels - project, or delievery) end up either bailing (i.e. got their feet wet, and can't handle it), or attempting to climb the corp ladder quickly (just there for a project, and moving up), or the last case, round of layoffs and got canned, and have 'buddies' that upper management wants to fit in.
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Canada = Hollywood North

Corporate speak:

1) Definition number one... managers being inept

Actual definition - I'm a good and smooth talker and was able to get my foot in the door, but now that I have to show I know the stuff, o crap. I didn't realize that was part of the job.

2)Joining to climb the ladder.

Actual Definition - I am friends with someone way up there so watch me do half assed work and get super recognized for it at the expense of others!! HOO YA!!

3) Round of layoffs

Actual definition - This sucks. Maybe I should have brown nosed more. However, this is the corporate world for you. Friend in high places make happy faces. No friends in high places make my job go to other places.

I've seen (and still see) all of the above on a daily basis.

#1 Inept managers (typically) end up being middleman or front end defense for workers. Try to avoid them at all cost. Most don't know crap, but try to BS very well, and slime their way up the ladder.

#2 Haven't met many yet that haven't been there attempting to climb the ladder. Most stick around for 1 round of projects and attempt to get themselves promoted out... at the expense of those doing the work. Many are actually inept managers that actually got their foot stuck in the door because they didn't know what they were getting themselves into.

#3 Fact of business... big business is less loyal than small business, however, corp sees $$$ bottom line. Make an influence by either stirring the pot and getting management recognition, or 'find friends high up' - those with friends high up, are typically #1 on your definition. Management looks for a hole to stick them in as a favor.
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Canada = Hollywood North

I'm sure. The corporate world is synonymous for rewarding sheer stupidity. I can think of no other entity that rewards bad performance than the corporate world. In most jobs, if you fail you are gone. However, if you make it to be an Exec or CEO and screw the company good, you get a 100 million dollar severance package to leave. Of course, 6000 job cuts follow in order to pay the one guy off though. Yet, that is the name of the game. A lot of companies hire the worst performers only to see their bottom line shrink. Instead of writing in their contracts that their salary and bonuses are contingent on GOOD performance, the latter always seems to occur. I've got no issue giving a CEO big bucks if hes turned record profit. By all means, kick the guy 20 million if he made 1 billion profit. Unfortunately, it's the guy who loses 1 billion that walks away with 100 million. Amazing, huh?

As for people trying to climb the ladder of success, well I guess that's always going to be true. However, what also seems true, are the most deserving rarely get their time int he spotlight. It seems to be those who have managed to weasel and steal the limelight get the big promotions. I am sure there are many good guys in companies who have been passed over due to that manager that trumpeted a project. Those were my guys and I DID all the work! I'm sure that's what you were referring to on #1. It goes hand and hand with #2.

On to #3, well that's pretty self explanatory. I guess the person giving to the bottom line is loved, and the rest are seen with either a smirk or disdain. IE, the low guy is here to do his job but he's here or hes not, no big deal. On the other hand, if the low guy does well, fall back to #1 and #2 with manager or boss taking credit at his or her expense.

HEHE.. got to love the cynical nature of business.