In reality, he adds, those middle managers were being prepped to take over VP duties. The sweeping cuts eliminated several vice presidents. You're asked to run your employer's local charity drive. Beware of management's doublespeak. He has weathered at least three dozen waves of job cuts during his 31 years there.
Engineers look bored.
At Webforia, a provider of Internet tools and services in Bellevue, Wash., software engineers usually lack time to schmooze with associates from other areas. But after a broad cutback cost Ms. Szarkowitz her job there last November, she belatedly realized the engineers had been hanging around the water cooler a lot. Your work team gets broken up. Your company hires people with skills similar to yours and orders you to train them. Also beware associates who have not been helpful before and now volunteer to take your place on a critical business trip, advises Ms. Imberman, the coach.