If you have read any recent technology industry news, you have probably heard the speculation that Intel is negotiating to sell off their communications businesses. That would include me. I work in the XScale group, designing chips for cell phones and PDAs. So far, Intel has neither confirmed nor denied these rumors, nor have they released anything internally to give employees a hint of what may lie ahead. But lower level managers are beginning to encourage us to keep our eyes open for available positions outside the division and take any opportunities that we see. They are even assisting in the internal search, telling us how many openings other groups expect to have, and speculating on headcount numbers around the site. The stress level of the group is definitely on the rise, and the morale is plummeting. We had a short training session this afternoon on a new tool, and everyone just sat looking straight ahead. The facilitator asked if anyone had any questions, and no one moved. The usual animated interaction of our team is in the toilet.
Please pray that the leaders of our company would have wisdom as they make these life changing decisions for so many people and families. My prayer is that anyone who really needs a job will have a job. I know there are some who would be more than willing and able to take retirement or a voluntary severance package, and go play or do something else. But we have many people in our group whose paychecks are supporting families, and whose lives could be dramatically challenged if they suddenly find themselves without a job.
As for me, my first choice is obviously to stay with Intel. I really love all the wonderful benefits Intel provides (retirement, sabbaticals, discount programs, stock*, etc.). But I need my salary and health benefits most of all, and if I get “sold” to another company, so be it.
On another subject (but sort of related to my work), I must say I’m really mad at Daryl. He got me hooked on those puzzles and now, not only am I routing colored lines all day long on my job, I come home and route colored lines all evening and go to bed dreaming about routing colored lines! I can’t get them out of my head. Aaarrghhh!
(* stock used to be a valuable benefit, but lately it hasn’t been worth squat! 😉 )
I keep hearing conflicting news in the trade rags first that Intel is trying to sell the division, and then that they will want to keep it after all. So who knows. But these rumors more often than not turn out to be true.
At least I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying the puzzles. I just solved the full set for the 4th time. It definitely is getting easier — I must be starting to remember some of the tricks.
I worked at a company that was sold and everything turned out fine for me. Hope the same happens if you get the same fate.