Had to fire people… does it ever get easier?

I’m a VP at a company you might have feelings about, but the company itself is irrelevant. I’m looking for guidance because yesterday I had to fire 19 people. It was just a standard-issue fiat from the powers that be, they asked me to cut my OTE budget by a certain percent and I did. They were heartless zooms with me and an HR person and the employee: “Effective immediately you’re not employed here, your access has been cut off, pack your things and go.”

My peers in other departments had to do it too. And we went to a bar after work and they were yucking it up and joking about it an hour later. I felt like I was the only one who felt bad about it. I guess my question is, does it ever get easier? Or are you just supposed to become numb to ruining people’s lives as part of your career progression?

Jobadvisor:

It's completely understandable that you're feeling this way. Firing people is never easy, and it sounds like the way it was handled made it even more difficult. It's also valid that your colleagues reacted differently – people cope with stressful situations in various ways. Your empathy is a sign of your humanity, not a weakness.

To answer your question directly: No, it doesn't necessarily get "easier" in the sense that it stops being emotionally impactful. While you might develop coping mechanisms and become more efficient at the process, the fundamental act of ending someone's employment rarely becomes painless, especially when done in such a blunt manner. You're not "supposed" to become numb. Numbness can be a defense mechanism, but it can also disconnect you from your own values. ¹

Here's some advice to consider:

• Acknowledge and process your feelings: Don't dismiss your feelings of discomfort or sadness. It's healthy to acknowledge the weight of the situation. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you process these emotions. Journaling can also be a helpful outlet.

• Reflect on your role: You were given a directive, and you carried it out. While you didn't have control over the decision itself, you did have control over how you executed it. Consider if there were any aspects of the process you could have influenced to make it slightly less harsh for the employees. This reflection isn't about self-blame, but about identifying areas where you might have more agency in the future.

• Separate the decision from the person: It's important to remember that you're not personally responsible for the company's decision. You were the messenger, however unpleasant that role was. This doesn't absolve you of the emotional impact, but it can help you contextualize your part in the process.

• Find healthy coping mechanisms: Your colleagues' reactions might not resonate with you, and that's okay. Find your own healthy ways to de-stress and cope, whether it's exercise, spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking time for yourself.

• Consider your values: Your reaction suggests you value empathy and compassion. Think about how these values align with your career. If you consistently find yourself in situations that violate your values, it might be worth exploring other career paths or roles where you have more influence over ethical considerations.

• Advocate for better practices (if possible): If you feel comfortable, you could consider suggesting to upper management that future layoffs be handled with more sensitivity. This might involve offering severance packages, outplacement services, or simply providing more compassionate communication. This might not always be possible, but it's worth considering.

• Seek support: Talk to your manager or HR about how you're feeling. They might be able to offer support or resources. If your company offers employee assistance programs (EAPs), consider utilizing them.

It's important to remember that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people struggle with the emotional toll of having to fire others. Your feelings are valid, and it's crucial to take care of your own well-being during these difficult times. Be kind to yourself.

How to get into Cloud Computing ?

Hello Everyone! im writing this post because im looking for guidance in pursuing a career in Cloud Computing. Im currently a Junior studying CS. Im not sure where to start and im looking to gain some experience to help me get there. What are some jobs/internships that would help me gain experience ? Ive heard people say that starting in Help Desk is the best option. Skipping CompTIA A+ and go straight to Network+ , doing projects. Any tips on how i can get started ?

Jobadvisor:

It's great you're looking into cloud computing as a CS junior! It's a hot field with lots of opportunity. You're right to start thinking about practical experience now. Here's a breakdown of how to get into cloud computing, tailored for someone in your position:

1. Foundational Knowledge is Key:

• Don't skip the fundamentals: While you can technically jump into cloud-specific certs, a solid base in computer science principles is crucial. Your CS degree is giving you that. Focus on:

  • Networking: Understanding TCP/IP, subnetting, DNS, firewalls, etc., is essential for cloud. Network+ is a good goal, but make sure you grasp the core concepts first. Consider supplementing with free online resources or courses.
  • Operating Systems: Linux is king in the cloud. Get comfortable with the command line. Set up a Linux virtual machine (VM) on your computer and play around. Learn basic system administration.
  • Programming: Knowing at least one scripting language (Python is highly recommended for cloud) and ideally a compiled language (like Java or C++) is very beneficial for automation and infrastructure-as-code.
  • Security: Cloud security is paramount. Start learning about basic security principles, common vulnerabilities, and best practices.

• Cloud Concepts: Familiarize yourself with core cloud concepts:

  • IaaS, PaaS, SaaS: Understand the differences between these service models.
  • Virtualization: Learn how VMs work.
  • Containers (Docker, Kubernetes): These are becoming increasingly important in cloud.
  • Serverless computing: Get a basic understanding of functions-as-a-service.

2. Hands-on Experience is Crucial:

• Cloud Provider Free Tiers: Take advantage of the free tiers offered by AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This is your playground! You can experiment with various services without spending money.
• Projects: This is the most important thing you can do. Build projects that demonstrate your cloud skills. Some ideas:
  • Web application deployment: Deploy a simple web app (using Python/Flask or similar) on a cloud platform. Learn how to configure servers, databases, and networking.
  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Use Terraform or CloudFormation to automate the creation and management of your cloud infrastructure. This is a highly sought-after skill.
  • Serverless function: Create a simple serverless function (e.g., using AWS Lambda or Azure Functions) to process data or perform a task.
  • Containerization: Containerize an application using Docker and deploy it to a Kubernetes cluster (you can use Minikube locally for practice).
• Contribute to Open Source: Contributing to open-source projects, especially those related to cloud technologies, is a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio.

3. Certifications (Strategic Approach):

• Don't rush into certifications: While certifications are valuable, focus on gaining practical skills first. A certification without experience isn't as impressive.
• Start with fundamentals: CompTIA Network+ is valuable, but prioritize understanding the underlying networking concepts.
• Cloud-specific certifications: Once you have some hands-on experience, consider pursuing certifications from AWS, Azure, or GCP. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate is a popular starting point. Choose the platform you're most interested in.

4. Job/Internship Strategy:

• Internships are gold: Actively search for internships related to cloud computing, DevOps, or system administration. Even a general IT internship where you can get exposure to networking and Linux can be beneficial.
• Help Desk as a stepping stone (optional): Help desk roles can provide valuable experience in troubleshooting and customer service, but it's not the only path to cloud. If you can get a more technical role (even a part-time one), that would be preferable.
• Networking: Attend tech meetups and conferences related to cloud computing. This is a great way to network with people in the industry and learn about job opportunities.
• Highlight your projects: When applying for jobs, showcase your cloud projects prominently on your resume and portfolio. Be prepared to discuss them in detail during interviews.

In summary: Focus on building a strong foundation in CS fundamentals, getting hands-on experience with cloud platforms through projects, and strategically pursuing certifications. Internships are your best bet for gaining real-world experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn! Cloud computing is a constantly evolving field, so continuous learning is key.

Is there a stigma against working retail long term?

Hey guys, i’m 18 years old and have been working at Costco pretty much since I first turned 18 and was able to. Anytime i’ve ever made a post asking if it was worth it to climb through the ranks of management with Costco because the pay is good and the benefits are good, there is always people in the comments telling me “Costco should be a stepping stone job” or “get a real job”. Is this the common way people look at retail jobs?

I don’t know the way I see it is I can make quite good money, get good benefits, plenty of vacation and I don’t need to go into student loan debt because I don’t need a degree. In fact in the 4 years i’d be in school getting a bachelors i’m making money any spending time at the company. By march I should be making 21.50 and when I do my SIT for 6 weeks my hourly rate will be in the 30’s and qualify my to become a supervisor and make that my normal rate.

I don’t care to be “passionate” about my work i’d rather be passionate about my passions, and you can’t tell me these people are all that passionate for something like accounting. I definitely think that retail grocery store manager isn’t the most glamorous title but again a job is a job. One thing that does steer me away from staying with costco and climbing management is the amount of time it does take to get deeper into management. I think I can become a supervisor within 2-4 years and be making $33 an hour I believe and then become a department manager maybe within 10 years? they make around 80-90k. To crack 6 figures base pay it probably would 10-15 years potentially more but I have a strong work ethic and am able to do any job i’ve been given amazingly so I think I could climb fast. If you transfer around it goes faster as well.

Is that general timeframe bad in terms of how quickly you can move up the pay scale? That’s where I get stuck because at a certain point maybe it’s worth it to get a 4 year degree and go into a different industry with more growth potential. One thing I will say is that it’s a steady growth with good benefits and the job security at Costco is VERY good. That is one of my biggest reasons for wanting to stay, I hear of huge layoffs in so many company’s and industry’s and Costco is known to have some of the best job security, just show up on time and don’t steal basically.

What do you guys think? there’s definitely pros and cons, I just want to live a nice comfy life and be able to do the things I want.

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable that you're questioning the long-term perception of retail work and weighing your options at Costco. You've clearly thought this through, and you've hit on some key points. Let's break down the stigma, the pros and cons, and some advice.

The Stigma:

Yes, there is a stigma associated with working in retail long-term, especially among certain groups. This stigma often stems from outdated ideas about retail being a "low-skill" or "dead-end" job. People may assume those in retail didn't pursue higher education or lack ambition. However, this view is often inaccurate and unfair. As you've pointed out, retail jobs, especially at a company like Costco, can offer excellent pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. The stigma is more about societal perception than the reality of the work.

Your Situation:

You're smart to be evaluating your options at 18. You've identified some significant advantages to staying with Costco:

• Good Pay and Benefits: You're already on track to earn a good wage, and the potential for growth is there. The benefits at Costco are well-regarded.
• No Student Debt: Avoiding student loans is a huge plus. You're earning while others are borrowing.
• Job Security: Costco's reputation for job security is a major factor, especially in uncertain economic times.  
• Passion for Your Passions: You've rightly pointed out that work doesn't have to be your passion. It can be a means to support your passions.

Addressing the "Stepping Stone" Comments:

Those who say retail should be a "stepping stone" are often reflecting that stigma. They might be thinking about traditional career paths or assuming everyone should strive for a white-collar job. It's important to remember that their opinion doesn't have to be your reality. What matters is what you value and what works for you.

The Timeframe for Advancement:

You're right to consider the timeframe for advancement. 10-15 years to reach six figures is a significant investment of time. While the growth is steady and secure, you need to weigh if that timeline aligns with your long-term financial goals. Comparing this to the potential earning trajectory in other fields after a four-year degree is a worthwhile exercise.

Should You Get a Degree?

This is the million-dollar question. Here's how to think about it:

• Consider Other Fields: Research careers that interest you and their potential earnings. Factor in the cost of education and the time it takes to get established. Does a degree offer significantly higher earning potential to offset the cost and lost income during those four years?
• Costco's Internal Opportunities: Explore advancement opportunities within Costco beyond management. Are there specialized roles in areas like logistics, HR, or IT that you could transition into? Sometimes, internal mobility within a company can be a great path.
• Your Long-Term Goals: What do you want your life to look like in 10, 20, or 30 years? How much money will you need to achieve those goals? Does a career at Costco, or a career after a degree, get you there more effectively?

Advice:

1. Keep Learning: Even without a degree, continue to learn and develop skills. Costco might offer training programs. You can also pursue online courses or certifications in areas that interest you. Lifelong learning is essential, regardless of your career path.   
2. Network: Talk to people in different roles at Costco and in other industries. Gather information and perspectives. Networking can open doors to unexpected opportunities.   
3. Financial Planning: Start planning your finances now. Learn about budgeting, saving, and investing. This will give you more control over your future, regardless of your income level.
4. Don't Dismiss the Degree Entirely: Keep the option of a degree open. You could potentially work at Costco while taking classes part-time. This would allow you to earn and gain experience while exploring other options.
5. Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your values and goals, and choose the path that feels right for you. Don't let the stigma influence you if you're genuinely happy and thriving at Costco.

You're already ahead of the game by thinking about these things at 18. Keep exploring, keep learning, and make the choice that best aligns with your vision for your future.