北美程序猿的生活: Meta Layoffs: Should You Join Meta in 2024? Employee Warning

Navigating North American IT, particularly at giants like Meta, can be tricky. This summary dives into recent discussions about working conditions and employee experiences within Meta (a KEYWORD), addressing concerns raised about job security, performance evaluations, and the so-called "squid game" culture. We'll explore the realities behind the headlines and what it takes to thrive in this high-pressure environment.

Quick Takeaways:

Meta faces scrutiny regarding its performance review process, potentially leading to rapid terminations.
The "20% indicator" may cause employee anxiety.
Concerns are raised about Meta's potential to utilize new hires primarily to fulfill termination quotas.
Some believe "rolling" (dedication to overwork) and achieving strong performance are rewarded handsomely at Meta.
Despite potential drawbacks, Meta remains highly desirable due to wealth-building opportunities if one can navigate the company culture.
Experienced IT professionals are generally finding new opportunities relatively quickly after leaving Meta or other large tech companies, despite online claims to the contrary.

This article discusses the current state of the IT industry in North America, particularly focusing on Meta and the experiences of its employees. It addresses concerns about job security, performance evaluations, and the competitive nature of the work environment.

Meta: The "Squid Farm" and Employee Concerns

Meta, a top-tier company in the US and Canada known for its high salaries and stock performance, is sometimes referred to as a "squid farm." This nickname stems from the perception that the company fosters a highly competitive, or "rolling," environment among its employees.

The "Old Squid" vs. "New Squid" Dynamic

Some insiders suggest there's a reluctance to bring in new employees ("new squid") who might threaten the positions of existing ones ("old squid"). The author uses the terms old squid, new squid because Meta is a very famous squid farm. Squid because it rolls. The squid has eight legs and keeps rolling around Very, very, very good at rolling. This relates to the fact that it is the era of internal roll.

Termination Concerns and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)

The article highlights concerns about employees being terminated, even during medical leave, without a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

Medical Leave: It is important to take into account that some employees are being terminated even during medical leave.
Termination: Being terminated means being "ended and killed immediately," losing all power and being forced to leave immediately.
PIP: A PIP is meant to provide a buffer period for employees to improve their performance and retain their job. Without a PIP, employees risk immediate termination based on a negative performance evaluation.

The article suggests that Meta may be using a "workplace corner machine" approach, where the purpose of hiring new employees is ultimately to replace existing ones.

The Importance of Trust and the Risk of "Being Filed"

The article talks about the concept of "being filed", which is how companies may be trying to protect old employees

Trust in the Workplace

The article emphasizes the importance of trust between superiors and subordinates. This trust encompasses both work performance and loyalty. The review of managers comes from people under them in questionnaire form.

The 20% Indicator and its Impact

Meta reportedly has a 20% "low-performance indicator," meaning that 20% of employees are targeted for low performance in each assessment cycle. The author also talks about there being a nervousness among employees caused by the "20% indicator" because people are seeing their colleagues disappear.

Risk of Termination: Consistently receiving low-performance ratings can lead to termination.
Increased Anxiety: The quota system creates a stressful environment where colleagues may suddenly disappear.

Success Stories and Financial Rewards

Despite the concerns, the author acknowledges that some individuals thrive at Meta. Those who can "roll" (work hard and compete) and possess strong skills can be handsomely rewarded. The author points out that there are people that are "developing pretty well" and are not only "not killed" but "even got promoted".

Stock Price Growth: The significant increase in Meta's stock price has led to substantial wealth gains for some employees.
Financial Freedom: For those who prioritize financial gain, Meta can offer a path to early financial freedom.

Job Market Realities and Interview Experiences

The author shares personal experiences interviewing with Meta, highlighting the difficulty of the interview process and the importance of preparation. The article mentions the fact that most people that want to enter meta are unable to.

High Interview Standards: Meta's interviews are known for being challenging, often involving complex questions and requiring a strong understanding of fundamental concepts.
Job Security After Meta: The author expresses skepticism about claims that it's difficult to find a job after working at Meta, citing personal observations that experienced IT professionals generally find new employment quickly. The author mentions people around them with a lot of work experience are quickly finding jobs after being unemployed.

Final Thoughts: Is Meta Right For You?

Ultimately, the article suggests that Meta can be a good fit for individuals who are highly competitive, driven by financial rewards, and capable of navigating a demanding work environment. However, it also acknowledges the potential for stress and job insecurity. The article also notes that its is hard to say if Meta is a good place to work or not because there are "indeed people around with big bags" and "indeed people around who have been fired".