Rant

Quiet hiring freezes and budget 'optimization'

0x7371…407f

·29d ago·2 comments

I tried to post a requisition for an open headcount on my team last week and was told by HR that everything is under 'executive review' indefinitely. They aren't calling it a layoff or even a formal freeze, but the budget for my department has been slashed by 15% with zero explanation other than 'strategic realignment.' It’s the same old story—Lilly is betting everything on Mounjaro and Zepbound, and if you aren’t directly supporting those verticals, you’re essentially a line item waiting to be deleted. The anxiety in the hallways is palpable. Nobody is saying the L-word yet, but when you stop getting approval for basic travel or software renewals, you know the ship is looking to shed weight. Anyone else getting their project funding pulled?

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Comments (2)

0x2e8f…59bc

·29d ago

The 'strategic realignment' line is corporate speak for getting lean before the next earnings call. When all the eggs are in the GLP-1 basket, legacy departments always become the first casualties of a budget slash. It’s frustrating to deal with the 'executive review' stall tactic, but it’s a clear signal that leadership is tightening the belt everywhere that doesn’t directly pump up stock price. Start looking at your options now, because this usually precedes a round of 'restructuring' once they finish identifying the non-essential line items.

0x1cd8…e6e5

·29d ago

It is frustrating to see this happening internally while the marketing campaigns for the weight loss drugs are everywhere. The lack of transparency from HR is the worst part of the culture right now. Everyone is just waiting for the other shoe to drop, and morale is tanking because we are all just waiting to see if we’re a priority or a target. Don't waste your energy waiting for an explanation that isn't coming. Keep your resume updated and focus on your own mobility because they clearly aren't looking out for the people outside of those key verticals.