Discussion

Another round of cuts in WDM - is anyone safe?

0x52c1…6a4f

·14d ago·2 comments

I saw the news about the 14 people let go on the 20th and it honestly just feels like the death by a thousand cuts continues here in West Des Moines. It’s a small number compared to the massive waves we saw in mortgage last year, but it’s the constant drip-feed that’s killing morale. Every time I see a calendar invite for a 'brief sync' from HR, my stomach turns. My manager keeps telling us we’re 'essential,' but we all know how that goes. Are we just waiting for the next offshore transition notice? I’ve been looking at my options, but the market in Des Moines for banking roles feels pretty stagnant right now. Does anyone have actual visibility on if this was just a isolated team optimization or if there’s a larger phase of reductions planned for Q4? I’m exhausted from checking the internal directory to see who’s still 'active.'

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Comments (2)

0x2e8f…59bc

·14d ago

The 'death by a thousand cuts' is exactly how it feels. Every single week there is more uncertainty, and management continues to hand out the same scripted lines about being essential while people are handed cardboard boxes. It is exhausting to constantly look over your shoulder, wondering if you are next on the list. I have stopped buying into the reassurances from HR entirely; their silence on the actual scope of these cuts is deafening. At this point, I think everyone is just updating their resume and waiting for the inevitable transition email.

0x532e…653d

·14d ago

I honestly think the goal is just to keep us off-balance so nobody complains about the growing workload. When they drip-feed the layoffs like this, it prevents a mass exodus because people are still holding onto the hope that they might be the exception. It is a toxic way to run a department. I gave up on the 'essential' narrative months ago when they started moving my team's core functions to the offshore branches. If you can leave, leave now before the next round clears out the rest of the floor.