...at work that is. Outside of the Plimisphere, some major changes are coming down the pipe from "He who writes the paycheck."

I work for a major corporation with over 60 holdings in insurance and finance. About 6 months ago, a beam of light shined down upon the corporate mountain top and told the powers that be; "go forth and consolidate!"

So they are combining the functions of Benefits, HR, IT, and Training into joint departments that will serve multiple companies. The infamous "shared services" group.

This means that our organization is going to change in some way and some people from each company will most likely be shown the door.

Now personally, I'm not worried ('cause worrying won't change a damn thing), but to quote a certain politician's teleprompter...

"I'm not sure this is change I can believe in"

One of the following things will undoubtedly happen:

1. A shared services department will be formed and I won't be in the mix (don't really expect this to happen but you never know what life will throw at you).

2. A Shared services group will be formed and I will be working for someone I don't know with new marching orders. May be good... may be bad - it'll be a surprise!

3. A shared services group will be formed and I will be promoted to head it up (I'm pulling for option 3!).

In any event, I should know in a couple of weeks when we get the official "hear ye... hear ye."

I will let you all know if I become an unemployment statistic or climb another rung on the corporate ladder.

Fingers crossed for number three!

I just barely missed getting the door not too long ago. I was brought in as a specialist to clean up some shoddy work, and that section of the contract got the boot. But they liked me enough to shuffle things around and put me in a new position, do work I like more and making more money. So...Keep smiling! Change isn't always bad.

I am sort of in the same situation you are in, except that I work for one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world and because of the large scale vehicles we help produce and the economy slump, my company is restructuring as well. Hopefully the punthe will survive this change, I think I am in good shape as I am in a specialized position and I am in the top 20% of seniority. I will think good thoughts for you and cross my fingers that the Trout and the punthe will succeed in besting our company's changes.

Fight the power, bro!

good luck and God speed!

We'll take what's behind curtain #3

Number 3 all the way!

Knowing a bit of your history Bt, number 3 would be the only choice if I were management...best of luck, and prayers aimed your way brother.


to you as well punthe.

Gawd, I hate when "they" centralize things...Been there...they always change it back again, but not until the whole mix is changed.

Hope #3 is your lucky number, BT. and punthe, you'll pull through too.