These tough economic times are trying, often pushing mind and body to the brink as we try to stay afloat in an ever increasingly flooded world. Some people just have what it takes, others do not. Sadly, MySpace has slipped from its prominent position it once held in the social networking scene. Lately, MySpace has even portrayed an image of that of a dying company — slumping traffic statistics, substantial management repositioning, and massive layoffs. If you were a MySpace worker outside of the United States and thought you were immune to the problems here in HQ country, I’m sorry to say that is not the case. The official numbers are in, and it isn’t looking good. 300 out of the 450 total international employees will be sent packin’ to find jobs elsewhere, a sign that the company is nearing their last leg. While management is claiming the massive international restructuring that is currently occurring will lead to a leaner and meaner MySpace. Somehow I just don’t think the employees are quite so motivated right now knowing that at any minute they could be sent to the poor house. You? Step inside for the company email from the CEO, Mr. Owen Van Natta himself:
With all the focus on the economy and companies announcing layoffs left and right, many were surprised with the latest news that has been floating around of Apple themselves letting go of a reported 10% of their work force. In the great excitement that the announcement caused, many people have simply misunderstood what the numbers meant. Apple reported 14,500 “full-time equivalents” at the end of March – not 14,500 employees. For many, they’ll interpret full-time equivalents as employees, however, FTE is merely an accounting term used to calculate “man-hours”, not employees. While Apple has been letting some people go, it is no where near 1,500. So, your fears can subside as Apple isn’t in that bad of shape. Happy Saturday folks.
Source: Mac Daily News, *Image Source: Bind Apple*
So, you’ve been working at your job for 1,5, 20 years and they just let you go. It’s no secret the economy is in the toilet. In your quest for a new job, I would advise against heading to your local Sprint store if that sort of thing excites you as Sprint themselves are laying off 8,000 employees by March 31st. To further keep pennies in their piggies, Sprint is freezing salary increases, freezing 401(k) matching, and a freeze in tuition reimbursement. Ouch. Maybe there is a silver lining in the cloud of dust from the collapsing companies. In order to win back customers and in return make more money Sprint could lower prices on plans and phones, or even have “giveaways”. It’s the little things at times like these that really grab peoples’ attention. Just a few short years ago, Sprint used to be a quickly expanding company. What happened?
And you though Microsoft was having a bad year. Sony, who will post a massive net loss of $2.9 billion will be letting 16,000 employees go between now March of 2010. Interesting side note: Sony hasn’t had an operating loss in 14 years. The change that is coming to Sony won’t be the most fun, or fair. The changes include everything from the bleeding of employees, to shutting several plants, cutting back at others, paycuts, early retirement options, as well as restructured management. Hopefully the economy starts going uphill and soon.
Source: Boy Genius, Daily Tech
It what is now a daily occurrence, another company is announcing workforce cuts. Logitech, while supposedly set to do well this week at CES, is not immune from the current economic hardships. According to CEO Gerald P. Quindlin: “During the December quarter, the retail environment deteriorated significantly, and moreover, we expect the economic environment to worsen in the coming months and we are therefore taking significant actions to align our cost structure with what is likely to be an extended downturn.” How long will it take for the cost cutting measures to turn into black ink on the companies financial reports? Try 2010. This is going to be a great year.
Source: Engadget , Aipp64 *pic*
