Targeted for Layoffs: Higher Pay, Last In, First Out

"More than half (56%) of people who started a new, better-paying role in the last year are worried about their job security, according to financial services company Bankrate, which surveyed 2,458 U.S. adults in August."

 - CNBC, October 27, 2022.

This development should be no surprise. 

In times when the focus is brutally on cost-reduction as is now high pay makes the employees a target for termination. That is exactly a driver in forcing out the over-50 in organizations. Their pay scale is too high and they can be replaced by those with just enough experience who would accept a third of their compensation. Employers are increasingly unwilling to pay for what they assess as "too much experience." All they want is for the specific job to get done. That is exactly why resumes and cover letters (if one is requested) should be configured to the specs for a particular job. 

In addition, there is the Last In, First Out phenomenon. 

There are myriad reasons why there is plenty of reality to the playout of Last In, First Out. Here are the three top ones.

At the top of the list is that they probably haven't acquired "protection" yet. All workplaces are political and in all there is a need for "air cover" or support from the top. 

There is also no deep understanding what work and social interactions are important and which are simply conventional behaviors that don't move the dial on being perceived as essential. They fear asking around about that since they haven't established their internal networks. They don't know who to trust. 

And, of course, they have no cards to play. The best card is knowing where the bodies are buried. Even well-paid lateral hires for top law firms report how powerless they feel once inside. Most feel that after being scooped up with great fanfare they wind up being dumped, unattended and unsupported.

Here is the gameplan for the recent job-changers to hold onto their jobs: 

Observe and analyze what those who seem well-situated are doing and not doing. Graft on what fits you.

Give lots of face time.  If there is an option to RTO, do that five or more days a week. 

Ask the bosses what they really need to achieve results. 

Listen to the noise in the grapevine but don't contribute. Anything you say can and likely will be held against you. 

Accept feedback graciously and thank the giver for the inight.

Never whine. 

Useful guidance about remaining employed, no matter what, comes from reader input on Reddit Jobs, Reddit Career Questions, Fishbowl Consulting, and Blind.

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