Job: Horizontal Positioning
Downsizing:
We're downsizing the Customer Service department... more specifically, the International portion. If you haven't guessed, I'm part of the International CS department. So, in a few months, my position will be no longer available. Which kinda sucks since my title was recently promoted to Senior CSR.
The Company:
I work for Maxim, and no, not the magazine. If I worked for the magazine, I'd like to think I'd like my job a little more. The full name of the company is Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (http://www.maxim-ic.com). We make integrated circuits and other engineering type products. We are located in a variety of countries: Maxim UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, to name a few.
The Situation:
The majority of my accounts are in Europe:
1) FMG Electronics - Ireland
2) Abacus/Micromark - UK
3) Avnet Europe - France & Germany
4) Spezial - Germany
These are the big companies, each one several millions of dollars yearly. And, of course, I am located in the U.S. The higher-ups think it best to reallocate these accounts to one of our locations within the same timezone. So, the logical choice would be Maxim UK. I can't say I blame them, as it totally makes sense. I'm surprised they didn't think of this years ago.
The kicker is where does that leave me?
The "Solution":
I had a talk with my manager last week, and he actually told me to look for another position. Of course, he's not going to do it, and why should he? But, he did say that he would help promote me in whatever area I choose. Although, that could be manager-speak for, "I'll say I'll help, but in reality, you're going to start from scratch." I do have 5 1/2 years of experience with the company, so that might help.
My current consideration is checking for openings in Maxim Direct. Same basic concept of customer service, only customer will be contacting us directly instead of with a Distributor. They generally have a lot of turnover, so I'm sure there will be a spot for me should the time come. Meanwhile, I think I'm safe for the 3 or so months until the transition takes place.
Note: This isn't just happening to me. It's a department thing. But, since this is my LJ, I'm only mainly concerned with how it affects me.
We're downsizing the Customer Service department... more specifically, the International portion. If you haven't guessed, I'm part of the International CS department. So, in a few months, my position will be no longer available. Which kinda sucks since my title was recently promoted to Senior CSR.
The Company:
I work for Maxim, and no, not the magazine. If I worked for the magazine, I'd like to think I'd like my job a little more. The full name of the company is Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (http://www.maxim-ic.com). We make integrated circuits and other engineering type products. We are located in a variety of countries: Maxim UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, to name a few.
The Situation:
The majority of my accounts are in Europe:
1) FMG Electronics - Ireland
2) Abacus/Micromark - UK
3) Avnet Europe - France & Germany
4) Spezial - Germany
These are the big companies, each one several millions of dollars yearly. And, of course, I am located in the U.S. The higher-ups think it best to reallocate these accounts to one of our locations within the same timezone. So, the logical choice would be Maxim UK. I can't say I blame them, as it totally makes sense. I'm surprised they didn't think of this years ago.
The kicker is where does that leave me?
The "Solution":
I had a talk with my manager last week, and he actually told me to look for another position. Of course, he's not going to do it, and why should he? But, he did say that he would help promote me in whatever area I choose. Although, that could be manager-speak for, "I'll say I'll help, but in reality, you're going to start from scratch." I do have 5 1/2 years of experience with the company, so that might help.
My current consideration is checking for openings in Maxim Direct. Same basic concept of customer service, only customer will be contacting us directly instead of with a Distributor. They generally have a lot of turnover, so I'm sure there will be a spot for me should the time come. Meanwhile, I think I'm safe for the 3 or so months until the transition takes place.
Note: This isn't just happening to me. It's a department thing. But, since this is my LJ, I'm only mainly concerned with how it affects me.