Negative-Structure13's journey

Today, I had a spine-chilling moment at work that made me reflect on my current situation. I’m not laid off, but I work in the technology division of a top US bank, and my manager informed me that I’m at the bottom of the team in terms of my current standing. This news hit me hard, especially given the current IT market climate influenced by AI advancements. I can only imagine how those who have actually been laid off must feel. As an introvert, I tend to focus on doing my job and going home, which might not be the best approach for career progression. While I manage an application that is set to be decommissioned, my teammates are in safer positions and some are even being considered for promotions. Initially, I was content with my role and expected some stability, especially since discussions about a replacement application were underway. However, I’ve been aware that I should look for long-term opportunities outside this project. Recently, I casually applied for an internal position and surprisingly got selected. When I brought this up to my manager, I was hoping for a discussion about my future in the current project. Instead, he revealed that senior leadership views my position unfavorably. Hearing that left me numb. I had been considering turning down the new opportunity, thinking my manager would help me advance in my current role. Now, my goal is simply to survive in my job for another 4-5 years, given my 15+ years of experience. This experience has taught me that even if you feel secure in your job, it’s crucial to stay prepared for new opportunities. I plan to keep exploring and attending interviews to gauge my standing in the market and identify any skill gaps. Sometimes, changes come without warning, and I want to be ready.