I've been with the company for around ten years, and it's gone through many business models and CEOs in an attempt to make a profit. The most recent push is to eliminate the more “expensive” employees in the States and backfill them for cheaper in another country. This now includes two of my team members.
One specifically infuriates me. This kid has been working for the company for nearly 15 years. He started as an intern in college, and this has been the only job he's had as an adult. He's incredibly talented, changing multiple departments and gaining numerous skills. This job is his passion, and he's excellent at it. When I came on as his manager, my primary problem with him was getting him to stop working long days and weekends.
My manager gave me the excuse that the product he works on is going away, but when I suggested we move him to another team, it became evident that his salary was the problem.
Long story short, I'm looking for a new job, but I'm still trying to figure out what to do about the kid. They're talking about November as his last month (just in time for the holidays!), and I'm being told to keep this confidential.
So when do I tell the kid? Should I have my exit plan in place first? What preparations should I put in place to protect him and myself?
He'll flourish wherever he goes, but the sheer disrespect, being treated as a spreadsheet line after nearly half his life dedicated to making the company better. Fuck 'em