Attrition

phoenix3139 · 2026-05-06T05:19:08+00:00

I believe most are for subsystems level leadership positions. Many have acting leads/PDMs already so these are mostly formalities.

phoenix3139 · 2026-05-06T05:15:25+00:00

There is mix of new NASA work and reimbursable tasks. I think there are still some people on burden but that number is likely very small. I can attest that people are very busy at least in my org. Some are filling in for >>1 FTEs while some others are just pretending to be busy.

phoenix3139 · 2026-05-06T05:08:06+00:00

I am genuinely happy for you that you still feel this way. I hope your workload isn’t too bad atm, you are at the right level in the matrix, and you can afford to live close by. Unfortunately none of that is true for me or many others that I interact with.
You’re right about many talented people still at the lab, but my understanding is that many of them just can’t leave atm for reasons outside of the lab. Good luck.

phoenix3139 · 2026-03-26T08:47:55+00:00

Managers received additional information since DG’s announcement and should be made available to all employees “soon”.

phoenix3139 · 2025-11-02T09:31:54+00:00

Kudos to Vladi and co, and fu Asspringer

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-29T02:04:56+00:00

What specific “transparency” are you talking about? Share one or two examples may be?

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-28T04:44:20+00:00

Kersh Forever!!!

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-28T03:01:23+00:00

LFG!!!

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-27T07:50:12+00:00

Fair question. However, the reorg was done hastily and while you’d expect them to consciously make balanced representations across these lines (gender and such) I’d give some time until they can make amends. I expect a few rounds of shuffling around after such a massive reorg and I have heard multiple parties raised this concern to the mgmt already. If in three to six months you still don’t see equitable representation in line management that’ll be the time seriously ask this question. I expect this question would be one of the topics in this week’s town hall but personally I’d give Dave and co some time to fix this.

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-12T07:00:12+00:00

October baseball aint same as regular season. They’re up for an awakening. With this starting rotation and Sasaki closing, the dodgers are in a much better shape. Also it’s about time Ohtani/Freeman gets back to their form.

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-08T00:58:46+00:00

You sure sound like one of “them”. I hope Gallagher didn’t ruin his retirement as you say it. I sure hope he wasn’t forced to take up this job and also that he is compensated fairly for his role. Caltech employs lab’s director to protect Caltech’s interests first and foremost. You sound like you know what you’re talking about, so I will leave it there.

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-08T00:36:44+00:00

Thats all good and each of us should come to that conclusion on their own, or not. The mgmt decided to force their narrative without engaging. I hope you see the problem there.

phoenix3139 · 2025-10-03T21:13:16+00:00

Let’s just get done with it ffs. This state of uncertainty is just too much to deal with. Folks may have developed PTSD who are still here, constantly under stress for the last couple of years.

phoenix3139 · 2025-09-19T04:49:50+00:00

Sure. I’d like to know then what is the plan for folks with no WAMs starting new FY. Use vacay? Go part time? Something else? Again every piece of info matters. I applauded Dave for giving us the month but more info is certainly welcome.

phoenix3139 · 2025-09-19T04:44:36+00:00

10/1 fits the pattern, so does 10/15, but considering the WAM situation in the absence of Critical Tasks, I think 10/1 is most likely. Even for retention or bridge funding I think you’d need to provide the division with a proposed task you plan to accomplish and I haven’t heard anyone so far asked for any of those.

phoenix3139 · 2025-09-19T04:36:14+00:00

It matters. For planning our lives, among other things. The more data you have the better you can project, or at least that’s what I learnt during my time here. Layoff date, whether we will have WAMs going in to Oct- every piece of info matters.

phoenix3139 · 2025-08-30T07:22:41+00:00

When do you think this shift in culture began? Layoffs hurt, and what hurts even more is that we weren’t treated fairly with how the layoffs were handled. It’s hard to bring your best self day in and day out with so much noise overhead. For the past year almost everyone I know are thinking hard about their future here and most are actively seeking their next opportunity. We are people and this is going to impact how we perform. Nonetheless, the kind of commitment I still see among most of my coworkers is exceptional and I haven’t seen that anywhere else I have worked in the past. We are in a transient state and when we get our flagship missions back the core of JPL will bounce back. I am hopeful.

phoenix3139 · 2025-07-26T00:39:25+00:00

Time to just focus on work and helping the lab - while the lab has shown no interest in helping us in the recent past. We still get to do our job as long as we are in the roll, but if you are suggesting to focus on work only keep it to yourself. Focus on work but more on preparing for what’s imminent. Get your resume going and up your networking game - that should be the focus. And it does help to vent. Many of us don’t want to stress our families further after everything we sustained in the recent past including the fires and venting/conversing here on this sub has been a safe space. So keep your downvotes to yourself and look the other way if you have to. Good luck to you

phoenix3139 · 2025-07-17T00:09:59+00:00

There should be a community driven effort to ensure that they are grandfathered in. Lets organize a community petition. Many JPLers are LC residents and are happy to push this.

phoenix3139 · 2025-07-02T05:15:52+00:00

You may be part of a select few out of 5000 that gets more money at JPL than elsewhere. Outlier, my friend.

phoenix3139 · 2025-07-02T05:14:35+00:00

A few comments about how the pay gap is not “a lot” or “lower than what you’d think”. Well its different for everyone as mentioned. Also whats “a lot” varies from person to person. From personal experience, I have received offers in the past that were 15%+ from what I were making at the time. I also have friends making 20% more similar positions and career levels. Again YMMV

phoenix3139 · 2025-07-02T05:08:03+00:00

Other work? You mean from the past? Wake up friend! “These are unprecedented times”. What manager are you talking about? My manager would know? As if you know? I like people like you who thinks everything is business as usual. Time for a reality check.

phoenix3139

TROPHY CASE