Choosing Between IBM and Cognizant: Which Offers Better Job Security and Work-Life Balance?

Hi, I need your valuable suggestion. First, let me introduce myself. I am a Software Developer in Dot Net Technology with 5 years of experience. I have received two job offers, one from IBM and the other from Cognizant. Money is not a determining factor for me. My primary concerns are job security, onsite opportunities, and balancing family life as a married woman. So, please provide your valuable suggestions on which company would be better for me, IBM or Cognizant.

Looking forward to your comments.

Thanks,

You do seem to have your priorities clear—whether they are right or wrong isn't the issue. However, there's a bit of contradiction in your statement—you mentioned onsite opportunities as one of the factors, and at the same time, you say you have to manage family and work.

Leaving this aspect apart, to the extent I know, onsite openings in IBM are not very common. As far as job security is concerned, both are okay, except in global conditions like in 2008-2009, where most companies were affected.

You haven't mentioned anything regarding the type of projects/work and domains you will be involved in at each of the companies—this would be a critical factor since job satisfaction is directly related to this aspect at your experience level.

If you wish to consider any other parameters, please mention.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

I second Satheesh. If onsite opportunities are your priority, CTS serves your purpose. IBM is a strong global brand and will help you upgrade post this role. However, job security is relevant. If you plan to work in India, CTS will remain a better choice. The internal work culture will depend on the location you join. Speak to your peers to find out more about the local culture.

I echo Satheesh and request you to focus on the job content and the project offered. Your long-term value will depend on the project.

Regards,

Thanks (Cite Contribution) & tajsateesh,

Sorry for the late reply. Actually, my priority is a short-term onsite opportunity. When I am in India, there isn't much stress at work or late hours, so I will be able to manage my family.

I have heard from my friends about IBM. They are not very accommodating to bench people; if individuals do not get any project, IBM will terminate them after 3 months. My concern is job security, especially considering the 2009 recession. During that time, my previous company laid off many people despite being stable. They took advantage of the recession, and it affected my project. I do not want to take any risks as such events can ruin my career. Please suggest.

Thank you.

For the moment, I suggest you don't give a lot of weight to on-site opportunities—given the current global scenario, especially in NA & Europe.

Stability and Job Security

Coming to your priority of stability, please understand that many companies have laid off employees during the last recession. This is something that is not within your control. For IT professionals, it's a part of the 'occupational hazard,' so to say. One needs to plan for handling such situations if and when they come again—whether we like it or not.

In a nutshell, I would like to reiterate what (Cite Contribution) mentioned: "......job content and the project offered. Your value in the long run will depend on the project." There are many who were affected in the past recession and are still searching for jobs—AND there are many who have settled comfortably into another job after things began to pick up last year. You can well understand what made the difference between the two sets of people.

Preferred Domains

However, based on our global experience, I can say this much: if you get to make a choice, try to prefer working in two domains [in your specific context]: Healthcare & Education. These are two domains that USUALLY are not affected by any recessions.

All the Best.

Regards, TS

Thank you, TS. I am working as a .NET Developer, and I have experience in Education, Health Care, E-Governance, and Shopping Cart (Payment Gateway) domains in different companies. Currently, I have two options in front of me: IBM or Cognizant. I am unsure about which domain they will assign me in either company. Project allocation and interviews will be scheduled after joining the company. Based on information from my friends, both companies have numerous projects across all domains. Therefore, I am uncertain about the specific domain or project I will be involved in after joining. Recently, there have been reports on the news about a potential upcoming recession and global economic crises. In light of this situation, I am worried about the security of my job.