The career ladder
A job for life
Many people used to work for the same organization until they reached retirement: the age at which people retire, or end their working life. Career paths were clear: you could work your wí up the career ladder, getting promotion to jobs that were more senior, with greater responsibiht You would probably not be demoted: moved to a less senior job.
To leave the company, you could resign or hand in your notice.
A job for now
Modco has downsized and delayered. The number of management levels in the company hierarchy has been reduced from five to three, and many managers have lost their jobs. Modco has reorganized and restructured in order to become flatter (with fewer layers of management) and leaner (with fewer, more productive employees).
They did this to reduce costs, and increase efficiency and profits. Employees said the company used words like 'restructure' to make the situation sound positive and acceptable.
In-house staff or freelancers?
Modco has outsourced many jobs previously done by in-house personnel: outside companies clean the offices, transport goods and collect money from customers. This allows Modco to concentrate on its main business activities. Modco uses more freelancers, independent people who may work for several different companies, and they employ people for short periods on temporary contracts. Modco expects flexibility, with people moving to different jobs when necessary, but for many employees, this means job insecurity, the feeling that they may not be in their job for long. The way that they are doing their job is discussed at performance reviews: regular meetings with their manager.
Note: You say freelancers or freelances.
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Losing your job
If you do something wrong, you are ...
■   dismissed
■   fired
■   sacked
■   terminated
Employees who are made redundant may get advice about finding another job, retraining, etc. This is called outplacement advice.
If you've done nothing wrong, you are
■   laid off
■   made redundant
■   offered early retirement
Business Vocabulary in Use