Ofshoring not just work, but workers. I can see why a lot of people would be sensitive about the idea, particularly given the current economic problems.
But I think if I were in that situation (financial freefall), a complete reboot of my life could be appealing. Each country / city / company is reacting to the upheaval differently, and IBM is offering a way to get in on that.
Here in Australia for example, the vibe I get is that everyone needs to tighten their belts a bit (or a lot) for a few years, but that's no reason we can't still enjoy life. A big contrast with how those people are feeling now.
But once you're there, how do you get back? Sure you might be well paid in that market but if you're not earning Western money then you're starting again from scratch when you return. And if you've been doing legacy work, with an obsolete skillset too.
I can see how this would be good for IBM, I can't see how it would be good for an individual worker.
If your taking more than a 30% pay cut your probably better off in the US. Housing is cheaper but buying a new car, computer, etc is about the same price. And you need to massively increase your retirement savings rate. You also miss out on SS, Medicare etc.
Retiring to India can be a great Idea and doing so in your late 40's is vary possible, but working there seems like a bad idea.
Intel made a similar offer to a group of engineers it laid off when I was working there, around 2003. So many people took them up on it they blew their budget and had to rescind the offer.
Brazil (Brasil) is an amazing country. The people of Brazil are, from my experience, the best people in the world to live with. I spent 22 months in Brazil during 1995 and 1996.
If you can't find a job where you are, sometimes you just have to move. Even if moving is hard, you have to work. Move to another state or if you are lucky Brazil! Portuguese is a beautiful language and not that hard to learn.
But I think if I were in that situation (financial freefall), a complete reboot of my life could be appealing. Each country / city / company is reacting to the upheaval differently, and IBM is offering a way to get in on that.
Here in Australia for example, the vibe I get is that everyone needs to tighten their belts a bit (or a lot) for a few years, but that's no reason we can't still enjoy life. A big contrast with how those people are feeling now.