Pros
If you’ve worked, anywhere, you understand that benefits are benefits are benefits are benefits. Dental is very good, health is marginal. vacation is generous, but it’s difficult to take — and NOTHING carries over to the following year. Eastman does dump a nice chunk into your 401)k) after the first of the year: This is nice. The bonus structure, however, is based upon corporate performance and — given lower than projected earnings and layoffs every couple of years — it’s hit or miss.
Cons
It’s not the same Eastman that it was 10, 15 or as recently as just 5 years ago. It’s gone downhill and appears to be struggling with an identity crisis. The people that are relocated to Kingsport really don’t like the area: Many of my coworkers routinely express distain for the area and, as such, are just buying time, until they can get the experience they need and bolt to another job and another company. The facilities are hurting. I am a business history buff, and the condition of the facilities reminds me of the decline of Sears. The plant needs work, but overtime and maintenance budgets have been cut. And, just a few weeks ago, when I was walking across the sky bridge to the Corporate Business Center, I noticed how leaks in the ceiling were STILL being addressed by placing absorbent pads on the floor and repairing buckling carpet with duct tape. The people are, for the most part good, but the men are scared of their own shadows, they’re wimps. It’s sad. Leadership is virtually nonexistent, except to promote their wacky sociology agenda.