[malvosenior]

I have never in 20+ years of experience seen a company dump high performing engineers just to lower costs. It's those very engineers that engendered the success the company enjoys. I have seen good teams cut but that's only when macro issues have made it necessary.

[Apocryphon]

You must have worked at places with exceedingly good management, or not at startups.

[FrozenTuna]

If a company has experienced both boom times and recessive economic times, I think its "startup" status is arguable, depending on a few other factors.

[Apocryphon]

A startup can easily experience its own financial downturns and be forced to downsize, and make questionable personnel cuts during those times.

[Animats]

IBM since 2000. HP since Fiorina.