Watch your back - the axe could fall at any moment. - Senior Design Engineer Synopsys Employee Review

Instead of developing new technologies internally, the company's strategy is to acquire other companies. When a new company is acquired, management has an instant headcount problem. They solve this "problem" by laying off other employees. It's a double win for the CEOs - they're making themselves look cutting-edge by acquiring hot new companies, and simultaneously satisfying Wall Street by making it look like they're cutting expenses by reducing headcount. Not so good for the regular employees, though; they're left wondering if they're going to be part of the next group of employees getting the axe. Looking for a nice secure place to work? Look elsewhere.