Since we first began reporting on how IBM was quietly reducing its workforce, we've heard lots of stories from current and ex-IBMers.

But this one, from a wife of a long-time IBM employee, seems particularly insightful ... and sad.

We're not saying that IBM owes long-time workers something special. But after talking to current and ex-IBMers over the past few weeks, it seems clear that long-term employees, might be getting the short end of the stick, in the hopes they will quit. If they quit, IBM doesn't have to pay them a bundle in a layoff package.

Many of them are quitting. Others feel stuck.

A woman who we'll identify as the wife of an IBM employee in the New York area, shares the story of what it's been like for her and her husband. Her husband is a career IBMer since the 1970s, and loves the company, she said. But for the past few years, she feels like the company has been treating him like an indentured servant.

A stacked-against review system. IBM employees are given a four-point rating. (1, 2+, 2, 3).  These ratings determine bonuses and other stuff.  Employees believe that management predetermines how many 1s they can give, and how many 3's to give, to help justify the number of layoffs they have been told to implement.

All work, no vacay:  12-14 hour workdays are normal for the husband, as are weekend hours. And she says he's unable to use his vacation because they always call him back into work -- or they've loaded him up with so many projects his vacation doesn't get approved. But he also fears that "taking time off probably would make him a target as well," for a layoff. He took three days off for Memorial Day and "those were the first days completely work free he’d had in the past five months, including weekends," she says.

No raises. This wife says that although her husband typically gets a 2 or better on his review, he hasn't gotten a raise in years because he's topped out on IBM's internal salary chart.

He feels pressured to leave -- and would like to -- but he's in his early 60s and older workers have it especially rough in the tech industry. Until the economy heats up again, job offers just aren't flowing his way.

The early retirement offer is also a source of frustration, many IBMers have told us. IBM has offered employees a cut in salary and pay if they announce retirement, but many long-term workers believe that IBM wouldn't hold up its end of the bargain.

Are you a current IBM worker with some insight to share? We want to hear it. We are discreet. or Julie188 on Twitter.