One of the programs in my group will be downsizing considerably. They are looking for other programs and groups to to place impacted employees. It is not an easy feat to achieve since many groups don't have many open positions. Meanwhile, I could very much leave voluntarily if I got a package same as the one in the earlier mass layoffs. The spot I leave could be used to place one such employee. Would I have a realistic chance to have this offer entertained and accepted by the company? Now I would NOT leave without a severance, which is what worries me if they don't accept - things can easily go downhill for me afterwords if they know I am interested in leaving... Do I have a play here? Serious replies only please..
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You should make sure you have a compelling BATNA before attempting this. As someone in this cohort who luckily got placed after being ripped from their current team, I can tell you it was terrifying to have essentially lost my job. Loyalty isn’t rewarded. When push comes to shove you see who really has the power
@VMdMx8A-cyl, thank you for your great response. I feel the same - I need to be ready to walk away without a severance before attempting this. This is even trickier than your case, which was at least in the middle of the layoffs when they were looking for volunteers "officially". There's no such thing right now, so my chances could be less than 50-50. Really hard to know how they would approach this.. I will just wait and see a little longer...
What group you are in?
I volunteered in March '18 and was part of the class of '18 with a severance package. I talked directly to my VP about this and he was a little non-committal at first but was supportive. In the end they were happy to have volunteers so others could stay.
I heard stories of other VPs that didn't want to take volunteers...leading to some employees feeling really trapped.
I don't think I would recommend this route unless you ultimately are willing to leave without a package. There is about a 50/50 chance it will work out. In my case it did, but I had had enough of this place and would have left either way.
You have to approach this from a position of strength and be willing to deal with the consequences.
Without knowing your financial position and job prospects it's hard to offer an opinion, but I think you will figure it out.
I think the Q is in for some very rough waters and for many getting out now would be best.