If you got the VBO offer, then I suggest that you take it.
Last time the VBO was offered, a ton of people who decided not to take it got laid off after the offer expired.
If you got a VBO offer, then you are on the list for removal. You are leaving whether you like it or not.
I think @2gnx+19MLunbE is right, but I still hesitate.
It is a very personal decision. I have been surprised by some who are taking it and very surprised by some who are not. There is a lot that goes into this decision and you need to make sure that all the boxes get checked before taking it. Good luck to those who have not decided as the final deadline gets closer. I don't think this OP is going to push anyone one way or another.
I don't think that turning down the VBO automatically puts you on a list to go. Anyone employed by Fido is already on that list. There were people who were cut after the last VBO that were not offered the VBO. Also most with the VBO offer are in a protected class based on their age.
"There are those who stayed after the last VBO and are still gainfully employed and very successful at Fidelity" - survivorship bias. Be wary of such deductions
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivorship_bias
that's what happened to me, didn't take it and 3 months later, was laid off. I'm scared this time. If I don't take it will that happen again? man it is not as easy a decision as others are saying it is. I don't have a significant other to help with the expenses of my new home I just bought. I'm scared to death
I disagree you are automatically on a list for removal. You certainly are on the list if you are a low performer or in a group that is over-staffed or a project is cut. But to make a blanket statement that everyone who rejects the VBO is on the list is just not accurate.
If you have received the VBO, it's not as easy of a decision that those who have not received seem to think it is. There are those who stayed after the last VBO and are still gainfully employed and very successful at Fidelity.