It's a good offer but I'm worried that if I join I'm setting myself up to be laid off within a few months. I know my worth and I know there's a reason why I got the offer, so it would stand to logic they'd want to keep me. Still, it'd be good to know if layoffs usually focus on low-performers or new arrivals?
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The PE transaction is going to complete very soon. After that is when any action will take place: layoffs, additional business closures, business prioritization etc. While some of this has undoubtable occurred, the PE could force so much before taking ownership.
The bigger carve outs, such as the separation of Wrike and possibly the Networking area will take a few more months. On top of that, there is supposedly a new CEO on the way, with a new mission that will be handed down from PE. So, if you want to see how things turn out, best to let the real dust settle inside for 2-3 months.
As others have said, managers and even directors typically do not know the when/if/who for layoffs. It is mainly at VP and C-level, and even then they are not making those decisions. They use a formula/model from a 3rd part company. So if the formula tells them their 10 time award winning Salesperson makes too much money or whatever, they get cut.
As the company has already had a mass exodus I would not expect major layoffs...only redundant positions. The other area of concern would be a newly formed group/division around less than a year. Those are often on the chopping block as well.
Which region? What role?
It is a very big company. Most opinions you'll hear are really very localised.
Be more specific if you want relevant answers.
If they pay you they need you. If they need you they'll keep you. Simple as that.
Plus, with such an attrition rate they won't do any layoffs. So your job is safe.
Now as to where the company is heading that's a different question but I hear they have a lot of contracts for years to come so this sounds safe as well.
You remind of myself almost a year ago...
I took the offer and it was my worst career mistake so far. I lost months of my life for nothing and I burnt out psychologically. There is no amount of money to make this up to anybody. In the end I cold quit. I left running from the most toxic environment of my career so far and the only thing I regret is not quitting earlier.
FYI first level managers have zero insights into layoff process. There is zero chance to protect favorites. The last round was done VP level above.
I was hired a few months before the first layoffs, along with several other people. Every new member of my team was laid off. Looking back it appears to me managers practice insulating their current team with fresh recruits.
You'll quit before you get laid off and it won't take long.
Run, run run and don't look back.
Snakes pit.