Thread regarding Anthem Inc. layoffs

I was laid off in Oct. 2023. After 28 years of service at age 55. I took all my remaining PTO as they didn't pay out. I bought as much stock as I could since the quarter wasn't over and I could get it at a discount and make instant money. I took a lump sum payout of my puny cash balance pension plan and rolled it into an IRA that has already made me a 50% return and gave me somewhere new to invest. I left my 401K intact since I can draw on it with no penalty using the rule of 55 which you can't do if you roll it into an IRA. I started a new job in January doing exactly the same thing making more money as a contractor (using spouse's health benefits) at another healthcare company that is private so no stockholders. Thrilled with how the whole thing worked out. Hardest part was setting up unemployment in my state. I received 50% of my supplemental benenefit balance when I started my new job. It all actually worked out really well for me.

Has anyone been able to cash PTO? Do they make u take ur PTO before you leave?

A lot of companies are doing ghost job listings to make things appear more favorable than it really is … https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/fake-job-listing-ghost-jobs-cbs-news-explains/

I was laid off July 2019 and it took me 5 1/2 months to find employment in my field, different industry. I was shocked, believe it was a combination of age 60 plus 20 yrs at Anthem which some companies view as one mind set.
To prepare, I recommend gathering data on what you’ve done. Perhaps remove confidential info from projects or presentations to share and refer back to as an example.
Reach out to your contacts on LinkedIn. And when/if possible participate in outside professional learning opportunities, even if at your own expense.
As others mentioned stay positive!

I was part of the October 20, 2023 RIF.

How long have you been unemployed? I was unemployed for 2.5 months.

Are you still looking for a job? Fortunately, I was able to find a job at the beginning of this year.

What was unemployment experience like in your state? The unemployment process and experience was horrible.

If you found a job, how long did it take u to find it and is it within the same industries. I started applying for jobs when I found out about the RIF in September 2023. I applied for dozens and dozens and dozens of jobs. Interviewed and interviewed. Finally found a similar job for a company that does work for Elevance Health.

My career, my world crashed on the day I lose my job.
Then my world crashed again after I found out h1b replaced me.

I pray that I will not be replaced again.

https://www.myvisajobs.com/h1b/search.aspx?E=Elevance%20Health#middle

Unemployed for a little over a month, I am ALWAYS looking for a job, unfortunately nothing is forever anymore. My unemployment experience was pretty basic , stay organized and follow directions. Stayed in the industry. It was important during my last 30 days to make the priorities getting information on severance, using PTO, unemployment and the redeployment process. My Director wanted finishing my work to be the priority, had to go over her head to get her to back off, but she did. Stay focused on what you need to make the transition, not on the company, the work, coworkers. You will get through it.

My advice is that stay calm, don’t give any reaction or don’t make any comments that might be used against your reputation. Also understand that there is nothing in the world can reverse that decision. So accept it and leave with grace and dignity. if you are expecting, you are on the list then start looking for positions ASAP

The ominous feeling that you are collateral is overwhelming. Then the gaslighting that everything is fine or “normal” when every instinct you have tells you otherwise is mentally draining.