"Oracle neither recognizes nor rewards talent.. Even hikes are rare. Surprised how so many folks end up working for several years here. This severance package seems to be the best one Oracle can give it's employees.. Wish we could volunteer for this."
Right there with you. I'm sad to see people who want to stay laid off when I would gladly take the place of one of them. While we are at that, why weren't we given a chance to volunteer?
How is servance package calculatted in IDC?
You can certainly have an honest discussion your manager and volunteer. Your traction will depend on what kind of manager you have, the type of relationship you have with them, and their relationships with their own management chain. If conditions and timing are right, it is possible to volunteer and receive a severance. In my experience, most low to mid-level managers absolutely do not want to layoff their staff as their teams are already stretched thin, but are forced by higher ups to cut certain number of positions and then deliver the terrible news to employees. If you can take the place of someone who is unprepared to lose their job or otherwise wants to stay, it makes sense for the manager to put your name on 'the list'. You're happy because you get a one-time payout and your manager is happy because they don't have to crush an unsuspecting employee and their family.
Of course this could totally backfire on you as others have indicated (why pay you severance if you're likely going to leave on your own). You'll have to consider the circumstances of your own situation before starting down this road.
I know a number of people who, as soon as there was a sniff of a RIF, told their managers that "if there's a list, please put me on it". Every one of them had their wish granted.
Sorry but unless you. Have great report with manager this is disaster. They will know you are dissatisfied and want to leave but are greedy for money for nothing. They will eventually get rid of you without package on performance grounds. This happens in lots of places. Only rarely do companies offer buyouts, which is what you are seeking.
In my experience, volunteering to be laid off often guarantees you won't be laid off. Companies don't rush to pay severance to people they think are going to leave anyway.
Nobody is stopping you go ahead .
It;s easy to respond to a hypothetical situation, but when the opportunity is actually given most of these volunteers will actually disappear.
Go to your manager and volunteer, it's that easy.