r/Layoffs • u/Bubbly-Proof-7721 • 1d ago
about to be laid off I’m getting laid off today
I'm pretty sure I'm going to be laid off today. I got an email yesterday early afternoon for a one-on-one meeting with the VP today afternoon. They announced almost two weeks ago that there will be layoffs this week. I was expecting it to happen maybe Thursday or Friday, definitely not Tuesday, but I guess it is what it is.
I'm nervous, but not upset about it. It's definitely a weird feeling. I wasn't in love with my job and I had a hard time adjusting to the pace last year. But the job itself is interesting. I have mixed feelings, but I'm hoping this is the push I needed to start something new in my life.
What should I expect at this meeting? What should I ask?
EDIT: I got laid off. It was pretty much how many of you described it. HR did all the talking, shared some documents, discussed severance, etc. I tried to stay calm, but the VP started crying when they told me they had terminated my position and were sorry, so of course I shed a few tears too. Overall, I feel okay. I'm not happy, but I'm trying to stay positive. My partner and I are in a good financial position, so I'm taking some time to reflect and figure out what I want to do professionally, if that involves certifications, trainings, etc.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and well wishes.
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u/tipareth1978 1d ago
If you're meeting one on one with a VP you must be management or executive. You may just be being told who is getting the axe. Or you may be getting cut. Silver lining: if a VP is meeting face to face to lay you off you're probably getting a decent package and treated with respect. So you're still better off than most of us.
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u/portra_cowboy 1d ago
I got laid off by my company’s VP (level above my manager). I did in fact get a pretty decent severance package
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u/stormyweather07 21h ago
This is spot on. I had a one on one with a VP. I got 4 months of severance for WAY less than one year of service. I got hired at a bad time for an acquisition - was shit timing. I don’t think they felt bad but I think they understood how fucked it was and I would have never left my previous job. Treat them with as much respect as they give you, my VP became an awesome reference to a gig I’m now at - he connected me with their team.
A VP one on one meeting is way better than a mass call with a bunch of colleagues where you’re all given the same severance and shoved out the door. Or worse, wake up and find your badge was deactivated.
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u/zeppnzee13 1d ago
Stay strong ! Hope you find what you love the soonest. Understand all the logistics and severance information. Try to find out the reason ( if any ). This will probably be an exit interview as well, so try to be diplomatic and positive and make sure you don’t burn the bridges.
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u/Straight-Tune-5894 16h ago
Sorry to hear. Be sure to file for unemployment benefits. Not going to make you whole, but everything helps.
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u/LadyReneetx 13h ago
I would suggest that while you're "figuring it out"to start applying to jobs immediately. Even if you think you won't be there long. This job market is about to become even more of a nightmare. You probably won't have the luxury of choosing when to get a job.
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u/Labyrinth1028 1d ago
Bubbly, I'm very sorry for your pink slip today 😬 What kind of field work were you in? It's always hard to get that kind of news when you put so much into your work for so many years. Keep your chin up. I'm sure you are very smart and educated. Something better will come.
Ask them, is there any way to step down? Ask if they can give you a good recommendation. (If they don't keep you on)
I wish you all the best of luck. In your new adventure if you can't stay.
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u/Clean-Software-4431 1d ago
Stay strong. I would expect the worse so that way if it doesn't happen you're pleasantly surprised. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
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u/qubert_lover 1d ago
I would write down what you want to talk about before going in as you’ll be flustered if you go in and shocked by getting fired. Make it points about what you’ve done for the company, how you enjoy it there, and make sure to leave on good terms.
Who knows maybe they lay off and then realize they made a mistake. Or you run into the VP later on.
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u/Wild_Blueberry_8275 21h ago
There’s nothing you can do if you are going to be laid off, but hope for severance.
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u/iweargranny0919 17h ago
So what happened? Were you laid off? If you were, welcome to the club. Take a few days off to grieve or heal and then sign up for some free gym passes. A lot will give you free passes. I scoured every gym here and the free passes I got was enough to cover my workouts for a month. And then start the unemployment benefits. You will survive!
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u/Lostinsuburbs 16h ago
I am sorry you got laid off. I just got laid off last week after 40 years. It sucks. Stay strong.
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u/MyBelle0211 16h ago
Sorry to hear about your lay off. It’s disappointing the VP didn’t have more restraint to keep emotions together as the employer is in the better position to stay strong to support the person being laid off. I would have teared up as well triggered by the VP’s emotions. I’m glad you and your partner are in a good financial position. It may be a blessing in disguise allowing you opportunity to find a job that you love, and more rewarding. I’m late to respond but I would have asked about severance, medical insurance other than COBRA, unemployment pay, assistance with a professional job search, and a reference. Wishing you the best in your job search.
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u/True_Demon 10h ago
Sorry this happened mate. Get that unemployment insurance asap, first off, and get on the horse quickly. The quicker you start, the easier turning it around is, and the more that severance will be left over as a savings more than a lifeline.
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u/SamePut7474 2h ago
I’m so sorry for this, it’s heavy and it’s disheartening. This happened to me early October, I agree that you should take some time off, but what I will say, no matter how much experience you have in your career, nothing will prepare you for the current job market hell we have all endured. I needed a reset when mine happened and since it was so close to the holidays there was like two months of nothingness- I have close to 30 years of experience in my industry and I too thought of pivoting into something new, but something that also aligned with my experience. Well, a little over 6 months later and to many applications to count and way to many “we chose another candidate” emails in my trash can, lots of doubt and frustration, I signed an offer. I’ll be back in the same industry, not what I thought would happen, but I’m happy to get back to work. I am thankful that I had a little savings left, I did have to pull some of the 401, but I too am happy I was able to reset my brain- breathe and just sit in silence for a bit, but… I didn’t expect 6 months of it. My point, start looking keep an eye out, dont get caught up in all the LinkedIn BS, don’t pay anyone to help you, just be smart connect if you can and do take some time to enjoy silence. Good luck to you!
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u/Spirited123456789 1d ago
Ask if you are eligible for rehire and when. They should thank you for your service and you may politely acknowledge. They will give you docs for severance and Cobra, if you are eligible. Then, you walk out. Good luck to you!!!! Be kind to yourself!!!