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Would you stay...

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Would you stay...

I was told in December my position is being eliminated as part of mass layoffs. They want to keep me on board until June at which point I will get a severance package. Two weeks ago, my teary eyed boss asked if I would consider staying because my knowledge and skills are unique. She would have to run it by leadership team meeting in a few weeks. I told her I would like to stay. (Hate thought of doing job hunt at age 56). I have not heard anything new. I beginning to wonder if our little talk was really about making her feel better and not really about keeping me. I hope she doesn't think I can wait until May for an answer. Would you stay after this back and forth?

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  1. Taylor Stewart

    since it’s so far out, they probably have not decided. It’s not fair to you, but how are the other people from the company feeling? Do you feel you would be letting them down if you stayed. I understand not wanting to go into this job market because it is indeed awful but if you have a certain set of skills, you have a better hand. I wish you lots of love and light, and I hope the best comes from this.

  2. Anonymous

    Maybe, but I would require additional pay and consideration. It’s not that you’re trying to extract or extort from them, but they’ve created an unstable environment, which you would be willing to stay in because you like the job as opposed to looking for a new one.

    But I would also look for another job just in case.

  3. Anonymous

    Let her know you are looking now and want to know if you can use her as a reference. That should reveal her true intentions.

  4. Regina Brown

    They are going to pay you, do the job. BUT make sure you have something in writing and don't sit around waiting....look for another position. I am 58 and fired on Jan 5, 2024 but was hired by another company on Jan 11, 2024. The job doesn't start until Feb but I have gotten the offer letter and the confirmation of my start date.

    Don't count yourself out at 56, yes it is cumbersome but many companies want the experience, coupled with longevity. They don't want anybody who has had 10 jobs in the past 5 years.

  5. Rebecca Lee V

    that is awesome congrats!!!

  6. Anonymous

    Until you have something in writing, continue your job search. Do you know what the severance package will be? If it's not several months of pay, you are probably better off finding another job and leaving the severance on the table.

  7. Anonymous

    I’d look for new employment *and* continue to let your boss know that you’d like to stay on. This maximizes your options.

    Another possibility if your company does not want to retain you full-time: try to continue with your current company as a consultant for transitional income.

  8. Anonymous

    Ask your HR department about the impact to your severance package if you continue as a contractor post-layoff. Many employers consider this as "double dipping" and you may have to forfeit your severance to continue as a contractor and / or pay back some portion (maybe all) of your severance if you are rehired as a contractor within a certain timeframe (often one year). The same may apply if you find a role within another division or OpCo (Operating Company / different brand) of your employer.

  9. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach

    I would start looking so you aren't left at square 1 when the lay offs happen. Keep in touch with her and ask if there's been any update.

  10. Anonymous

    Girl, you have a job RIGHT NOW. and, you've got a paycheck thru June (no matter what, cause that's what they've told you)....ANDDDDDDDDDD you have a severance waiting for you in June. So, I don't get your concern? It really doesn't matter why your boss asked you this (about staying?)-- do you want to be unemployed now....or tease out a few more months of work/benefits/and a severance at the end? That's your choice. It's rough out there; why would you question not staying until June? On the other hand, you DO realize that you COULD HAVE been laid off immediately...and your were not....so count yourself very blessed. You are being treated as well as possible in a turbulent company.

  11. Angela Cafaro

    I had a similar experience years ago. The small company I worked for got bought out by a bigger company. I was told my position was being taken over by someone else (and I would have to train them!) in 3 months and I would have to leave the company then. When it came close to that 3 months, they asked if I would stay for another month. My answer immediately was no. I could not stay in that environment any longer. I compared it to a bad breakup at the time... where you know it's over.. but maybe you still talk every once in awhile.. and then you try the relationship out again, and realize AGAIN it doesn't work. My advice would be to tell them you are done in June and spend the next few months heavy job hunting.

  12. Maggie Stone

    I would take them at their word that your position will be eliminated in June.
    Being proactive is the key. I would work my network and update my resume as well as lock down references, so you are prepared for a search. I would personally begin a search when you’re ready. Sounds like there are no guarantees here, and no they shouldn’t expect you to wait until May and they shouldn’t fault you for looking on your own time. Probably also a good time to look at career objectives. Would early retirement be an option if you don’t want to go through a job search. Good luck.

  13. Cindy Glover

    Get everything in writing

  14. Jane Doeling

    I’ve been in that situation. Stay for the package; you’ll have steady income until June, then when you leave file for unemployment. Between the payout and the unemployment, you’ll have time to find another job and stay afloat. Go ahead and start looking 4-6 weeks before your “last day,” but see this through. Tell them at interviews you’re available after your current job ends. When you tell a prospective employer your reason for leaving, they’ll learn about you that you have loyalty to an employer even in hard times. That is a selling point. Plus, you never know what will happen between now and June; they may decide to keep you, or allow you to apply for a different role at the company (that’s what happened to me, and I ended up staying another 14 years).

  15. Anonymous

    well its past mid january, i would talk to your boss , she might be uneasy about the answer she got , or it was pushed back , but ASK , nicely. tell her you just wanna know.

  16. Anonymous

    Use this time to Start looking now for another job - the company has made it clear that they are going to get rid of you and your boss does not have approval to keep you. It's awful but it is easier to find a job when you are working.

    You might even be able to negotiate a start date after your work through date so you can get the severance.

  17. Anonymous

    I assume you mean should you stay after June.
    My Opinion, if you really like the company and the pay meets your requirements than stay and continue to build your skills, look for additional opportunities within the company. (This is how I have 40 years of experience/service). My experience tells me the company had a number of people they had to downsize, and upper management just made a list and didn't necessarily look to see if all of the people on the list had skills they couldn't easily replace, (which sounds like what your manager is saying, she may or may not have had input to the initial list.) If either of those things don't make you happy then work till you get earn your severance while still job hunting.

    Depending on your skills you could
    find a job sooner than June that would off-set your severance. or 2. find a job willing to hire you at the end of your work period and get severance, possibly sometime between jobs and higher pay.Whatever you decide take heart that you must be valuable if the manager had that discussion. Know you can take your skills and transfer them to another company if you need too. YOU ARE VALUABLE! Use your knowledge and skill and experience to your advantage.

  18. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    I would definitely start a new search. If things work out in your current place, great. If not, you will have started the process to find something new.

  19. Anonymous

    Hunting for a job is easier when you have a job. It can take months to find a new gig and every day you waste waiting on them is another day closer to the end. I'd start hunting right now.

  20. Anonymous

    If you work at a BIG company it is likely that the decision is over her head and is part of a greater conversation or conversations that are being had. Start your job search now anyway and let folks you are interviewing with know that you can leave on short notice if offered a position. I would also follow up in an email and also bcc your personal email and work email to your manager thanking them for wanting you to stay and letting them know you are open to it with a deeper conversation about knowledge transfer and final exit perhaps including typical severance package info. Note that as an older worker you have longer to sign off on any documentation and also if the company is laying off more than a certain percentage of the staff they are subject to something called the WARN act. Read about it and see if it applies to your situation. Then you can make a good decision about do I stay or do I go. I would not at this time share any interviews or such with your manager because you want to keep both things separate. Your job search should be irrespective of the companies layoff decision. I do believe based upon what you said she does have your back but it is above her pay grade to make that decision as it will affect others in the pool as well. Good luck.

  21. Anonymous

    Right now anything can happen and seriously doubt your boss has specific insight or any true leverage. 6months is time for things to change several times so please don't bank on anything but your job will be eliminated in June.

    Get in gear and start a serious job search. You can let everyone know you are open to staying but please don't count on it.

  22. Anonymous

    I've been in a similar situation.
    I gave notice and they asked me to stay longer, like 2 months. They baited me with my bonus and it didn't work out that way. They followed the details of my original contract. I would have to stay until the end of the fiscal year to get my bonus, but I agreed to stay a month before the year ended. I was naive and didn't get it in writing.

    I didn't get my bonus and all I had was a conversation with HR where they promised they would give it to me for staying an extra 2 months.

    What I would advise is to talk to an employment lawyer and see what you need to do to protect yourself. You likely won't need a contract or need to get the lawyer involved but they can advise you on the questions to ask, what information to disclose, and the paper trail to keep. It costs about $340 to get an hour consultation but you will make that money back from now until June.

  23. misskelleyp

    I'd start looking (hard) for a job, if it works out for you to stay, then that's great. If not, your hunt is in progress. As others have said, get any new agreement in writing. Good luck.

  24. Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

    Is the severance package based on your staying until the end? Would it be worth it to you to simply hang on until then, while actively looking for another position? This gives you time. I worked for one company which was on the market, and we were offered retention bonuses, but the caveat was that we had to stay up to a certain date. There were people who bailed the day after, but their staying helped with the sale of the company.

  25. Anonymous

    If you have a definite answer in writing stay

  26. Anonymous

    I would ask your boss what the status regarding your job. Verbal commitments mean NOTHING. You need it in writing from some person in authority or HR. Do NOT wait and hope on a "verbal promise/offer" but rather act like you are going to be laid off too. Look for another job until you get an "official notice" from HR so that you have a "Plan B" so you won't be left to scramble.

  27. Anonymous

    You have not been offered to stay yet.
    Once you receive an offer and know compensation and title then you can decide. You boss is being a bit drama. She obviously doesn't have that authority. Just play along while you look. Alot can happen by June. She might not be there.

  28. Anonymous

    I'd keep all options open .
    Start looking elsewhere but remain committed to where you are. Nowadays, you just know

    If you get a better opportunity, take it. If you don't, stay where you are

  29. KathyAnn Krajcik

    I would stay but look at the same time. It's better to be employed while looking for a new role.

  30. Anonymous

    A friend of mine was told in December that her position was being outsourced. She could transition to the new contractor, but she'd be taking a pay cut and losing all seniority. Then she got an offer to stay on with the original company at her current salary because of her seniority. In the meantime she'd already started looking for another position.

    She starts her new job in March and is getting ~20% higher salary. She's in her late 50s. You miss out on 100% of the opportunities you don't explore.

  31. JJ

    My salary expectations would go up with every red flag.

  32. tina columber

    Your jobs skills and knowledge are unique which will translate into a better job. Just put your toe in the water and start applying for new jobs. You might be surprised at the opportunities that come your way.

  33. Jenn Paster Detmer

    The only real question here is: What do you want? And you might challenge yourself to ask yourself why you want it to make sure you are making the choice out of your own want vs. fear/obligation. If you want to stay, then consider your boss's conversation with you an opportunity to take some control and lay out your needs. For example, you might say, I would love to stay but for that to happen, I need to have an offer in hand by X date. (And feel free to tag on any other parameters that matter to you such as salary requirements, time off, etc.) You can then ask your boss for some transparency on the current process to make this happen and how you might get involved the discussions. It will give you some stronger insights into how "real" the invitation is.

  34. Anonymous

    I think you should seriously job hunt immediately You can tell them you’re staying ..but take care of you. Even if your boss comes back and says they want to keep you on…unless they sign some

    sort of co tract they can let you go st

    any time. Job hunt , stay there until

    you find something you like.

  35. Michele Sinclair

    I would continue to do whatever you were doing before she came to you w that request. Get whatever she is offering in writing for your own peace of mind. It should also include consequences of breaking this agreement as well.

  36. Ladyboss759718

    Continue your job search and go on interviews. Better to have options and be in control of your destiny than rely on the possibility of your current company giving you false hope of keeping your job,

  37. Anonymous

    As a woman of 38 years who is terrified to see what the next 20 have in store as far as ageism, please help be part of the solution. Job search whether you get to stay or not - the situation is out of your control but you can be in control of your immediate future.

    Be a part of the candidate pool. Show the world that women in their mid-fifties are still in their career - yes, we too will continue until normal retirement age or Medicare in our mid-sixties so plan on seeing us there. The more that we shy away from job candidacy in later age, the less normal it will continue to be to see a woman that age applying for jobs. The job pool will be changing, I believe due to the fact that so many in our generation, women have gone to work and had careers. But please don't let your fear keep the situation the way it is.

  38. Kat

    I would be on the lookout for a new job. You are much better off job hunting while still employed. If you get a good offer, take it, unless you have some concrete proof that the severance package will be quite large.

  39. TestE Cull

    I would have told her 'If I'm that important come back to me with a 40% pay raise and a written guarantee the next three rounds of layoffs cant touch me' ? Either I'm out of work or I get a huge pay bump and some job security baked into the contract nothin to lose really.

  40. Melissa Ekmark

    I am going through something like this myself. I cannot stand the idea of a job search but ultimately that is what I am doing because this is my mortgage payment and career. I am looking for work while working for the company to help them so it is a win win. You need to be looking at alternatives while you stay and help until you find something right for you.

  41. Amy Carissa Oliver

    Here's my perspective: Leave.

    In my opinion, you are being gaslit into not looking for a new job. Your boss came to you and asked you to consider staying... except you're not the one who decided to leave. They decided for you that you're leaving. They realized that they gave you too much notice that you're going to be unemployed and they're trying to convince you to not look for a new job, and to continue giving them your full time and attention with your unique skills. But be clear, no matter what they say or write, you will no longer be working there in June or at some juncture soon. A company will never announce to you that you're being laid off and then not do it. They already decided they don't need you.

    Now, what I would do is be looking and putting out feelers and get a job that will start a week or two *after* the layoff is finalized so that you get the severance package you are due for the trauma of being laid off from your job and having to search for a new one.

  42. maria rose

    Following this same advice, you should not stop your job search for a new position in another company, but time the start of the new position to match with when this present company no longer needs your services. Your main goal right now is to get a new job and to get the severance pay due you. There's no such thing as too much notice of a layoff, in fact giving you notice allows you time to search for a new position while also getting paid without using unemployment benefits ( unemployment benefits have their complex access to get in which your age may limit your access to get). Forget about the rejection feeling of thinking you are now being taken advantage of by being asked to stay on past that June date and merely look at it as an extension of the notice that does happen. It's just the way corporations view individual employees, Your immediate supervisors are just trying to give you as much earned income as they can give under the circumstances. I had a similar situation at my last job, that was doing a massive layoff, and I got to stay past the announced date to assist in the closing cleanup procedures which helped delay my ending date and the need to have either another job lined up or money coming in from unemployment benefits. There is a process time not being addressed or realized in this discussion. Severance pay is not issued immediately in the sense you walk out on the last day with a check in hand and unemployment in most locations has a minimum wait period for processing if there are no problems with the paperwork. Can you financially handle leaving without a job lined up and have a large emergency fund to source while looking for a job? Nothing is mentioned about finding a new position yet, which I assume is the goal for you to continue working for at least the next decade or more.

  43. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    Have you asked your manager for an update? If you are interested in staying, let her know; however, give her a deadline. You need their answer by XYZ date. Protect yourself, do not let them "string it out" and they wll if they think they can.

  44. Anonymous

    Stay and get searching for your next chapter because they can easily change their minds well before June. They are buying time with you until they figure out a replacement for what you do.

  45. Wanda Shaw

    it probably would be best to have a conversation with your manager about her request for you to stay. If nothing else comes of it, you will have confirmed where you stand.

  46. Lisa Hilton

    Agree with Wanda. Have a conversation with your boss now to reduce the unknowns and stress.

  47. Jacqueline Cutler

    I would ask her for a coffee, away from work, if at all possible. And then ask her what is going on.

  48. Anonymous

    It may work out for your to stay, but, please be proactive in your new job search starting like yesterday!

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