Just came back from a leave, reorg imminent, advice please.

Anonymous

September 29,2023 at 3:39PM UTC

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Just came back from a leave, reorg imminent, advice please. After talking with a lot of my previous peers and understanding how the changes during my leave impacted my responsibilities, I’m not seeing a need for my position or my previous responsibilities at a senior level anymore and I’m kind of OK with it. There’s a reorg planned on the larger team. Trying to figure out how direct to be with what I’d like to happen or just to wait and see if I get cut?? I’d be great with a package out of the company too. Thanks for the advice!

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AnonymousSeptember 29,2023 at 4:30PM UTC
My take, having been through multiple reorgs, RIFs, eliminations or whatever you'd like to call them, on the HR side, when an employee volunteers as tribute, I'm good with that. Every time I go through one of these, I get so stressed out, so much anxiety knowing that so many of these individuals are clueless as to what's about to happen that when someone sees the writing on the wall and offers themself up, we like to work with them on their exit.
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AnonymousSeptember 30,2023 at 6:07PM UTC
That’s really interesting. Didn’t realize that.
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AnonymousSeptember 29,2023 at 7:22PM UTC
Hmmm! I'd say wait and see how things shake out first.
There's nothing wrong with considering your options though and making a plan if things do not seem to go in your favor. So start looking elsewhere in the company, externally or if you do get reorg'd into a different role, you might want to stick around and try it out before making a final decision.
At the end of the day, you've gotta do what's best for you! Good luck.
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AnonymousSeptember 29,2023 at 7:31PM UTC
Be prepared for getting cut and start looking for something new. How soon is the reorganization? You don't have to start applying yet if it is a year or so out, but unless you anticipate a premium severance package, if you get a gem of an offer, you are ahead of the game, and have the choice of whether to take it or wait it out. As for volunteering out or waiting on them to either move you or lay you off, only you can answer that.
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AnonymousSeptember 30,2023 at 6:05PM UTC
I’d be more proactive than what you propose.
If you have a strong relationship with your managers, you might want to bring up the reorg, receive their assessment of how that might affect your position, convey what you’d like to have happen, and ask for their feedback. If you are uncomfortable doing this face-to-face, you might want to broach the subject via e-mail.
If your managers signal that your role is slated for elimination, that is the logical time to consider a severance package. If there is room for negotiation on the terms of severance, the services of an attorney skilled in severance contracts might be useful.
In addition, start checking the job market to see where you might fit, polish your resume and apply to positions that attract you. That’s better than waiting passively for the axe to fall.
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