Thread regarding Nike Inc. layoffs

Sending you good vibes, OP, it’s tough to make such a big change. I was also laid off after 15 years in one of the previous rounds, came on here to see if I could support folks with what I’ve learned. I would definitely recommend taking a breather and not working immediately while all of this settles. My guess is that you can’t apply for unemployment until Nike stops sending you regular paychecks (your separation date is the actual date of your end of employment, not the day they told you you were relieved of your job responsibilities). As someone else said - don’t apply for unemployment until you’re ready to start job hunting, since it will require you to log 5 “employment seeking” actions a week, including applying for 2 jobs. I would definitely recommend doing it, though! The max that the state of Oregon can pay you for unemployment is $872/wk for 26 weeks of a 1 year period, which I think anyone making at least $85K would qualify for.

You should also be paid for any unused PTO (not sabbatical) in your last paycheck.

I agree with others that it’s not worth hiring a lawyer unless you feel you were discriminated against or are part of a protected class and wrongfully terminated. It’s an extremely high bar to clear but you may be able to get a free initial consultation. Nike does not negotiate severance.

If you have a non-compete, you should ask them to waive it.

Got laid off 3 times by different tech companies. Focus on your strengths, use your network and keep trying. Nothing wrong in feeling sad or depressed for a week but try to get out of it. I can tell you that each time I was laid off I found a higher paying job and new friends. It's an end if you make it so. Nike maxims are worth following all your life. I am 55 year old and not that 🤓, if I can do it you should have no problem. Just stay away from negative people on this board. They have other issues in life and need professional help.

Given that you spent your entire career at Nike, I think you’re going to need to dig deep and figure out what you learned there will translate well to other companies.

My other advice is to take a little time and process this since it’s not only your only job but that’s a huge amount of time you spent there. It’s fully possible that you will never be anywhere else that long.

Let’s face it. You are a different person than you were when you started at Nike and the world around you has changed too. Take some time to process and enjoy the generous severance. (more generous than I’ve ever received previously in my career.)

Use the gift of time to do something you’ve always wanted to do ….after all you are still young!

Don’t waste your money on a lawyer to review the severance package, it’s very straightforward and fair. When you get it, read it over a few times over a few days and then sign it

@OP - Check this out - https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1kq17japz Good Info.

I do know of 1 person who negotiated severance successfully, but not at Nike. At a different global company. He is an international on a work visa, and had been documenting cases where the company was adopting practices not aligned with his immigration situation (eg withholding part of his salary for immigration costs). He also had a log of verbal abuse by his Manager, which was backed up by his coworkers through written statements. So basically his company was scared that this would hurt them externally if it got out. Other than that, I have never heard of successful severance negotiations.

Most Nike severance agreements are pretty standard. Just make sure you don’t have a non-compete in it. I wouldn’t waste money on an attorney. Send it through ChatGPT for an in-depth review. If you’re on continuance (meaning you’re still technically an employee for a couple of months and getting a regular paycheck but not working) and getting severance, most states you won’t be able to file for unemployment during that time. They use an algorithm to determine your income and you would be far beyond your term date before they determine you’d be out of money based on the continuance and severance check. I hope you’re on continuance, if so, take a week or so to process, then update your resume and get it out there. I know a lot of people say take a few weeks or months, I disagree. The job market is tough right now, the earlier you start the better. Life after Nike is refreshing after you get through the processing part.

I’ve heard Oregon unemployment is two steps. One is to register. Two is to file.

My plan was to register first. Get that done.

Also - keep a schedule. Get workout in, apply to jobs, journal, volunteer, learn a new recipe. Keep a routine.

Best of luck. I hope you look back and feel accomplished during this time

I’d not bother having a lawyer review severance, I did it once and it’s a waste of time since the company has all the leverage. Just review with AI.

You could try to ask for receiving a prorated PSP. If you have strong performance I’d note that as reason.

On unemployment, best way to do it is call in and ask. There are tons of gotchas with state programs and sadly one misstep will sc--w up everything.

Be sure cobra/health is lined up and know your backup plan.

If you are technically on payroll and can’t receive benefits… sounds to me like you work at Nike still, when you talk to third parties interviewing. What layoff?

Severance is optional by a company. So its not really negotiable.

Unemployment? Well while you are doing that, start the job search. You will have to show you are actively looking for a job while collecting the small amount you may get.

My advice is the best time to find a new job is while you have one. Everyone should be looking all the time, else you turn into another episode of 'friends & neighbors"