How should I approach my manager about volunteering for the next RIF? I won't go into too much detail here, but I have been incredibly miserable since they moved me to a new role after the first wave of VSP in 2024. It's a role I never would have applied for on my own. Originally I had hoped to stay in this role for a short period of time and then eventually move to another role internally. However, given the current state of the company, that is no longer a viable option. I was thinking of giving my notice soon (no I don't have another job lined up, but I have enough savings to get me by for quite a while). Should I approach my manager about volunteering for the next RIF so I can at least get severance? If so, how should I approach the conversation? Or should I just give notice and be done with this place?
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I went straight to HR - they have my name, but mentioned that no “lists” exist at the moment. Here’s hoping! I can flee for my mental health.
We've had 2 people on or team do just that. They chatted with our director directly and their wish was granted. However, or manager is very open for communication so your mileage might very.
Tell your manager it's either he goes or you go.
@OP I would love to know your intentions
You sound like the perfect employee and I would hate to get rid of you.
@fa I am just a regular worker getting the job done. Not a “ high on the totem pole “ guy like you who I thinks he is super important. When I grow up I wanna be like you
@eq much of your leadership has budgeting goals. No, it's not our money but we are held accountable for it.
The fact that you'd post this tells me that you both very low on the totem pole AND very inattentive
@eq much of your leadership has budgeting goals. No, it's not our money but we are held accountable for it.
The fact that you'd post this tells me that you both very low on the totem pole AND very inattentive
@e6 OP how many years do you have? Is it worth your peace? I get it, if you’re like me with 20 plus years I’m not walking away empty handed! But if it’s under 10, is it worth it?
@ed Definitely petty and it ain’t your money. But not surprised
I know its hard, and you want to go
I got so frustrated I took a VSP. But lacking a buyout, I would keep collecting the VZ paychecks and benefits and see what the next RIF brings. Hang in there and keep looking for jobs while you wait for the next downsizing.
Good Luck with your descision!
As a people manager I would appreciate the heads up and would do what I could to help you out.
If you were on my team, I'd appreciate any communication letting me know your wishes. I would prefer an email, though. I do keep a list of those that want to be RIFd. The people on this list are the last ones I will choose. Am I being a petty je-k? Nope! Am I doing this out of malice? Nope! You're telling me that you're ready to go... no RIF necessary. Why would I waste that money on you?
@dn What an id--tic response. I’ve done everything asked of me. Learned a brand new role that I knew nothing about. Taken on increasing amounts of work with little to no training. I’ve voiced I’m not comfortable in the role prior to this, but in a professional manner. I said in my post I’m completely willing to just give notice and be done with it. But I’d hate to leave severance on the table if I can volunteer for the RIF. So how am I not acting like an adult? Or are you just a troll?
May I suggest starting to look for a job externally first - if you can test the market - depending upon your level you could be out a long time and make sure your severance can carry you.
Frame it as you are volunteering and making a sacrifice for the next RIF that will save someone else's job.
@ak severance.
Not complicated.
I would just email HR directly and ask them to put you on the next list. Tell them your not interest in leaving today however if one does come down the pipeline to please consider you as a volunteer so someone else may keep their job
@OP Why not leave now? Why be miserable when you can control your own destiny and make your own way?
It's called " self nomination"
Do it in an email.
I did it so it was documented and a few years later I got my wish and they actually referenced that email
I would approach my manager and tell them something generic as
" Hey, if there is a layoffs and HR asked you to provide name, you can give them my name if you out of option, I know it is hard to choose sometimes"
But never give any details to your manager unless you know them for long time, and I mean really long time.
Keep in mind some managers and depends on their level, they might small to no say on who get RIFed.
The other part of your question is really personal and you are the only one knows about details that would help making it. I see people choosing on of these options:
1- Stick around and ignore the stress around you, do bare minimum if needed - it is not worth your health.
2- Apply for other jobs, if they pay you more with some sign up bonus which would be equal if not more than the severance package you are waiting on. assuming you are wanting the layoff for merely the severance package.
3- wait for the right position to move to within VZ.
@OP Another option is to wait until the next RIF. If you survive it, there should be internal openings that are more to your liking.
Only you can decide which option is better for you.
It can’t hurt to talk to them and volunteer. Worst case scenario is they say no and you can give your notice. DONT tell them you’ll be giving notice whether or not they RIF you though. Just tell them your personal situation has changed and would like to volunteer. Don’t give any more details. Don’t tell them you’re unhappy or give any details.
You call them and say “if you had to pick someone could you please pick me”. Don’t quit - job market is too tough.. wait it out, we know more layoffs are coming