I'm in Optum Health and I'm desperate to leave. Like actually considering resigning this week because I can't take this place anymore. However, if there's a chance I'll be laid off in October, I'd certainly choose to hang in there and collect my severance. So my question is... how bad do we think these layoffs will be? Is it worth waiting? And does anyone know when in October we should expect layoffs?
34 replies (most recent on top)
@1f6 it was there yesterday afternoon
@1dr Did they pull the severance policy out of Sparq?
@1dr where did you here that? That doesn't sound legal.
Im being told as of today 9.17.2026, severance is not an option anymore only redeployment.
@z1 this is 100% true. I make more than folks one grade higher as I am in my 4th quadrant of the pay range. I know because I recently did a lateral move and the new hiring manager had to negotiate hard with HR to give me a decent raise, HR initially did not approve due to pay parity, etc but they finally did and the recruiter said it was hard as I am making more than most people a grade higher. IT architect role, CDO org .
@147 agreed! One of the reasons why I resigned from my job was an old leader telling me to not get stuck when I have autonomy. It was the best piece of advice. Many people get stuck and it becomes where it’s too late and they can’t leave on their own terms.
Do not stay at any job waiting for "maybe X or Y will happen." I have known people stuck at companies for YEARS waiting for a layoff, opportunity to change teams, etc.
Start looking TODAY. People laid off in spring are still looking for jobs. Keep in mind its almost certain you will be one of many people in your sort of role let go on that day. Every single one of them will be looking for jobs the exact moment you are.
Get ahead of the curve. This isn't UHG-specific advice.
@xy the salary ranges in each pay grade are wide and can over lap. Just because it's a salary grade lower doesn't necessarily mean a paycut.
@jj did your department have any forewarning? In H&C as a CC they are strongly encouraging us to get career navigators and apply for jobs. However jobs in my area are all a pay grade lower 🤨
@q7 took me a month!!
@vf you're pretty creative.
I'm loving the possibility of being able to say I was the victim of "Red October" ..... I guess I'll wait.
@k8 good for you! How quickly did you find another job?
@jj Dismantled? What does that mean? All RIFed, all moved elsewhere or lifted and shifted?
@jj By dismanteled to you be reorged or RIFed? If so, when is the team's last day. Wishing you the best.
@OP I left and never looked back. Had no plan…crazy for sure. Thankfully found a job after. Good luck to you! I am less stressed.
@OP my department at Optum Insight was dismantled yesterday.
@ac the term "curious question" gives me an idea of what part of the organization you're affiliated with. Hey possible friend!! 😂
@ek trump doesn’t have anything virtually to do with our company being pieces of shyt. Stop and grow up
Trump says gas will be cheap and our economy will be all sunshine and unicorn farts by November, so maybe Optum will call off the Oct RIFs. Psych!
It may be Oct 22 or 29, but the impact will be large.
@a3 Agree! Wait through October. I’m crossing my fingers I am in the RIF.
We have to start thinking about more than a ‘job’. Take a leaf from the silent generation. So make sure you able to sustain yourself for at least a year. Both financially and some food stuffs like dried and canned foods. Learn to garden etc.
If the current global economic trajectory continues then we will see a massive turnover of companies in the US. If the transition is more or less peaceful then I suspect US companies will begin to hire more Chinese leadership. The US will have to become more ‘long term’ thinking and they will need leaders that can ‘build’ NOT financiers. If not peaceful…lets hope the current US hegemony holds.
Does anyone know what depts the October 22bd date is for? We had some layoffs in January in Ops on my team, but it was only a few people. Checking to see if there is any more intel about where in Optum it would be for.
@ap October 22??
"use as much PTO as you can during that time"
Be careful who you say this to. I CA we get all our PTO paid out....It's like a second severance..
Do you have dependants? A mortgage? School loans? What's your budget? Do you have a trust fund or good investments? Can you play music like Clapton or write like Patterson? ..sorry I need more info
I would wait until 10/31 to see what happens...use as much PTO as you can during that time, and do ONLY what you are required to do..start taking those two hour lunches and be at your desk as little as possible...it's less than two months, so you can do it...if they keep you, then resign on 11/1 if you feel comfortable in doing so.
Are you talking about retiring or quitting without another job lined up? It can take months to find a new job, so even if you start applying now, you probably won't have an offer by the October 22 RIF date. You can check Sparq to see how many weeks of severance you're eligible for.
@ac to fire someone they have to be on a pip for so long etc
Layoff - ope, your role is eliminated, later dude.
"Just 'quit' Close the laptop but dont tell anyone."
This is a curious question.....is it just easier for them to layoff than it is to formally fire someone??
Just 'quit' Close the laptop but dont tell anyone. Wait for that severance email to show up
Hang in there. Your severance is likely worth the wait.
October isn't far. Just set an end date to wait maybe to see if you can get it
Otherwise in your shoes I would at least update my resume and start applying. If you land an offer before severance is announced you could approach it 2 ways. Set your start date as far out into the future past when you think layoffs could happen or just take the new opportunity if it pays at least 15% or more in compensation.
Ultimately your call. Either way, you are prepped to take another opportunity.