SalesinSeattle

Account Executive

Got hit with the RIF Hammer

Got hit out of the blue with the RIF hammer today - I was not expecting it as I was #3 / 20 in sales, so it is entirely unexpected. They let a bunch of people go. I think I got tapped because I was vocal about the inadequacies of the new comp plan this year (respectful but direct about the issues) and the new VP of sales I think just decided he didn't want to deal with me.

My question for the group is - I've been offered a severance package. This is the first time I've had that grace, so I don't have any experience with it.

Is there any reason why I should think twice about accepting it? I read through it and it seems pretty standard (they've agreed to pay out earned commissions as well as all outstanding expenses.)

Thanks Savages

😅 Laid Off

45 comments

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Phillip_J_Fry

Opinionated

Director of Revenue

Check out Dan Goodman on Linkedin. He has a lot of valuable information around severance packages and helps you to negotiate. He might offer personalized services as well, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Gavinbelson

Good Citizen

Account Executive

Came here to say this. Highly recommend before accepting any offer

mancvb

Opinionated

Enterprise AE

He does offer personalized services, I believe. I think he will even do a free consult.

garythesnail

Fintecher

Thanks for sharing, Dan seems like a helpful guy.

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

One caveat, they should be paying out earned commissions and outstanding expenses regardless of whether you accept the severance.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Uh yeah. They sound like they are spinning this as a favor.

GDO

Politicker

BDM

exactly!

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

That should be pretty standard stuff.
How many weeks/months are they offering on top!?

Revenue_Rambo

Politicker

Director, Revenue Enablement

Also don’t be afraid to file for unemployment. It hurts your pride a little to do it, but it’s there for a reason.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Pride don't get groceries ya feel 💯

Revenue_Rambo

Politicker

Director, Revenue Enablement

The best of us have been there. A few hundred a week is always better than $0

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Damn straight.
Plus you pay into it so that you can tap it when needed.

Rupert_Pupkin

Contributor

Account Executive

Also you pay into it already, so you’re just paying yourself with your own money. Zero shame. If you’ll collect social security, you should have no issue collecting unemployment

HVACexpert

Politicker

sales engineer

Up to you really on the severance. Just make sure there is no non-compete you have to sign

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

NON COMPETE NOT NDA 😏

ThatNewAE

Big Shot

Account Executive - Mid enterprise

If there is a non-compete, I guess it's fair to tell the company to waive it off BECAUSE THEY LET THIS PERSON GO !

Rupert_Pupkin

Contributor

Account Executive

This is so spot on. “So you don’t want me to work here because of my alleged underperformance, but also I can’t go to a company in the same space?” Fuck all the way off with that.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Sorry to hear that. I know what its like to get let go this time of year.

Regarding the severance - just take it unless your math is different than theirs. And then only by a lot. Its not worth the hassle to find and hire a lawyer, send letters, etc.

File for unemployment ASAP - its not welfare, its insurance. So jump on it. And don't waste time pondering your next step in life - jump in tonight to find your next gig.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

ERP Sales

Most of the reasons why I see people here post about not accepting the package is due to them wanting to sue or go against the NDA

oldcloser

Arsonist

💀

If there's an agreement with the severance there's an ask. Be crystal clear you understand what the ask is.

saasseller_feds

Good Citizen

Sr. Partner Sales Manager

Dan Goodman.

lajefa

Good Citizen

Enterprise Account Executive

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Sorry to hear that, take the severance unless you have some other plans. All the best for the search

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

No reason to not sign it if you are gonna get the boot anyways. Sign and get your $

Coffeesforclosers

Notable Contributor

Director Sales and Market Development

Do check the Non Compete though, that should only be if leaving voluntarily, they shouldnt stop you if they cut you from working in the same industry

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

- Mutual non-disparagement(they can't slander your name.- If your employee provides medical insurance ask for them to pay for medical for 90 days
- they should pay earned commissions and outstanding expenses, they should also pay you for deals you will no longer be able to close in your pipeline and you can ask for 90 days of salary as a payout to account for this.

This is all from Richard Harris on Linkedin. He is incredible

Navigating

Old School Bravo

Head of Sales

Definitely do not take their first offer. Even though they have way more resources and lawyers than you could ever afford, they want to avoid any sort of bad publicity. I got cut back in May, and asked for double the severance and double the months of benefits in the first offer, and they gave it to me without haggling. Now I'm kicking myself wishing I had asked for triple

dadasaurus

Opinionated

Enterprise Account Executive

Please contact Dan Goodman before you do anything or commit to anything with the company. The separation agreement can really do you in and he can help you get everything you are owed and then some. Its a dicy situation to navigate, I've had to do it under very hostile circumstances and thank God I engaged a lawyer so I knew what my rights were. I ended up getting a large payout >> more than the severance would have ever been.

DataCorrupter

Politicker

Account Executive

Just make sure they actually pay you out the commission when the time is due.

Assuming your in Seattle (as the name suggests), I would take a look at the Washington State Legislature website and know your rights for commission, severance and such, the state is very favorable towards sales reps.

FoodForSales

Politicker

sorry to hear that. if you're really in the seattle market, I know its growing so hopefully you're not out of work long- good luck!

timetovalue

Executive

Enterprise Account Executive

Suggest filing for unemployment immediately. In MA, the benefits are around $1,000 per week if you were making six figures... not sure about WA. I got caught up in a RIF several weeks ago.
HR didn't respond to the unemployment office so benefits were delayed.

Iwantitall

Personal Narrative

Vp Sales

Make sure this does not reference any employee agreements or other documents you may have signed on joining. If any non-compete is overly broad it is likely unenforceable but consult an attorney. If there are any other factors that led to your being cut as #3 out of 20 don't give up the right to sue if you consult with a reputable attorney and have a strong case. Just know it will take months to resolve. Good luck

Lurking

Account Executive

Sorry to hear that, usually difficult to file a wrongful termination suit. But, being 3 of 30 you may have a case?

lajefa

Good Citizen

Enterprise Account Executive

Did you have an employment contract? So many variables to consider here. Know your rights before you sign anything. There's a guy on LinkedIn, his name is Dan Goodman. He is awesome at reviewing this kind of stuff. If you're a top performer, owed commissions, pay, severance etc, I encourage you to reach out to him to discuss your situation. I get nothing from this. I'm just tired of Orgs screwing over their workforce.

TallR

Account Executivee

Don't sign if there is a non-compete, in my opinion. Also, regarding expenses, don't forget your current cell phone bill (if they cover that).
Hit up your coworkers to write recommendations in LinkedIn.

LadySavage

Account Executive

Similar situation to what I just went through. Sorry to hear. I consulted an employment lawyer - benefit here being they were familiar with local laws and what I would be entitled to. This will vary by state/province/country etc. Good luck.

dadasaurus

Opinionated

Enterprise Account Executive

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you get a lawyer to look at your separation agreement. I've seen people get seriously screwed by signing these. Here is someone who will help you out: Dan Goodman, [email protected]. You can find him on LinkedIn also.

CoolHandLuke412

Enterprise AE

Lots of valid comments here re: noncompete, legal review, earned commissions, etc. You don't say what your severance is (ie, X months, etc.)

You're in sales, so of course you should counteroffer!

If severance does not have benefits included, and especially if you have a family and are the benefit provider to the family, ask for benefits to the end of the year (not COBRA). Make sure you tell them you provide the family benefits (it's nobody's business if spouse has / can get benefits). If you go COBRA, deductibles start over at square 1 (I'm pretty sure of this based upon experience). Same with going to spouse insurance.

shesells1111

Good Citizen

Head of sales

You should talk to a lawyer. They should pay out expenses and commissions - that’s not a severance

WhoDey

Opinionated

VP of Sales

Take the money!

threepointninepercenter

Valued Contributor

Senior EAE

Cosign everybody below. They are required to pay you out commish and expenses, that's not severance.

ApocalyBoom

Politicker

Account Executive

You choose to end the relationship. Make sure you dont have any specific subscriptions

YoureMuted

Executive

Regional Sales Director

Take the severance. If there’s a non-compete tied to it, ask them to remove it. If they won’t, probably not too big of a deal as non-competes are very hard to enforce legally. They typically go after high level executives only in enforcing non-competes. The only thing that really could bite you is if your next employer asks to see your severance agreement and there’s a non-compete. They may pass on you because they’re legally obliged to honor that non-compete. So you either don’t tell your new company you have that clause or roll the dice.
Also, Dan Goodman is bomb. Definitely reach out to see what he has to offer.
Good luck!

Senior Director, Automotive Go To Market Lead, Capgemini Business Services North America

Always negotiate. It doesn’t hurt to have an attorney look over the agreement. Never leave money on the table.

Lameo

Fire Starter

Account Executive

Consult with Dan Goodman on LinkedIn 100%. Same happened to me a few months ago. Keep in mind they want you to sign the agreement so you have leverage (because it is of course conditional). He will tell you to always negotiate your severance.