stan

Account Executive

Well.. Laid off and can't help but laugh - enjoy the story and feedback on appreciated

Context - in month 6 in an Ent AE role, the layoff as a whole was a bit of a surprise but given the economic climate I've been keeping feelers out with my network.. was just kind of tech sales funny looking back to last week:

recruiter at my own company reaches out on LI to see if im interested in a high growth company and "life changing" equity, ignore it (maybe they catch the error)
follow up on Sunday - respond back "Hey I work at X company already :)"
Monday - see the news on layoffs, get an HR meeting a few hours later and know the situation.
Monday night - get a branded backpack in the mail (just bad timing on the all company corp gift?)

Couldn't help but laugh.. know this is just a company with disjointed departments and my own situation bringing it together for me but what if... marketing sending out the backpack is literally thinking:

"take a hike bro"

"pack your shit up, heres your parting gift"

Too good for a less than ideal situation. All that said - any folks who have gone through this would love your take on:

Do you spend time trying to negotiate your sev package in a mass layoff or just use the effort and that time finding your next right gig?
My wife is expecting our second kid in mid Dec - to what extent has anyone had success negotiating a start date around something personal / early pat leave? I'm fine with before or after, but do see some financial and ramping benefits of finding a company that brings me on prior with some sort of expectation that I'll need 2-3 weeks. Any thoughts or stories appreciated

😂 Sales Humor

☁️ Software Tech

18

15 comments

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jefe

Arsonist

5

🍁

What the WHAT?!

That's just ridiculous. Sorry about the news though, hope you find something even better.

2-3 weeks for a new baby doesn't seem like a huge ask, but I'm in Canada where we actually have mat/pat leave so that might be different where you are.

And always try and negotiate - nothing to lose.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

3

🦊

Not everyone is with the times unfortunately.

jefe

Arsonist

3

🍁

Too true, sadly.

Diablo

Politicker

3

Sr. AE

Hey man sorry to hear about that - I don’t have much to contribute as I haven’t been a part of mass layoff. I wish you all the best and pray that you get the best 👍🏻

TennisandSales

Politicker

2

Head Of Sales

woooow this is a crazy story.

Ive never been laid off so i dont know much about negotiating a sev package.

But i think you could totally negotiate a start date for your next gig. i think employers will understand that you have a life, especially with a new baby coming. if they are not willing to work with you, then its not the right fit.

detectivegibbles

Politicker

2

Sales Director

Woof. That's tough. Sounds like you have a great mindset though by finding the humor and knowing that you're already thinking about the next 3-6 months.

I've never been laid off (yet) but I'd have to think taking the extra time to negotiate severance package is worth while. Get all that you can.

Congrats on 2nd kiddo coming in December. This is a tough one...

Does being up front about your situation possibly hinder an offer since you'd be asking for 2-3 weeks off? No clue honestly.

I think leading with honesty is always the right move but with caution.

Part of me thinks if you land with a high moral, high integrity company will be flexible...maybe first week entirely off and then weeks 2-3 you're online in a limited capacity?

Have the hard discussions as you're presented offers. You got this!

slaydie

Big Shot

2

Account Executive

Sorry to hear this! I definitely got a laugh about the backpack. The company sounds so disjointed and disorganized. You dodged a bullet there.

I am unsure if you can negotiate your severance package but why not try? Use the fact that you were going to go off on pat leave for 2-3 weeks and now it will be hard to find a company who will hire you before your child is born. Try and get at least an extra 2-3 weeks pay!

GOOD LUCK

Pachacuti

Politicker

1

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Getting laid off, especially this time of year, sucks. Sorry that happened bro.

I quit a job Dec 30 of last year and still got the corp gifts in the mail. Was kinda funny.

I don’t know how much negotiation power you have in a severance situation unless you own some IP the company uses or are fairly high up. I have learned to negotiate my severance when I start. Easier that way.

Congrats on the kid! I would focus on getting a new job asap for the insurance coverage.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Ouch. Sorry that happened, but love the sense of humor about the whole thing.

That said, not sure how much severance leverage you actually have after only 6 mos there, so I'm thinking focusing on the next gig will be a better use of your time.
And about the paternity leave, absolutely discuss it. Not all companies are heartless monsters and honestly, the holidays are often a dead time for sales orgs anyway - particularly when I'd assume you'd still be ramping up after you start.

ER0173

Opinionated

1

Sr. Business Development Manager

I am so sorry for you, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Go find a company that values you and provides the stability you need. Not easy, but those unicorns still exist. Activate your network, use LI and send that loser ex company of yours to you know where. Better and greater things are coming to you and your family.

Ultraviolet010

Good Citizen

1

SDR (Sales Development Rep)

If would let the recruiter put me right back in the company and make sure I take every possible step to receive severance. I was laid off earlier this year working in software sales.

SaasSlingin

Politicker

0

Sr AE

This was one of those posts I felt weird liking. Sorry to hear, I’d probably laugh at it all myself.

I know a couple gals in my segment took mat leave weeks into being hired. It’s gotta be possible

aldricksomarriba

Personal Narrative

0

Account Executive

I have been laid off once because the department was outsourced, but they called "restructuring". I wouldn't sign anything on the spot but if they give you paper work and if you are very curious about what more can be done then perhaps invest in a lawyer for a couple of hours to get their feedback.. I think the right job that is in front of you will be willing to understand your paternity leave, considering it would only be for a few weeks.
Best of luck but just know there are tons of jobs out there ..tons yes we just got to keep on looking :-)

DesperadoDinero

Valued Contributor

0

Director, Member Services

layoffs are tough... I left a fairly stable BD role for a crypto gaming startup - told me they didn't need my "role" anymore after 4 weeks. Could have told me before they attempted to poach right?

Jaytea

Catalyst

0

N/A

Tough times honestly, make sure your LinkedIn is refined, and apply for those jobs. You got this!

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