I was hit back in March and among the first to confirm it was happening here. What’s followed has been the hardest job search I’ve had in my decades-long career. Some of this is sales specific, but I hope it’s useful to everyone.
- Back up everything: don’t wait until you get laid off. Back up all relevant work details like paystubs, promotions, attainment, praise, deal closures etc. Save anything relevant to RSUs or unpaid bonuses. Save EVERYTHING you’ve ever signed.
- Keep track of what Oracle actually owes you, because they will try to get away with paying less. If you closed a deal with a distant Sales Effective Date, save that. Save emails from management pressuring you to close it. Save any emails that even insinuate you’ll be compensated in the form of bonuses or other benefits for work that goes beyond your normal duties.
- Do not sign anything regarding your termination without talking to a lawyer. Remember that Oracle is not offering you severance out of kindness; they’re offering you the absolute minimum they believe they can get away with in exchange for liability protection.
- If you’re unhappy at Oracle, or you’re worried about layoffs, start looking now. The job market is tough but it’s tougher for those without a job.
- Tough doesn’t mean impossible, and there are signs of life. I’ve been interviewing all year, but activity right now is better than it’s been during that period. I see other people getting jobs, and I’m (knock on wood) close.
Above all, remember that this is just a job. You are not what you do for a living. Don’t let a layoff defeat you, and don’t treat it like a vacation. If you need to, take a short time to experience the loss, but then get back up and back into the fight. You’ve got this!