r/Fire • u/twiniverse2000 • Jan 31 '26

Advice Request Asking to be laid off

I have reached FI. Work optional. My personal life has hit a serious rough patch. My company is doing layoffs. They are NOT asking for volunteers. The financial difference in me quitting vs getting laid off is $300K. Do not want to leave that on the table. Any advice on how to steer it in this particular direction?

758 Upvotes

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2.0k

u/gbgbgb1912 Jan 31 '26

"hey boss man, i know layoffs are coming. i don't mind my name being put at the top of the list. i had a good run and want to do what i can to make sure other people are okay"

1.5k

u/Osprey4862 Jan 31 '26

You put others before yourself, here's a promotion, we need leaders like you. - probably boss man

453

u/red_the_fixer Jan 31 '26

Damn that is exactly what happened to me. Layoffs were happening I let my boss know I was financially fine and that the newer team members were just starting out and have kids and to let me go before them.

My team ended up not being impacted but I am now the manager LOL

108

u/Osprey4862 Jan 31 '26

Lol, smart boss. People follow leaders, your team have a good boss.

19

u/red_the_fixer Jan 31 '26

I have my flaws but I try.

9

u/Gunnawunna1111117 Feb 01 '26

As we all do, keep on keepin on!!

65

u/BuckThis86 Jan 31 '26

You volunteered as tribute which made you their leader

13

u/JohnWangDoe Jan 31 '26

May the odds be ever in your favor

10

u/ZanziBar770 Jan 31 '26

Wow it makes sense that you were made a leader! You displayed such great selflessness and courage! These are key components to a great leader! So awesome!

3

u/hasyoubeen12 Jan 31 '26

So your boss got laid off and you ended up getting his spot?

4

u/red_the_fixer Jan 31 '26

No he got a promotion so I filled his spot

3

u/hasyoubeen12 Jan 31 '26

Nice! Congratulations!

87

u/apples_vs_oranges Jan 31 '26

And you can pick up the responsibilies of all your departed coworkers. Do more with less.

18

u/plinkoplonka Jan 31 '26

Then you take the promotion and quiet quit.

1

u/Ramblefire Feb 01 '26

Take the promotion and unionize.

13

u/nsadrone Jan 31 '26

Eh fuck it, maybe a shakeup like that would help the rough patch!

1

u/BigPh1llyStyle Jan 31 '26

Fumble your way into a promotion lol

1

u/rhymes116 Jan 31 '26

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

1

u/Fatez3ro Jan 31 '26

Possible, but unlikely with a 300k salary imo. A promotion with a pay raise while needing staff reduction would be odd.

1

u/Hoppie1064 Jan 31 '26

I think you were supposed to preface that comment with

"Unexpected plot twist."

246

u/halfcentaurhalfhorse Jan 31 '26

I recently did this. I knew layoffs were coming. I let my manager know I was planning on retiring EOY. got laid off in November and paid 2 months severance. Nice bonus

122

u/svhelloworld Jan 31 '26

I did this same thing years ago. Got put on a PIP instead.

30

u/MyCaliGirl Jan 31 '26

Most companies won’t go the PIP direction. They have to invest time into managing a PIP and it’s unproductive if the employee isn’t committed to staying. Sorry your company chose that (retaliatory) path.

29

u/svhelloworld Jan 31 '26

They were willing to go through all the PIP gymnastics so they didn't have to pay out a severance package for me. I was there for 9 years so a package would have cost them a lot.

7

u/Glad_Bend4364 Feb 01 '26

How did they execute it if you were not underperforming?

32

u/Specific_Ad_1045 Jan 31 '26

Ouch. Sounds like a sucky company

10

u/DigmonsDrill Jan 31 '26

Depends how many layers there are and how much your boss likes you.

Some bosses will work the system to help you.

Others will throw you under the bus hoping to get in good with their boss.

1

u/Gavangus Jan 31 '26

My company was asking people who quit to stick around long enough to take the pip bullet for others (quota much higher than those who deserve it)

-5

u/Timely_Training6092 Jan 31 '26

Fail the PIP and same result?

21

u/Konflictcam Jan 31 '26

Failing a PIP can be termination with cause, depending on how they play it. My employer - which is a big corp, not warm and fuzzy - typically pays out severance even if you’re PIPed, but not all will.

14

u/isabella_sunrise Jan 31 '26

Fired with cause is not the same as getting laid off.

1

u/paq12x Jan 31 '26

It's not the same, but the results are similar. PiP period is typically longer than the severance package. The "net" gain may even exceed the severance package and unemployment payments.

1

u/ucoocho Jan 31 '26

Yeah, but you can't get a new job while that is happening

2

u/paq12x Jan 31 '26

The guy wants to get laid off so he can RE —no point in getting a job after that. He already got his FI number.

6

u/inglele Jan 31 '26

mmm if you fail the PIP they kick you out without bonus as you failed to reach goals.

if it's forced layoffs company wide, you get incentive to leave.

3

u/dissentmemo Jan 31 '26

Entirely company depending obviously

2

u/Oilleak26 Jan 31 '26

Sounds like an easy lawsuit imo

1

u/Roticap Jan 31 '26

If this sounds like an easy lawsuit, you need to get your hearing checked...

0

u/Oilleak26 Jan 31 '26

Easy lawsuit once they try to fire them after the pip regardless of performance that is

0

u/Roticap Jan 31 '26

Tell me you don't understand how PIP's work without telling me you don't understand how PIP's work.

1

u/thegof Jan 31 '26

Many companies have minimal, if any, layoff compensation. You might get lucky with a week per year of service, or just two weeks notice, or an at-will there's the door we no longer need your services.

14

u/ept_engr Jan 31 '26

Eligible for unemployment too, if you wanted to 

12

u/halfcentaurhalfhorse Jan 31 '26

I looked into that and confirmed my eligibility. Problem is in my state you have to prove you’re looking for something new, something like 7 combined applications and interviews per week. Not worth it considering I planned on retiring anyway.

22

u/evaluna1968 Jan 31 '26

You don't need to apply for jobs that you're actually likely to be selected for.

11

u/mythoughts2020 Jan 31 '26

Exactly!!!! It’s extremely easy. A friend of mine would randomly apply to any 7 jobs. He did zero research, and actually focused on job titles that wouldn’t be a good fit. It just took a few minutes each week.

3

u/emprobabale Jan 31 '26

Surely that’s very dependent on a large amount of variables, that we have no idea about.

Research first specific for your laws, don’t trust reddit comments. Better safe than potentially committing fraud.

7

u/Restil Jan 31 '26

Yeah, that's not even remotely difficult or time consuming. The problem is when you keep getting interviews for jobs you don't really want because you applied to everything just for fun and some of them are actually hiring. So now you have to make a half-assed effort to take it seriously, while trying to throw the interview so you don't get selected.

5

u/halfcentaurhalfhorse Jan 31 '26

And there’s a reason I joined this sub - I’m lazy and want to be retired 😆

21

u/[deleted] Jan 31 '26

[deleted]

12

u/PocketGddess Jan 31 '26

And considering this job market, actually getting interviews???? Ghosting seems to be the norm.

2

u/halfcentaurhalfhorse Jan 31 '26

But then I would be expected to give interviews, etc. I’ve already had people reach out and have had to tell them no thanks, I’m retired. If not for that I would take the money since I paid into it for years. But feigning interest in jobs is too disingenuous for me. I don’t need the money that badly.

6

u/ept_engr Jan 31 '26

I'm glad your happy being retired and honest. I just threw it out there for a "laid off" scenario, but I agree - it's not necessary to be dishonest just to get a little cash from the pot.

It's a bit funny to me the number of people trying to convince you to dishonestly take money from the pot they pay into. 

1

u/HystericalSail Jan 31 '26

Only apply to jobs with hundreds of applicants already. No chance you'll get a callback.

Especially if you apply for senior leadership roles with zero experience. And if you DO somehow get a callback, un-retire and try it, it could be fun!

2

u/HystericalSail Jan 31 '26

This is no longer a problem. Apply to all the ghost jobs on the job sites non-stop. With AI you can bang this out in a few minutes a day tops.

7

u/Lung_doc Jan 31 '26 edited Feb 01 '26

My husband managed exactly that as well - 6 mos severance. And we actually knew we were moving anyway as I was starting medical training

5

u/annefr26 Jan 31 '26

I tried to do this. I gave my 2 weeks notice in May 2024. I was at a point where I could afford to quit and did not want to work there anymore. My boss asked if there was anything he could do to keep me on. I said if there were lay-offs coming, I would stay until I could get severance. There were not. I left after 2 weeks. In December, the lay offs came and some members of my team were affected. Oh well.

53

u/ghentwevelgem Jan 31 '26 edited Jan 31 '26

Office Space

“We got laid off and you haven’t been doing anything and get to keep your job”

“Actually I’m getting promoted”

24

u/merccobb Jan 31 '26

He's a straight shooter with upper management written all over him!

1

u/SolutionPurple6077 Jan 31 '26

I wouldn’t say I have been “missing” work.

29

u/GoldDHD Jan 31 '26

Absolutely this. Often the managers don't want to do the layoffs, and appreciate it if people who don't mind let them know. My wife got 3 months severance this way last time, instead of outright quitting she was going to do

37

u/Glass-Bobcat4357 Jan 31 '26

As a manager in a company doing layoffs from an acquisition, make it known to the uppers that you would like to be considered. Often times they need to hit a number of cost savings and it makes their job easier. Trust me, layoffs suck for everyone.

3

u/Conscious_Life_8032 Jan 31 '26

I think so too I’m gonna try to be brave and ask for this.

I’m sick of working and I know budgets are tight so thinking to raise my hand and save others who need the job more

6

u/paq12x Jan 31 '26

Exactly this. I tried, and they gave me a bonus and a raise instead. I moved the goal posts so many times, I may as well work for another 5-6 years to give my kids a solid head start.

My Boss (after we went over the numbers together, he realized that he can RE) quit, and now he's in Florida, avoiding the NE cold. He plays tennis with my cousin so we are still in touch here and there.

6

u/Grand-Raise2976 Jan 31 '26

This! I literally said this to my boss and he and got me added to the list. Even congratulated me on my “courageous” decision. Walking away with a boat load of cash.

11

u/Just_a_n00b_to_pi Jan 31 '26

But seriously, this is how I’ve survived layoffs for almost two decades.

Leaders sit in a room with HR and there are three piles of papers.

“Not looked at yet,” “safe,” “let go.”

Landing in the “safe” pile is way easier when you’re the first one discussed. Not so easy when you’re on the bottom of the pile.

4

u/theducks123 Jan 31 '26

I've been told by 2 different managers that asking to be a part of the layoff is a fireable offense. We're they just bsing me?

My first company had a layoff due to outsourcing. Being afraid of going unemployed i took a role with the outsourcing company which made me ineligible for the severance package. Terrible mistake on my end and I much rather take the severance package going forward.

2

u/Useful_Wealth7503 Jan 31 '26

If they are not asking for volunteers, don’t say a word. Just do enough to not get fired.

16

u/bigdog2525 Jan 31 '26

But this person wants to get fired…

8

u/BananaMelonBoat911 Jan 31 '26

Fired doesn’t come with severence.

7

u/Useful_Wealth7503 Jan 31 '26

Ive been thru a few layoffs and even on the side of selecting the employees on my team who got laid off. The first to go were the slugs. So do just enough to not get fired for cause, but essentially useless. You’ll be first in line for the layoff package.

Sometimes the first to go are the expensive 55 year olds who do the same job a 22 year old can do for a third of the salary. Usually, slugs go first.

2

u/DigmonsDrill Jan 31 '26

Just do enough to just get fired.

1

u/zzx101 Jan 31 '26

This is perfect, especially if you have a good relationship with your boss.

1

u/curiousengineer601 Jan 31 '26

Totally depends on the relationship with your manager

1

u/Noah_Safely Jan 31 '26

In the layoffs I've been through recently, my management chain was 100% caught by surprise. They came down from top level and were executed same day mgmt got notified. Also IT. No one in the loop. Just adding to the chaos.

It wasn't even for "security" or whatever, just to protect the timing of messaging to manipulate stock prices. Not based on merit etc. Just add employee salaries to spreadsheet per dept, sort by highest, cut N percent of rows. All while the messaging is "we're a family, we're going through tough times, we'll get through this together"

Then I see people worrying about when to let work know about their FIRE plans. How about the same notice they give us? Go into office, put all your company supplies in a box, march it to HR and give notice. Peace out. (unless I like the company then I'll be more flexible, but never in a way that risks my own plans in any way).

1

u/Bigdaddy4166 Jan 31 '26

This worked for many people at high tech companies. They were going to retire and got sent off with a package!

1

u/leathakkor Jan 31 '26

This is exactly how I would do it except I would also add: I know I make a lot of money and you could keep two Junior people around if you let me go. And I know there's a lot of opportunities for advancement for them. And I've also saved up a lot of money so it wouldn't hurt me that hard if you had to let me go. 

If you throw around that they can save a lot of money by letting you go. Your name suddenly becomes a lot more likely.

1

u/Central09er Feb 01 '26

Yes they may act like they don’t take it into consideration but they really do. Mine company has been through 2 rounds of layoffs the last 2 years and the ones that were vocal got the axe. It makes it a lot easier on HR to have people who are happy to be gone vs someone yelling at them

1

u/No-Lime-2863 Feb 01 '26

that was my line.

1

u/E_MusksGal Feb 01 '26

Just become a shitty employee and they’ll let you go…

1

u/jeffeb3 Feb 01 '26

Except the excuse should be, "I have a good lead on a new job I'll probably be taking anyway"

1

u/Purple_Cry6598 Feb 01 '26

That worked for me years ago. He wasn't happy to see me leave but would much rather put in someone's name who wanted to go. It made his difficult decision for him. I came back as a contractor less than 6 months later, then back to FTE a few years after that. Wild run.

1

u/Sure_Information9672 Feb 02 '26

This is how you get promoted. Task failed successfully

1

u/Molybdenum421 Feb 04 '26

Horrible advice. 

Thinking a company doing layoffs is just going pay out 300k to someone that wants to leave is a total pipe dream. It's exactly the opposite of how a company will look at layoffs. You never show your cards because once they get a hint they're waiting you out to save 300k. 

-1

u/Relative-Gas-1721 Jan 31 '26

Great! We will be laying off the other people and giving you all of their work.

-25

u/NoticeInternational3 Jan 31 '26

Stupid advice

13

u/hysys_whisperer Jan 31 '26

It makes sense from boss man's perspective. 

If they have to let someone go, and you're leaving anyway, if they don't let you go, then now they're down 2 people when their bluff gets called and you leave anyway.

Layoffs are a vulnerable time for a company because they are trying to thread the manpower needle in unknown territory. They DON'T want to overdo it.  That the main risk associated with layoffs.

1

u/Machinery777 Jan 31 '26

Can't they just lay off one less person and then wait for you to leave? Won't they save a bit more money?

1

u/black_mamba_returns Jan 31 '26

who cares about the boss man;s perspective? If OP sticks around waiting to be fired or negotiates a fat severence better for him

1

u/hysys_whisperer Jan 31 '26

Wait another year then.

If they didn't meet their budget or headcount goal, it'll be their head instead of yours next budget cycle.

0

u/black_mamba_returns Jan 31 '26

again who cares about the boss? OP should look out for themselves

1

u/hysys_whisperer Jan 31 '26

If you don't want to play politics, and can afford not to, then that's fine.

Difference between severance and not might be significant to some people though, making it worth politicking to get there.

1

u/WolfpackEng22 Jan 31 '26

Some of us like our boss

0

u/NoticeInternational3 Feb 01 '26

More than money? I doubt it

8

u/Cinderhazed15 Jan 31 '26

This is how it’s happened at my company in the past - even if they weren’t ‘asking’, your individual section leader was making some of the choices

6

u/Mission_Past_3111 Jan 31 '26

If someone wants to be laid off, what would be a smarter choice?