3 years ago around this time, I got layoff by Nike while on my first sabbatical. I had been with the company for 13 years and in the same IT department. I was loyal so it hurt bad and it took me a while to get over. In the end, I decided to take my severance package and move on with my plans since that was my best choice at the time. However, I am curious what can/would you do differently?
11 replies (most recent on top)
OP, it is not right and it is not wrong. I can even say it is not surprising either. It is however messed up. I am sorry that happened to you and I hope you are in a much better situation now.
@3mpf "It's really hard for me to feel sorry for someone who got their 4 bedroom house burned down during their vacation. If you've earned enough to own a 4 bedroom home and also take a vacation, you've had it pretty good for a good number of years. I'm sorry if you didn't spend enough of that time preparing for the possibility of your house burning down, but that's kind of on you....."
Lack of empathy for sure.
@3mfp, your lack of empathy is disturbing. You may even have psychological issues such as psychopathy. Seek some professional help!
It's really hard for me to feel sorry for someone who got laid off during their sabbatical. If you've been at Nike long enough to earn a sabbatical you've had it pretty good for a good number of years. I'm sorry if you didn't spend enough of that time preparing for the possibility of not working at Nike, but that's kind of on you. Nike will find someone who will work for less pay, benefits, and perks to backfill you.
Nike managers are mostly cowards, who don’t speak up when they should and lie to avoid personal risk and friction. Although sad the way they timed your exit I can’t say it is surprising. But consider the possibility you would still be there knowing what you know about the place ... would you really be happy? Take the money, move on and make something positive out of it. You only live once and there are much better ways to spend them!
To all you having to go through this round of "right-sizing", here's a true story that may help. A long-time NIKE (20+ yrs) employee in Sales was offered his dream job as Head Track Coach at his alma mater, but turned it down as he was expecting a promotion. Two days after that discussion he was notified of his pending lay-off in a surprise meeting with his supervisor and HR rep. They were quite puzzled that he was so happy with the lay-off and severance, as he realised that this was the opportunity to realise his dream. He called his college immediately, landed the coaching role and has never looked back. Stay positive.....
Turn life's lemon to lemonade!!
Move on!
Look back at Nike's history from day one. And see how many people left with bitterness in their mouths.
You are not alone.
Use that fuel to better your life!
I’ve seen two people get axed on leave. One for medical and one for mourning. It happens.
Understand how OP feels. I was laid off over the phone while on bereavement leave in 2017, after 13 loyal years. I even asked my boss before the layoffs if I had anything to worry about and she said no, go be with your loved ones. My best advice is to not let it get to you, don't try to rationalize why it happened. Consider yourself being set free. A lot of people look at Nike as king. In my opinion, Nike is just king sh– on t–d island. There is a whole world out there that is less toxic.
I got let go on Sabbatical 3-years ago as well. I was with the company for over 20-years and my parting gifts were a severance and a "retired" employee badge. It s—ed....still s—s to have been loyal all those years only to get booted. But, as they say in earlier posts, "what can you do?".....I've had to move on and do something different. Keep your head up and realize Nike does not define you. You define you.
There is nothing that you could have done differently and there is nothing that any of us could have done differently. You have taken your severance package and moved on from the job at Nike - there is no other choice - I would have done the same thing. Please realize that there is not a specific criteria that Nike uses to determine who goes and who stays, which is why I am saying there is nothing we can do. If the same thing happens to me, I would take the severance package with a smile and truly move on from Nike. I would not go back as an FTE - ever. I trust that whatever happens it happens for a reason as it opens other opportunities for us that otherwise we may not have explored.