Thread regarding Nike Inc. layoffs

Debating jumping ship

My department was hit pretty hard in the first round, and although I made it through, both my direct managers were let go, a good chunk of my teammates have been reassigned to new teams, and those of us left have been told we will be re-structured but not until mid-April. I was never reassigned a manager and when I spoke to HR about any sort of visibility for my role/where I am supposed to be shifting focus, the only response I was given was "We're still figuring out where all the pieces will fall." I tried to get SOME semblance of "You'll be okay." or "Don't worry." from them, but no. Nothing. I'm currently just doing odd jobs and supporting my/other teams where I can in the meantime. It doesn't make me feel secure or safe in my position, even if the rumor is that we won't get hit again.

On a whim, I've interviewed for another job outside of Nike and there's a possibility I might be offered a job by the end of April. I don't want to leave Nike. It's a company I dreamed about working for, where I wanted to stay for a long, long time. I like my department and my teammates....but I hate the fear I feel every week and the lack of communication I've received from HR and my leadership while I dangle on a rope in this giant unknown, either waiting for someone to either pull me up or cut it and let me go.....

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Post ID: @OP+1rImhcGV

17 replies (most recent on top)

@1gxw. True. I’ve also known several people who left and then tried to come back. Pretty sure same org as OP too.

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Post ID: @1gtn+1rImhcGV

If offered the job, take a few weeks off and a few working from home and go test the new job.

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Post ID: @1trx+1rImhcGV

HR is also not aware. Reorg conversations happen behind closed doors. You can ask, but HR doesn't know either.

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Post ID: @1csn+1rImhcGV

@1ncx sometimes the grass is greener. Sometimes it isn’t.

Over the years I’ve written at least a half-dozen referral/recommendation letters for people who left Nike but later wanted to return. Most of those people initially left because they were dissatisfied about something, only to learn those same problems - or worse - were waiting for them at another company.

Nike has problems for sure. And for some people it’s probably time to move on. But let’s please stop pretending that everyone who leaves Nike will inevitably land on their feet and be much happier for it. That the grass is always greener on the other side.

There are way worse places to work, for any of a dozen different reasons. If that wasn’t true I wouldn’t have received referral requests from as many people as I have that all essentially said “I made a mistake in leaving and want to come back.”

Leaving Nike and having a great experience is entirely possible. Leaving Nike and regretting it is also entirely possible. Anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you a can of magic beans.

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Post ID: @1gxw+1rImhcGV

Leave if you can, the grass IS greener outside of Nike.

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Post ID: @1ncx+1rImhcGV

OP there is a lot of good advice in this thread. If there is a position that excites you, consider it. But also know that every company has problems so make sure you vet appropriately. It is also possible that your new role at Nike could be really exciting for you and could be great for your career. No matter what I would not let fear guide your decisions.

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Post ID: @1anc+1rImhcGV

This happened to me. I left. It was the right decision.

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Post ID: @rdd+1rImhcGV

If you’re pricey, you’re particularly dispensable in this environment

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Post ID: @grz+1rImhcGV

Just make sure to do your research on the new opportunity. The grass is definitely not always greener despite the current climate at Nike. Try to have open conversations with people currently working there and be realistic with expectations.

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Post ID: @rsu+1rImhcGV

I would explore other roles. $2B in cuts over 3 years will cause lasting instability...meanwhile a new CEO will cause a fresh path of instability. Pick your poison or realize Nike is just a pretty face and move on.

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Post ID: @fef+1rImhcGV

@aic+1rImhcGV Yes, I've been FTE for about five years.

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Post ID: @hiz+1rImhcGV

It‘s time to move. Don’t wait for just one other opportunity to come through.

Create many opportunities for yourself, wave Nike a friendly goodbye, and enjoy the energy of starting something new.

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Post ID: @wqc+1rImhcGV

I feel this in my soul. Every day I wake up hoping I get cut, get a new job or just want to quit because of how frustrating it is feeling like your life is on hold until leadership can make a decision. So frustrating

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Post ID: @yiz+1rImhcGV

If you get another offer and are excited by it, I would take it. Nike is not going to calm down for a long time (maybe ever). Even if your current job is safe, you could be laid off in a year or two.

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Post ID: @jrj+1rImhcGV

A lot of people are in this position. The chances of you being let go in phase 2 are pretty small, or at least quite a bit smaller than anyone who didn’t go through phase 1 (which is basically the rest of the org). I have been through these before and everything does settle eventually.

But just to be clear, you are an FTE right?

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Post ID: @aic+1rImhcGV

Sorry to hear you're in this situation as it's really un-nerving, stressful and anxiety inducing. If you can - see if you can keep both ba--s in the air (both entertaining new opportunities outside of Nike) while waiting for more information on what's happening internally. Seems like a new external opportunity (or internal clarity) would come end of April and you will know what the right move is for you when the time comes. I think there are lot of people are in this situation feeling similarly right now :(

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Post ID: @rbh+1rImhcGV

This layoff isn’t a one time thing. They’re going to do it all again in two years.

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Post ID: @wsv+1rImhcGV

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