Large company offered voluntary separation deals to employees. Should I consider it?

Hi all,

I’m hoping to get a little insight here. My company, a very large US financial firm that has over 30,000 domestic employees, offered its employees voluntary separation deals. Basically, they’ll lay you off if you volunteer.

I’m 4 years out of college and have been here since interning my senior year. The company has been going through massive changes. They are explaining to us that this is for the people who may not like the change and wish to pursue other options. Verizon did something similar and there are articles about it.

Idc about the change, I actually like it, and I really like my job so I don’t particularly think I want to take it. However, I would be naive not to realize that this program means a whole lot of other stuff is happening behind the scenes.

They send everyone in the company who was eligible (like 25,000 people) customized letters that were put together using some calcs. Basically they offered me 13 weeks severance pay, $3k bonus, COBRA for 12 months and assistance from their consulting partner to help me find a new job. I would separate officially in February. I work in IT, in a high demand field. While I think I can find another job at comparable, if not more pay I do worry they couldn’t match the benefits.

Any advice on whether or not I should request this separation? Does something like this mean big, messy things are only to follow? Companies (at least in my state) have to register at least ahead of time with the state if there will be layoffs and I did not see my company on their.

Thanks!

EDIT: I MADE A DECISION ALL. THANK YOU EVERYONE.

Basically the number one thing I realized is that this program was not geared towards my demo. If I applied to do it I’m thinking I will be denied and I’d have to stay.

Second, I realized they wouldn’t pay out vacation days. That is about $11k for me right there. Also, the bonus pay out is an average of my 3 bonuses. This March, bc of my recent promotion, my bonus will be much higher. I’m thinking even if bonuses take a hit for this and I get the low side I’m still looking at $7k (if things continue as normal I’m looking at $12k bonus).

So basically, if I stay and let them lay me off or I resign after March then I get the vacation pay out and my bonus which is $18-$23k. The payout the offered is worth $17k.

I’m staying until March at least. I know I will have to jump ship eventually but I will do it on my own terms when I get the offer I really want! Thanks again everyone!