Ask HN: How to handle a layoff when I already planning on leaving?

I'm a middle manager and I've just been informed that we're doing a layoff. I'm not being let go, but 2 of my 5 directs will be.

I've been through several layoffs before, but this time is a little different. I have been very unhappy in the job, and have already been looking around for something new.

The default option is just to carry on until I actually have another offer in hand. However, it feels kinda bad to lay off teammates, only to quit myself several weeks later.

Do you think there is anything to gain by being transparent with my boss about my intent to leave? I could be fired on the spot, but that doesn't leave me much worse off if I just quit. Best case, I could negotiate my own severance, and/or leave on very good terms.

Any advice or experience from those who have been through similar would be appreciated!

You could tell your boss you can't bring yourself to lay anyone off so you'll quit yourself. They give you severance, and promote someone from under you without laying anyone off because of the cost saving they'll make without you.

Win-win all round.

It depends on your relationship with your boss and the general level of assholery in your company's leadership. In an ideal company, you could be open with your boss about your preference to be let go over some of your team. In a less ideal, but still sensible company, you could casually mention that you'd be willing to take a severance arrangement rather than cut into your more junior members and see if they'll consider it. A company is often interested in reducing its risk during layoffs and having someone willingly sign up for a package is less risky than fingering someone whose willingness is unknown (but presumed low).

In a company or boss that can't be trusted, keep your mouth shut and provide for your family and yourself. If you quit 3 weeks after the layoffs, so be it. They earned that lack of transparency through their prior actions.

But you haven't left and there is reason for that. A better opportunity might not turn up for you until we start getting out of the recession.

Otherwise, if you are comfortable with quitting before securing the next thing for yourself, just do it if you think it will help one of your reports. At least it will help you clear your conscious.