I received an email from my company on Monday announcing a "voluntary severance program" due to cost-cutting measures, despite the fact that we've seen growth for the last three quarters. It feels like since we went public this year, the focus has shifted entirely to appeasing shareholders. Over the past year, management has been integrating AI into our processes, claiming it was just to assist us. However, I recently discovered that we were actually training a new AI chatbot that is now deemed "highly capable" of handling most customer interactions. This revelation came after my manager inadvertently revealed more than she intended, and it was clear that our jobs were not as secure as they had led us to believe. Now, I have until the 20th to decide whether to take the severance package or wait it out, risking a layoff by the end of October if not enough people volunteer. The severance would be nearly double what I’d earn if I stayed, but I’m worried about my future. I won’t finish my bachelor’s degree until December, and my resume mainly consists of customer service roles with some team lead and logistics experience. The thought of being stuck in a call center, especially with the rapid advancement of AI, is daunting. I also don’t have a car since I’ve been working from home for the last three years, and my savings were depleted due to an emergency surgery earlier this month. The job market feels bleak, and I’m terrified of what comes next. This experience has taught me that employers can be misleading, and it’s essential to have a backup plan. I’m grateful for the advice from others to take the severance and focus on finishing my degree and job searching. I just hope I can find something before it’s too late.
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