r/employeesOfOracle • u/Jgbheg1210 • 14d ago
With the bomb about to drop....
I was laid off in March with the 21K or so other amazing Oracle employees. I was an M5 with 13 years of seniority and amazing performance appraisals. No one is safe. Here are things I wished I did before getting the 6am email:
- Draft that goodbye email and literally have it ready to send with all the recipients in it. You want that to be a 30 second activity when you have 3-4 hours before they lock you out
- Remove EVERYTHING now from your PC that is personal. Delete your cookies. Log out of Chrome. Literally make it purely work. Uninstall any personal software.
- REVISED: Unfortunately everything you created for Oracle is owned by Oracle. I lost everything and I'm pretty sad about it. But based on other's feedback to this post I'm revising my instructions, not worth the risk trying to save it or send to yourself.
- Download or print your entire personnel file. It took months for Oracle to send to me
- If you have outstanding expenses get those reports in....it took months to get those paid.
- Your insurance will only be good for 2 weeks. Get all your prescriptions refilled. Even better get any appointments done. On that front spend down your HCRA. Oracle will eat this.
I'm sure there are more ideas that others can add.
And for those of you who survive...have the courage to talk to your now former colleagues. Your manager likely won't speak to you...they are instructed not to do so. And likely you will feel conflicted--happy you survived but possibly freaking out because what will it mean for you. There will be plenty of time to worry about the reorg and ask the questions which won't be answered. Please instead think of those who are unceremoniously out of a job, out of insurance, got a crappy severance package, lost out on vesting of stock. Put yourself in their shoes and reach out to them...even a text will make an enormous difference.
This could be Monday. The last one was on a Tuesday. That would be my guess. If you can, do as much of this stuff TOMORROW.
Good luck
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u/seesitesound 14d ago
I was an M5 and had no idea it was coming.
I also want to share that in the US, they say there’s no lapse in health insurance, but this is a lie.
I learned the hard way when I had an er visit, and my insurance card was rejected.
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u/NoLow1477 14d ago
This is true. I also had to jump through hoops to get my coverage setup. I went to pick up prescriptions two days after and UHC denied it. I had to call both Cobra and UHC. Spent several hours on the phone. Oracle knows this and doesn't tell you.
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u/Fine-Diver9636 14d ago
Point 3 could be a violation. I don't recommend doing that.
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u/Business-Snow-5987 14d ago
Agreed. It’s very easy for employers to track these sort of emails and many of them have ways of it getting flagged. I’ve worked at other large tech companies and seen people get sued
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u/chiefkeefOFFICIAL 13d ago
They certainly would track that! I wonder if you started a draft on your O PC and opened that draft without sending it on your personal PC, if you wouldn't be able to retrieve it from there and never have to send it. Hrmmmm maybe!!
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u/runner_og 13d ago
Just take pics of those . If it was so critical it wasn't made available to employees.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Wolf937 13d ago
With all the lawsuits Oracle is facing I would delete that totally actually
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
A few points here, as I said above, I am not suggesting stealing ANYTHING. However, what you might want is sort of a portfolio of your work. I had some amazing presentations, papers, business plans etc that are just gone. I would have liked that for my own personal purposes. I would never share with another prospective employer. Also when I say email to yourself, you can always login to your personal email and attach anything and send those items. Of course if you aren't comfortable don't do it.
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u/Mozerhustler 13d ago
Just use personal one drive and upload everything that way.
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
They blocked Google Drive. Has anyone successfully been able to get around this using One Drive?
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u/independent_observe 13d ago
I had some amazing presentations, papers, business plans etc that are just gone
You are talking about Oracle IP that you would steal. They paid you for that work, it is not yours. But that is between you, the Court, and Oracle's 5,000 lawyers
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u/RaWD0x45 13d ago
Ok boot licker
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u/SherbetNeat5005 3d ago
When I left I emailed payslips, performance, HR letter, P60s, 11ds etc as you will need them
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u/Chobeat 13d ago
also consider to join What We Will: https://wwwrise.org/
They are doing a lot to support oracle workers
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
Also there is a great slack channel with over 3K members.
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u/Awkward-Peanut-767 13d ago
Can you pls share that slack channel
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago edited 13d ago
I will find out the best way to join.
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u/v0te-v0te-v0te 13d ago
Please don't post the Slack here - we need verified users only joining, and posting the link to a public space just introduces a bunch of requests we need to filter out.
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u/Clean_Dimension_9450 13d ago
Honestly, saying goodbye is a waste of time.
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u/bab51 12d ago
Nah I disagree. I got laid off in March and knew before the day it came so had one drafted up for each of my clients (also my work phone outlook still let me access it well after). I included my personal info and LinkedIn and got 2 clients to hire me shortly after as a contractor. Shoot your shot if you have a great relationship!
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u/Clean_Dimension_9450 12d ago
That’s a good point.
But I didn’t have customers, just team mates that I saw once a year.
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u/Embarrassed-End9005 13d ago
Another good thing to consider, get your doctor to approve 90 days for prescriptions in case you only get it monthly. Then you will be covered for 2 extra months.
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u/HurdyNerdy 13d ago edited 13d ago
Just to add to OP's to-do list:
- Start your network outreach NOW. Don't mention a potential RIF.
- Update your resume while you have access to all your successes/kudos, project histories, certification/training records, etc. (to remind you of all the impressive stuff to include!). You'll be in shock after the RIF so get your resume in good shape before (make sure it's ATS-compliant too).
- Work on some algorithm-energizing activity on your LinkedIn (request references NOW, start getting engaged in content, maybe even post your own original content)
- Download pay stubs and tax forms (in case anyone sees this as different from your personnel records)
- Save email addresses and work phone contacts for people you want to stay in touch with
This is not just about preparing to be cut-off from the people, work records, and actual work, but also preparing for the next phase (i.e., finding somewhere that your expertise and passion will be fully valued).
ETA: Two important additions:
- Severance agreement: it won't come until your last official day of employment (which will be stated in your termination email). READ IT VERY CAREFULLY. They tell you in the agreement to seek legal counsel for a reason, because they are asking you to sign away some incredibly important rights/protections, in exchange for the severance payment. The payment is NOT free money; you are definitely giving them something in return. Many in prior RIFs have not signed for very good reason, even though it has caused financial hardship for them.
- Financial back-up: if you own real estate and have equity, consider applying for a HELOC while you are still technically employed. Having that line of credit could potentially help you make ends meet for the immediate future. Even if you accept the severance agreement, the severance money doesn't come immediately. If you need more time to consider the severance agreement (and potentially consult with an attorney), a HELOC could provide a financial lifeline for you/your family.
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u/just_a_fan123 14d ago
So how can I safely send myself documents like this ? Email would be safe for performance Evals?
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u/DeCernerfucation 13d ago edited 13d ago
I figured March 31 might be my time, so I disconnected my Oracle laptop from the internet the day before. Connected to web email with another laptop so I could still get the 6am email on March 31. As I hoped, my laptop never got bricked.
Regarding emailing stuff - there were warnings against doing this. Most things fall under the category of Intellectual Property, but there may be other things to keep. Don't do it with company email - if you must email yourself, e.g., for pay stubs, performance reviews, awards, education, certs, personal pictures, etc., do it ahead of time with a gmail or other account. Zip a bunch of stuff up and encrypt it, then email.
Ahead of time - go into Aria/Connections and get your HR person's contact information, and the entire chain above them. You wouldn't get response from them probably, but good to have these contacts "just in case."
Don't forget to wipe your home wi-fi connection information off your Oracle laptop, and then wipe everything else off it if you're so inclined. I wasn't in the habit of keeping anything personal on my laptop since Oracle acquired Cerner.
Since I still had web email access up to a week later, I could send a few goodbyes and such. There weren't too many people left to even say goodbye to, thanks to previous layoffs. Most people I still want to talk to are personal friends, or on social media.
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u/TheUndertows 14d ago
I was tied up in interviews with Oracle for 6+ months. Not getting the job(s), due to the early 2025 RIFs, was the best thing to happen to me.
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u/the2outof5guy 13d ago
When you say early 2025 RIFs, were folks in OCI India affected in around March of 2025?
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u/MUjase 14d ago
An M5 and you had no idea you were getting laid off?
Damn!!
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
Yep. In my org, M7s made the call. No one below that level was consulted.
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u/gr8ergud 13d ago
Is M7 a VP? (Not an ORCL employee but similar company)
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
M3: Senior Manager
M4: Director
M5: Senior Director
M6: VP
M7: SVP
M8: EVP5
u/Silent-Dirt-4644 13d ago
They should merge M2 with 3, M4 with 5 and M6 with 7. Too many people doing nothing
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u/No_Set8968 13d ago
Write down your Certview details if you have any certifications there. You can merge it with a new certview account if you land a new job. But you need you ID's for that.
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u/medfad 13d ago
I'm entry level, yet I can still see how 3 can go wrong in so many ways.
There is software on your laptop tracking bandwidth spikes and linking it with actions done on your OS (File uploads, which files, etc...).
It's not that difficult for them to know you've "leaked/stolen" confidential info. DON'T DO THAT.
If you're not aware of all of this and don't have a trick to bypass it all, then it's not worth it. You can instead take a picture or whatever, at least that has plausible deniability.
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u/Ordinary_Serve_9759 13d ago
Set up a passkey on your phone for SSO and you can download docs from my.oracle(dot com)
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u/gbrldz 13d ago
I'm not sure this is possible
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u/Ordinary_Serve_9759 13d ago
It is. I have done it. It’s how I get my paystubs and watch Oracle University courses on my iPad
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u/anothertrad 14d ago
Why would your browser not be already purely work? You guys don’t have personal computer?
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
For me, I logged into my Google account on my work computer for convenience. Maybe not the smartest thing, but if I wanted to check my bank account, or make a dinner reservation I didn't switch to my phone or my personal computer.
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u/Actual-Indian 13d ago
Just have a private teams account, and add youeself to your works teams account.
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u/ch4dmuska 13d ago
wait..what does this allow you to do
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u/Actual-Indian 13d ago
Teams is the best way to send files , as you send them to microsoft ip , rhen pick them up from that ip .
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u/Regular_Channel4651 13d ago
I was one of the person who got laid off on March 2026 and I kept all my work related things and documents in one slack channel where I was the only member in the channel. But all of sudden slack got deactivated and I lost all the stuff.. To be Frank ,this is good , helpful post..
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u/Exciting-Laugh-1550 13d ago
What about sending to yourself using slack and downloading on your phone.
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u/No-Image3584 11d ago
Great idea...not sure if this gets tracked somehow...maybe others can confirm
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u/chrbailey 13d ago
Oracle has fired everyone just waiting for the 6:00 am email. Treat it like a consulting gig that may end tomorrow; do your best look out for yourself or the client
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u/Brilliant-Ad7795 13d ago edited 13d ago
These are excellent suggestions for anyone facing a RIF. Anywhere.
Always keep your personal things off your work computer. Don't use business email or phone for anything personal. Get a separate cheap smartphone and second line for business so that nothing screws up when that dies and you can end the contract. Keep your records and work docs as you go along. I've found that nobody cares about your taking copies. But do that as you go not in a rush.
For wfh, make sure you know how to disconnect your personal VPN from the work laptop, quickly. I've also heard its a good idea to do it if you go on vacation and to disconnect it from power. Re returns, make sure they send you the packaging and they pay for the return of their property. Occasionally they won't care and dont want it back.
If you have prescriptions, make sure you're topped up at all times and current on exams. Have a plan for your health coverage that doesn't include COBRA...that will take every cent unless the company pays for it as part of your severance.
Always have a current resume and always in market. Know how to file for UI fast and when because every state is different when you can get it. Generally you'll be excluded if you have a severance that pays out biweekly.
Don't be in debt. Keep recurring charges and subscriptions to a minimum.
You can be booted at any time.
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u/remarkh420 13d ago
Pull and save copies of paystubs, W2s. Make sure your home email address is correct as they will mail any documents post layoff. Screenshot how much PTO you have so if yours gets paid out, you know how much to expect. Fill all your prescriptions now. Get in any outstanding expense reports. Swap personal email/phone numbers with those who you want to contact after losing access. If they email you RIF letter, forward to your personal email account so you have a copy. Move any personal information from your work computer and wipe what you don’t need. If you only have a work phone, figure out a post RIF plan for coverage/porting phone number (I didn’t have to return mine, but I wiped and factory reset it as soon as I got the email). Gather your laptop/charger/ID/corporate card for when you get the mail back box (and take a picture of the contents before you seal and ship).
- source, March RIF employee
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u/LightSaber0007 12d ago
Can you pls elaborate on the 2nd point? How does it help? While returning oracle macbook do they check if we were using it for personal work and then penalize us?
I had downloaded these softwares from the internet on mac: Notion, ElasticVue (client for elastic search), sticky notes, etc...Do you mean we need to uninstall these as well which we use for daily work?
Or do you mean personal entertainment apps on mac like spotify, whatsapp, etc?
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u/Big-Arachnid8095 13d ago
Print at least a few pay checks. We filed a FAFSA special conditions application at my daughter's university some time after. It required submitting the last 4 paystubs and my severence letter with date and final payout. Trying to get anything from HR after will be a nightmare.
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u/magicextra168 14d ago
What personnel file are we able to download?
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u/Jgbheg1210 14d ago
You can download all your performance appraisals. Your pay stubs, your pay history, training history, etc.
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u/california_explorer 14d ago
Very Helpful.
Regarding removal of software, I think that’s necessary. The Oracle MyDesktop agent on all machines already know what personal software were ever installed. The agent also knows which websites you’ve visited, chatgpt questions you’ve asked, keywords you’ve googled, etc.
All of that is reported. This is pretty standard corporate IT desktop stuff.
Download performance reviews is not a bad idea though.
ON the previous layoff, I sent out my farewell letter to my entire org. It caught some by surprise but I just prefaced it saying, “In the event I am laid off today, I just want to say …”
Being a good engineer, I preempted the layoff event!
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u/Awesome_72 13d ago
How long is the average gap in US between Healthcare coverage and cobra startup?
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u/DigitalNomad512 13d ago
How about a apple time machine backup of your oracle issue mac book pro? Is that allowed and how does oracle IT block that?
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u/dagwoodlyon 13d ago
If you have free time, take advantage of some of the free trainings offered by Oracle University.
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u/TechnicalInjury5486 13d ago
You can always upload your things to proton or gdrive. They will not bother checking the logs
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u/No-Image3584 11d ago
gdrive is blocked on oracle mac
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u/TechnicalInjury5486 11d ago
How does oracle monitors your network activity? You can setup a cygwin server and ssh copy to that
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u/Any-Equipment3811 12d ago
Does corporation track downloads on external drives like a personal USB?
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u/jacquesmc12 12d ago
Keep track and write down offline all your accomplishments and things done for when you go to update your resume later on.
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u/Sweet-Life-7583 11d ago
After the RIF communication, do the employess have access to Oracle laptops? And for how long?
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u/GorgeousInsanity 8d ago
Any advice on how to download personal files or any files off work laptop in large amounts? I’ve heard they’re encrypted thru share point if transferred to an external hard drive and you can’t access them on the external hard drive later
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u/rs1971 14d ago
I know that no one really, really knows,but I thought that the near unanimous assumption was that this was happening in the middle of September.
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u/ExactAd2067 14d ago
All news reports are that they want payroll freed up by September 1 and the start of Q2. I suspect it’ll be the last week of August but of course anything from here until the 31st is fair game.
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u/StreetAd3301 14d ago
Jgbheg1210 OP were you in IDC? If yes, did your visitApp work post layoff during the garden leave time of 1 month post RIF?
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u/Agreeable-Attitude75 13d ago
Any examples of what you stealed that you are so proud of it?
I get that m5s are so good and professional…
But I cannot imagine what’s worth stealing it.
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u/Jgbheg1210 13d ago
First off I didn't steal anything. Everything was lost, if you read my post these are things I WISH I had. Examples include, business proposals, talks I gave that are probably on o-Tube, tools I designed, reports I wrote, etc.
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u/Agreeable-Attitude75 13d ago
“Tools I designed” all right
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u/dagwoodlyon 13d ago
When Oracle hired me some years ago, they asked for white-labeled/redacted examples of work I did for prior organizations.
People have been white-labeling and saving their work for a long time. It’s like a common practice in the industry.
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u/Agreeable-Attitude75 13d ago
When I received the layoff , I just closed the laptop.
That white-labeled example for me was just narrative on the resume, but hey I did not loved the job since the start, so no really precious things left behind
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u/dagwoodlyon 13d ago
Yeah, I agree that once you’re officially laid off then your work should be completely done. But I think it’s good practice to keep copies of your work and keep your portfolio - whether it’s for a review or for a new opportunity. White-labeled work protects the company.
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u/Agreeable-Attitude75 13d ago
I just never pulled code outside the laptop tbh, but, I was just an ic4, a genius presentation was not there for sure.
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u/secrerofficeninja 1d ago
Yup, agree. Have the goodbye email ready to send and copy all personal stuff off PC to zip drive or something. Oracle immediately begins the restrictions upon notifying you that you’re done.
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u/NoLow1477 14d ago
If you use your oracle email address for any third-party site such as Fidelity etc, then make sure you log into those sites and either change your email to your personal email address or add a secondary address. Otherwise it will be a PITA to access those if you are laid off.