I think I might tell boss to lay me off...

VivaAmore

There's been several corporate communications lately that all hint about possible waves of layoffs over the next year. I think our department is pretty "light" anyway but I'm thinking of telling my boss that if he needs to, he can pick me (I'm bottom on the rung anyway and have the lowest skills set) without feeling an ounce of guilt.

We've talked casually in the past about my possibly SAH sometime in the next few years and he's definitely not the type to hold it against me so I don't feel like I'd be shooting myself in the foot here. I just don't want him to stress out about me being pg and all. He's got enough work-related stuff to stress about!

Good idea/bad idea?  (oh and DH is totally on board with my staying home but neither one of us are "ready" to make the move ourselves at this time)

stacynikki

Maybe just tell your boss that while you are very interested in keeping you job and will continue to work hard for him, if there are any potential layoffs in your department to please consider you first before anyone else.  That way he knows you still want your job and will continue to work hard for him until the layoffs come.

Littlejen22

If you are telling him b/c you will be happy with the result, knowing that he might not and knowing he will not hold it against you, then it's a good idea.  If you might change your mind or if you are doing it to make it better for you, not a good idea.

G_Hoping

I debatted this at my current employeer.  I don't think its a good idea to shoot yourself in the foot.  If they don't chose you anyways, you will be marked as an employee who doesn't want to be there. 

Also, with the economy downturn and no end in sight...what if your DH gets laid off?  I think its a bad time to be volunteering for a layoff. 

After the new baby comes, maybe then leave...hopefully things will be different in 9 months. 

VivaAmore

Oh I'd definitely mention that I love this job and currently want to stick around but I'm sure it's extremely uncomfortable to lay people off, especially when it's corporate/budget related and nothing due to job performance. I just wouldn't want him to feel bad unnecessarily!

So I wouldn't necessarily be "volunteering" just saying that if for some reason it had to be me, then it would be OK.

CTFandme

I dont' know if it's a good or bad idea, but kep in mind employers don't always lay off based on seniority. We just had a round of layoffs at my job and one of my friends was let go. She was completely blindsided because she had seniority, thought she made less than everyone else and knew more than most.  I'm not sure what happened there, but if you have any doubts, I'd think about it. 

DandelionMom

I wouldn't do anything now but if you do get let go, then you can tell him that stuff to help him feel better if you think you need to say something.

VivaAmore

I would just feel really bad if it was someone else who has been here for a long time and really knows how everything works and then I go out on maternity leave and decide shortly afterwards not to come back. Then they're down two! I guess it's not for me to worry about.

RCH151

Don't shoot yourself in the foot.  If you do get laid off, you'll have the opportunity to tell him in your notification meeting that he doesn't need to feel guilty.

stacynikki

On second thought, after reading Ghoping's post, I have to agree with her.

hikerbeth

Depends on your relationship with your boss.

I am very close friends with the manager I had for most of my 10 year career (I just lost the job in October).  I had no problem dropping hints that I'd be o.k. being on "the list."

It's pretty standard procedure in that company to volunteer to be laid off, though.

VivaAmore

He and I have an open relationship. He's from London and has a VERY different managing style than most U.S. executives. Because he's always so open with us, it seems fair to extend the same courtesy to him but we'll see. I had the opportunity to speak to him yesterday but the discussions just didn't lead in that direction so maybe I'll wait and see if the situation ever presents itself before opening my mouth.

xbrooklyngrl

I think its fine!

When I had B, we were going through some transitions here and I told my boss if he had to lay me off, I'd be ok with it. Didn't happen and I'm still here so I didn't shoot myself in the foot.

VivaAmore

Yeah X, and you even give him generic holiday cards - LOL! He must really like you!