> Because most L9's at Google have created significant contributions to the industry,
I see that you're using the past tense there. "But what have they done for me lately?" L9 isn't a sinecure. It is a very highly compensated position, and the ongoing production from all of that compensation needs to be high.
But I think you missed the larger point, which is that, during a layoff, even good employees let go. When you let go X% of your workforce, that means you're letting go even good employees. And you're letting go roughly X% of people at all levels. Some L9s were gonna have to go, same as some L4s were gonna go. No one is immune from a layoff. Indeed having people that are immune is legally problematic.
When you do a layoff, you are accepting that you are potentially going to be letting anyone and everyone go. Yes, even high level long-tenured engineers.
People might also be forgetting that they might have asked to be laid off. I had a person do this a few years ago when one of my high performers told me they were leaving soon and wanted a comp package so they could take a vacation and still get paid.
It’s not voluntary. It’s people communicating and doing each other a favor that works for everyone. It’s not far fetched that a VP and a distinguished engineer would have a meeting at least occasionally.
Just stating a lot of people are jumping to a conclusion without any facts.
Look at it this way.
VP: I have to come up with a list of people to let go. It’s a large amount and you have worked across many teams maybe you have some insight on some teams that we should look at first.
DE: … gives some advice. You know I was planning on leaving soon and maybe this is a good time to leave. I can help you hit your quota and you can give me a decent severance package.
VP: I hate to see you go but would be glad to help you out.
You're just speculating and making this all up though. The vast, vast majority of people affected by the layoff didn't know anything was coming. Could be 100% of them.
Sure but the L9 most likely had 1 on 1s with the SVPs who were in the know, and if they L9 had mentioned that they were thinking of retiring soon, especially after how well the stock as done recently, then the SVP might have just put them on the list to save a few other jobs.
> And you're letting go roughly X% of people at all levels. Some L9s were gonna have to go, same as some L4s were gonna go. No one is immune from a layoff. Indeed having people that are immune is legally problematic.
You have a valid point here, the Airtable data shows 5 VPs were also let go.
I see that you're using the past tense there. "But what have they done for me lately?" L9 isn't a sinecure. It is a very highly compensated position, and the ongoing production from all of that compensation needs to be high.
But I think you missed the larger point, which is that, during a layoff, even good employees let go. When you let go X% of your workforce, that means you're letting go even good employees. And you're letting go roughly X% of people at all levels. Some L9s were gonna have to go, same as some L4s were gonna go. No one is immune from a layoff. Indeed having people that are immune is legally problematic.
When you do a layoff, you are accepting that you are potentially going to be letting anyone and everyone go. Yes, even high level long-tenured engineers.