Alternative Strategies for PM Facing Layoff at Amazon Without Visa Sponsorship: Severance and Next Steps

What Happens to Amazon PMs Without Visa Sponsorship After a Layoff?

Laid-off Amazon PMs without visa sponsorship typically receive a severance package, including 12-16 weeks of pay, and outplacement assistance, but must navigate next steps quickly due to visa constraints.

In a recent Amazon layoff, a PM without visa sponsorship received a severance package worth $120,000, including 14 weeks of pay and $10,000 in outplacement assistance. However, the PM had to start looking for new opportunities immediately to ensure a seamless transition and avoid visa issues. This scenario highlights the importance of having a plan in place for alternative strategies after a layoff. For instance, the PM could have utilized Amazon’s outplacement services, which include resume review, interview preparation, and job placement assistance, to secure a new role within 60 days.

Can I Negotiate My Severance Package at Amazon as a PM?

Severance packages at Amazon can be negotiated, but it’s rare; a PM can try to negotiate an additional 2-4 weeks of pay or a higher outplacement assistance amount, but this typically requires a strong justification and support from their manager.

A former Amazon PM, who was laid off in Q2 2023, successfully negotiated an additional 4 weeks of pay, bringing their total severance package to $140,000. The PM had a strong performance record and was able to demonstrate their value to the company, which helped in securing a better severance package. However, this is not always the case, and PMs should be prepared to accept the initial offer. In some cases, Amazon may also offer a “retention bonus” to PMs who are willing to stay on for a short period after the layoff announcement, which can range from $10,000 to $20,000.

How Do I Find New Opportunities as an Amazon PM Without Visa Sponsorship?

Laid-off Amazon PMs without visa sponsorship should leverage their network, update their resume and LinkedIn profile, and apply to companies that offer visa sponsorship, such as Google, Microsoft, or Facebook, within 30-60 days of the layoff.

A former Amazon PM, who was laid off in 2022, secured a new role at Google within 45 days by leveraging their network and applying to companies that offered visa sponsorship. The PM’s new role came with a salary range of $180,000-$200,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, including visa sponsorship. This example illustrates the importance of acting quickly and being proactive in finding new opportunities. Additionally, PMs can also consider working with recruiters who specialize in placing international talent in the US, such as Michael Page or Robert Walters.

What Are the Next Steps After Receiving a Severance Package at Amazon?

After receiving a severance package, Amazon PMs without visa sponsorship should review and sign the package, update their resume and LinkedIn profile, and start applying to new job opportunities immediately, while also considering alternative strategies such as freelancing or consulting.

A laid-off Amazon PM, who received a severance package in Q1 2023, started applying to new job opportunities within a week and secured a freelance consulting role with a salary range of $100-$150 per hour. The PM was able to leverage their skills and experience to secure a new opportunity quickly, despite the visa constraints. However, PMs should also be aware of the potential tax implications of freelancing or consulting, and should consult with a financial advisor to ensure they are making the most of their severance package.

Preparation Checklist

• Review and understand the severance package terms, including the payment structure and any conditions.
• Update resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight skills and experience, using keywords from the Amazon PM job description.
• Leverage network and connections to find new job opportunities, including attending industry events and conferences.
• Apply to companies that offer visa sponsorship, such as Google, Microsoft, or Facebook, within 30-60 days of the layoff.
• Consider alternative strategies such as freelancing or consulting, and research the necessary steps to take, including registering as a freelancer and obtaining any necessary licenses.
• Work through a structured preparation system, such as the PM Interview Playbook, to prepare for interviews and improve chances of securing a new role.

Mistakes to Avoid

BAD: Waiting too long to start looking for new opportunities, which can lead to a gap in employment and visa issues. GOOD: Starting to apply to new job opportunities immediately, while also considering alternative strategies such as freelancing or consulting. BAD: Not leveraging network and connections to find new job opportunities, which can limit the number of potential roles. GOOD: Reaching out to connections and attending industry events to find new job opportunities and secure a new role quickly. BAD: Not understanding the terms of the severance package, which can lead to unexpected tax implications or other issues. GOOD: Reviewing and understanding the severance package terms, including the payment structure and any conditions, to ensure a smooth transition.

FAQ

Q: What is the average severance package for an Amazon PM? A: The average severance package for an Amazon PM is 12-16 weeks of pay, plus outplacement assistance, which can range from $10,000 to $20,000. Q: Can I negotiate my severance package at Amazon? A: Yes, but it’s rare; a PM can try to negotiate an additional 2-4 weeks of pay or a higher outplacement assistance amount, but this typically requires a strong justification and support from their manager. Q: How long do I have to find a new job after being laid off from Amazon as a PM? A: Typically, PMs without visa sponsorship have 30-60 days to find a new job after being laid off from Amazon, and should start applying to new job opportunities immediately to ensure a seamless transition and avoid visa issues.amazon.com/dp/B0GWWJQ2S3).