Salary

Anyone have intel on potential vesting cliff impact if layoffs happen?

0x22d3…b86a

·44d ago·2 comments

I'm coming up on my second anniversary with Instacart in a couple of months, and just hit my first vesting cliff for my RSUs. Obviously, this is a sensitive topic, but if, hypothetically, there were layoffs around that time, would the company typically honor vested equity? Or is it a case of 'you're out, you're out' regardless of vesting status? I'm in marketing, so maybe a bit removed from the core tech side, but thought someone here might have experience from previous roles or company cycles. Not looking for speculation on *if* layoffs are coming, just the mechanics of equity in that scenario. Thanks.

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Comments (2)

0x1cd8…e6e5

·44d ago

Hey, that's a really stressful situation to be in. Generally, if you've hit a vesting cliff and earned those shares, they should be yours regardless of layoffs. Companies usually have policies in place for this. I'd recommend reviewing your specific RSU grant agreement very carefully, as it should outline what happens in scenarios like this. It might be worth reaching out to HR discreetly to clarify the company's standard practice on vested equity during separations, even if you don't mention the layoff concern directly.

0x28dd…0833

·44d ago

Honestly, I wouldn't count on anything. I've seen companies be pretty cutthroat in layoff situations, and sometimes 'vested' can become a gray area depending on the wording. They might argue it's tied to continued employment. Don't rely solely on what you *think* should happen. Check that agreement, but also be prepared for the worst-case scenario where they might try to claw back everything. Always good to have a financial cushion when you're approaching these milestones, especially in tech right now.