As Oracle cut nearly 30,000 jobs globally, impacted employees are beginning to speak out about the emotional strain of the cuts. Amid the uncertainty, one employee’s response has stood out for its calm and optimistic tone. Claire Fontenot, a Senior Technical Program Manager in Product Development, shared her experience on LinkedIn after being impacted by the layoffs. While she admitted the job loss came as a surprise, she chose not to dwell on the setback. Instead, she said she plans to take time to rest, reset, and reflect on her next steps.
“Yikes, I thought to myself, being one of the many, many folks impacted by recent layoffs at Oracle. But it happens, and I will enjoy sleeping in this morning lolol. I will enjoy the challenge of ambiguity, the uncomfortableness of saying “I’m looking for a job,” but mostly (I think) the freedom of a rare opportunity to slow down and reflect on what I’m wanting to do next. All to say, hope everyone is doing okay!! I think it’ll be okay,” she wrote in the post.
Fontenot, who had been with the company for nearly three years, quickly drew attention online. Her composed and forward-looking message resonated with many, with users praising her resilience during a period of uncertainty.
The layoffs are part of Oracle’s broader restructuring strategy as it pivots more aggressively toward AI and cloud infrastructure. Oracle, in an email sent to staff, said the employees were informed about certain organisational changes and “because of these changes, a decision has been taken to streamline the operations, and as a result, unfortunately, the position you currently hold will become redundant”.
Reports suggest that around 12,000 employees in India alone have been affected, with another round of cuts expected within a month. In India, the company has offered a severance package that includes 15 days’ salary for each completed year of service, along with one month’s unpaid wages up to the termination date, leave encashment, gratuity (where applicable), and pay for a one-month notice period. Additionally, a two-month salary top-up has been offered.
However, these benefits apply only to employees who choose to voluntarily and amicably resign as part of the process.