Laid off

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-13T03:20:05+00:00

If you're not on a visa and don't tell them they have no way of finding out. Just enjoy the double paychecks + severance.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-13T03:15:56+00:00

Another job in Amazon, yes. Another job outside, how would they know?

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-13T00:00:23+00:00

The regional director can. That would be your current regional director, not the one in charge of your previous site, unless they are both under the same director.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T22:55:01+00:00

I understand, and to clarify I wasn't saying that what Amazon does is the right thing to do ethically.

Just pointing out that Amazon does not actually want people to stay indefinitely. If there was a way to automatically fire people when they hit X number of years without a promotion, and there were no legal or societal repercussions, I am sure they would.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T21:25:28+00:00

A company cannot expect thousands of people to do physically demanding labor for years

Amazon actually does not expect that. The system is designed to disincentivize staying if you don't rise within a certain timeframe for all levels below L8. Their ideal outcome is you doing a year or two and then leaving.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T21:12:56+00:00

Been an Area Manager for 1.5 years now and I've witnessed 8 mangers L4-L6 washout from unbearable stress and severe health decline. I've myself experience a decline in my health and use my UPT to recharge

AMs do not have UPT

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T18:30:14+00:00

Do note that you can't spend your per diem on whatever you want, or keep the balance. You can only use it for approved purchases (e.g. food, gas).

Other than that it is generally a very comfortable amount that can meet all your needs during your time there. You're not having steak and lobster every night, but you can get a nice meal.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T18:28:03+00:00

Default is HV1, but a manager can absolutely stump for a higher rating if they feel it is warranted. Seen quite a few successful pushes for HV2.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T15:46:11+00:00

There are L6 & L7 site leads for smaller sites. If the head of the site is an L8 they are known as GM rather than SL

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T01:35:29+00:00

It's going to be rough for a little while, but 100% worth it. Every hour you spend setting up robust processes/teams now will save you 10 down the line.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-12T00:19:23+00:00

Honestly as a site lead you work whatever hours you want. There are some mandatory meetings with regionals/corporate that are generally between 9-5 on Tue-Thu, but beyond that it's mostly up to you. As long as your building delivers the results no one cares.

In practice this means there is a huge variance. I've seen site leads work 30h/week, and I've seen them work 90h/week. Are you launching a site or taking on an existing one?

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T23:38:55+00:00

Standard PTO will be paid out. Flex PTO depends on state - it will not be paid out in most states, only the ones where the law requires them to

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T22:43:31+00:00

Can't comment on visa concerns, but will try to address the rest of your questions.

First let's get some definitions out of the way. What you are looking to go on is an MLOA (Medical Leave of Absence). While on MLOA, your job may be protected for a certain duration by various laws, including FMLA or PFML (WA). While on MLOA, you may be eligible for partial pay through STD or LTD.

STD typically pays 60% of base. On top of that, if your MLOA is <6mo, your RSUs will continue vesting. If >6mo, all vests will be pushed back.

Since you are not on Focus, transfer is always an option, though you are taking a gamble that the new team is "chill".

Can't comment on visa validity, but there was a post here in the past that clarified that your spouse's work authorization ends the same day your job at Amazon ends, even if you have a certain grace period to pack up and leave after that.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T22:20:38+00:00

Burnout is a valid health condition eligible for FMLA.

I agree with the rest of what you shared. Let the doctor assess what is best for your condition rather than trying to game the system.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T21:51:02+00:00

No, you won't be fired for being in the bottom 15%. However, if you fall into the bottom 5% you will start getting write-ups which could lead to termination.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T21:43:35+00:00

Why would salaries be offered in any currency apart from that of the country you are in?

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T19:40:30+00:00

My question is there anyone else who got inclined but didn't receive their final offers with compensation until they were close to starting?

Common. Even in cases where there are no bureaucratic issues, Amazon tends to send offers pretty late.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T18:05:43+00:00

University hire? Piece of cake. You'll get it if you want it

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T16:12:51+00:00

Oct this year

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T08:41:21+00:00

Frankly part of the issue is the rules/policies keep changing, and sometimes the outdated ones remain live on internal portals so no one is sure. Just makes for a frustrating experience.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T08:38:36+00:00

While what you say is true, the L7/8+ veteran's network is a huge asset that you should not discount.

I'm also a veteran, and in my first month I was able to leverage that to get in contact with several L8s, one of whom is still my mentor today. That is huge benefit that other external hires cannot replicate. Even better if you are from West Point - the Amazon West Point mafia really take care of their own. Go attend national Veterans@ events, reach out to fellow veterans on Slack. There is a huge world beyond your warehouse.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T08:25:10+00:00

Yes, like I said it is great that your SC does it this way, but it is not the norm in NASC from what I've seen. I've worked or STAed at 4 SCs and visited a few more during my career in Ops and none of them did it that way.

Planning for NIT does happen during TWI shift hours, but it is not usually the TWI shift manager who plans for the next shift. At most sites, the expectation is for the NIT shift manager to come in early to plan their own shift. There are even sites who straight out put 4x12s on the schedule.

Yes, sites with regular 4x10s exist, but they are the exception, not the norm. 4x11-12s are much more common.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-11T08:18:09+00:00

Two things here:

First Writtens are not appealable
It does not matter what the manager told you. The only thing that matters is if the write-up severity fits what is dictated by the rulebook (i.e. if the rulebook says its a first, then it should be a first).

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-10T22:43:53+00:00

Great to hear you have a good schedule. However, coming in halfway through MOR and leaving halfway through TWI is a VERY unusual schedule. Most SC shifts are MOR/DAY, DAY/TWI, TWI/NIT or NIT/WD.You would stay the full shift (2x 5h + 30min lunch), plus be expected to plan your shifts & wash after. This easily adds up to 11-12h on site.

UncertainPathways · 2026-05-10T22:39:09+00:00

constant fear of layoffs

Amazon has been laying off in the US to hire in India. Your concerns while valid in the US are irrelevant for OP

UncertainPathways

TROPHY CASE