What are my options to ask for severance?

28 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 7:47PM UTC

   Struggle with expectation of asking for a severance from a not for profit, NOT an argument but IMO. Also you were given notice, just because remote may no longer be an option there's no real justification to offer severance. IMO. goodluck, not having a HR manager right now is not a concern this process is not hard to navigate if they so choose, they have legal advisors who can. Others found roles. I don't believe severance is warranted, IMO, but good luck.

2. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 8:18PM UTC

   There is no offer of severance on the table, so you are basically asking the leadership to pay you to leave.

   I would ask your boss for advice on this since you have no idea how anxious the company is to get you back in the office or to leave. Their timing or sense of urgency is unknown to you and that would be your leverage for a buyout.

   You need to understand the company's position before you can ask for severance.

3. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 8:24PM UTC

   Simply say, "would there be opportunity for me to receive severance?"

   You can still claim for unemployment through the state even though you receive severance, at least in California. I have done it.
   Severance normally based on longevity of your employment with a company.

4. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 9:25PM UTC

   If there is a final date of work, and if you know this date, then ask your boss, is severance available to you. If not, take the offer in hand and ask your manager if they would offer you a written reference (something to have for the future too). They may have given this to you already but if not, get a written reference. So I was laid off years ago back in the 2008/2009 fiasco of our recession and had to negotiate 2 additional weeks and 30 days of insurance coverage. I truly believe in asking even if you're told no. The other poster mentioned having legal advise. I'm sure they do and it sounds like they are trying to get you all out of there so it doesn't become a legal entanglement. Certainly ask but if they say no, at least you have a job in hand. Many do try to sue, but I think having that relationship with your boss, how they helped you, goes a lot further than money will for your future. I know I could have sued, but I needed the referral and I got it in writing. It helped me though I was tremendously hurt by their poor business practices that warranted a layoff, I know now, 15 years later, that reference helped my future. Hope that makes sense and I wish you the best! Keep us posted!

5. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 9:49PM UTC

   Agree with what has been said before.

   There is no harm in asking as long as you do so politely and professionally. I would speak with your boss and ask them their thoughts. If they get uncomfortable with it right away, feel free to take it off the table. Like you said, you don't want to burn bridges, and it sounds like the employer has been great to work with, so be cordial on the matter. And if your boss goes to see if anything can be done and the severance is denied, handle it with grace and obviously tell them thank you for considering it. If you approach it with such professionalism, it will not leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 16,2024 at 9:57PM UTC

   Severance is typically offered - at the company's discretion - when someone is being laid off. Are you being laid off?

   Personally, I have never heard of someone asking for severance when they have decided to leave for another job.

   And again, personally, if I was a manager that received that request, I would consider it an express lane to burning a bridge with me. Especially if I had gone out of my way to keep someone employed until they found another job.

7. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

   Exactly…all of this!

8. AnonymousAugust 16,2024 at 10:10PM UTC

   To be honest, I feel that severance in your situation may not be possible, since your boss was kind enough to allow you to work through the transition. Severance is typically considered a financial cushion to help you manage expenses when a company ends your employment unexpectedly.

   Since you benefited from your boss's kindness, I concur that you might lose credibility in their eyes or be seen in a different light. Not burning bridges is smart and recognizing that shows maturity.

   Your boss used their position and their connection to the company to keep you on, while others may still be struggling through this bizarre job market. I'd take this into consideration if you decide to approach them with such a request.

   Something that might feel less cringeworthy to ask is what the company's exit strategy is and if there's anything they recommend that you do or ask for before leaving. It flows respectfully and feels genuine. It frames it in the mindset that you've never gone through this before, and don't know what you should ask for before the door closes behind you.

   I believe your boss has the best intentions for you (and that's wonderful to have in your corner). If they're your true advocate, they will point you in the right direction.

   Good luck and congratulations!!

9. GirlBossanova934974August 17,2024 at 1:16PM UTC

   If you have another job lined up, you also have a reporting date for work. So thinking this out, you are going to have to tell your boss you are leaving on your own volition as you have another job lined up. The second that happens, you are not going to get a cent of severance pay. Please turn in your 2 week notice aka do NOT wait until the last minute to burn your boss who gave you this paid time opportunity to find another job which you took good advantage of. I am in a similar position. I am filling in for someone on maternity leave. The company fully expects me to find work elsewhere after the assignment ends but they are gracious enough to keep paying a fine salary for the last 2 months of the assignment. They are big name TECH company which helps me even more to go elsewhere.

10. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

    No. Don’t. You are leaving voluntarily. You have a job lined up. Maybe they’ll pay you in lieu of notice…but why would you ask for severance when you are leaving voluntarily for a new job?

11. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 2:41PM UTC

    No, severance is for when you are being let go. You decided to leave on your own. Do so and move onto your new role without asking for anything but continued great references. Congratulations on finding something new!

12. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 3:53PM UTC

    You would only be entitled to severance if the company was offering packages to those who would not go remote. However, they are not required to give a package. Sounds like your company has floated the intent of moving back to the office and hope people will do exactly what you’re doing. Lucky you were able to find something so quickly. You can ask but if I were your boss I’d be a bit put off. Though a little part of me would admire your grit. So good luck in the new job.

13. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 7:25PM UTC

    um, no. you don't get severance when you quit, with or without notice.

14. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

    Just another thought. It sounds like those of you who were working remotely were not given the option to work in the office/in person. Is this something you would consider ?

15. C AllenAugust 18,2024 at 1:04PM UTC

    I think ur boss allowing u to stay on as remote was sufficient severance. Since u r not moving on without another job lined up I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth

16. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

    This. Your boss was nice enough to give you time to find another position. Sounds like a decent boss. I would not abuse that.

17. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

    agree with C Allen!

18. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 3:06PM UTC

    In my industry it is typical to get one week of severance per year of employment with a max of 10 weeks.

19. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

    I’ve done this twice - once in an advertising role, once in software. Both times I got severance and started my new job shortly thereafter; however, neither time did I indicate that I was interviewing elsewhere. Severance is partially intended to fill the gap between roles, so I’d be surprised if your boss is keen to do this knowing you had final rounds. I’m also guessing your new job starts soon so you have a limited window to make this happen. Anyway …

    I’d recommend going as high as you can. Sounds like that’s the head of the non profit. I would go to her and say the core elements of your job have changed significantly. You’re no longer happy there and want to make room for someone who’s excited to be there in person. Say you know they’re hoping people leave. Ask if there’s an opportunity to discuss a mutual separation where you agree on an end date so as not to leave them high and dry, and you receive severance to hold you over while you look for something new. In my opinion, they’d probably ask you to stay at least 2 pay periods … not sure how that aligns with your new start date. I asked for it when I was interviewing but before I received an offer for a new job, so I could align my new start date accordingly

20. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 1:44PM UTC

    Normal severance is 2 weeks salary per year of service, and maybe some amount of health insurance coverage. Since this is a non profit they may not have funding for this. So you can ask, but keep in mind the answer may be no.

21. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 2:52PM UTC

    They have treated you very well during this time of transition (they could have said "hey, your remote position is being terminated as of X date", but they did NOT do that).It's been very clear that you could keep working but with the intent of finding another job. And you've done that. So why be cagey now and try to get severance from them? They clearly could have terminated you weeks or months ago but did not- so nice of them! But now you don't want to be clear about your offer and give proper notice? So how would I handle this? I would thank my lucky stars that they were so good to me...I would be super happy about the new job offer "in hand", and I would give proper notice to your current employer without asking for anything other than your accumulated Vacation hours (in your PTO Bank) and money for access in your FSA (if you have one). That's the right thing to do. they have been transparent and more than fair- you should do the same!

22. Laura E. WendtAugust 20,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

    If you have a good relationship with your boss, then ask what is possible. You might be surprised at what people can and will do when it isn't their money.

23. Celena BartonAugust 20,2024 at 11:24PM UTC

    If you are refusing to go back to the office, that decision is yours; you weren’t terminated. Definitely don’t think you are owed severance.

24. AnonymousAugust 21,2024 at 12:58PM UTC

    Why would you receive a severance? Don't ask.

25. Michelle HinsvarkAugust 21,2024 at 2:38PM UTC

    I love money just as much as everyone else, but I would not ask for severance as you have another job lined up and they’ve gone above and beyond what is required to be sure to give you the opportunity to find something. Not only is it a bit of bad karma to be greedy but it’s inevitable that they’ll find out you have a job and there will always be a tarnish on the relationship if someone feels like they were taken advantage of.

    I hope the new job is great but if a round of layoffs happen or the environment isn’t what you were hoping for, you’re going to want to rely on that relationship for recommendations. Or on a positive note someone from your current company may get a job in the future of somewhere you really want to go to - you want them to think of you for recruitment purposes. Always give proper notice.

    The one thing you can ask when you’re leaving is for accrued PTO back pay, or potentially asking about extending insurance coverage if your new employer requires time before enrollment. They might be willing to work with you on this and it will help make the transition experience better for you.

26. AnonymousAugust 21,2024 at 2:41PM UTC

    Nope, this is not a time when you should be asking for severance. You haven’t been laid off or otherwise pushed out of the organization. It’s also a small org/non-profit where things like formal severance are less common.

    The org needs and yours are no longer a good match. You’ve been supported by your boss etc as you searched for (and found) a new role. You could choose to keep the old job (and eventually move to non-remote if that’s what the org requires), or accept the new role you’ve been offered. Neither of these are things that would give an option for severance.

27. AnonymousAugust 24,2024 at 2:44AM UTC

    I feel like people are being weird and super capitalism-brained in the responses, so I wanted to jump in and say it doesn't hurt to ask! They're pushing you out for a policy that isn't actually documented anywhere so it's not an official policy, and if you wished, you could probably make a discrimination claim. I wouldn't tell your boss you got an offer, and in the future wouldn't tell your boss any details around seeking outside employment as they are your supervisor and not your friend. No matter how "kind" they might be, they have a position of power over you, and unless you're in a union, they could fire you at any moment for any reason (except for an illegal reason).

    But yeah, might as well ask! Do some research on the internet for sample language, and get absolutely everything in writing. Good luck!

28. AnonymousAugust 25,2024 at 12:26PM UTC

    Employers will give advance notice to avoid severance. You are not likely to get severance if you quit.

    However, since the terms of your role have changed you absolutely are within your rights to request severance.

    Good luck!