Help! Should I take an early-retirement package or stay?
Perhaps the community can give me some guidance on making this very important decision, because I am at a crossroads and really don’t know what to do.
I am 62 years old, single, and a travel-industry professional currently working for an airline. As you know, all airlines are taking a huge hit because of COVID. My company is offering a voluntary early-retirement package which is very compelling, and which I am seriously considering even though I’m not able financially to fully retire yet. If the company doesn’t get enough volunteers to leave (they are offering an early-out package for younger, less-senior employees too), then they will impose involuntary lay-offs. There is no ‘package’ for involuntary layoffs except for a 3-month severance payment.
The early-retirement package includes 5 months of severance pay, fully-paid health care benefits for 2-years, followed by COBRA for 18 months, plus a Retirement Medical Account which will give me access to $130,000 in funds to cover all of my medical expenses likely for the rest of my life (funds can be used to cover Medicare and COBRA premiums in addition to prescriptions and doctor bills, medical, dental and vision. Pretty good deal!)
However, I will need to work until I reach full retirement age, which is around 4 years. I cannot count on getting another job within my industry, as all of my options are in the same dire circumstances (airline, travel management companies, hotels…). I will need to change industries. Hard enough to do under normal circumstances but harder with my age and the state of the economy. I also will need to earn an annual salary of around $60K in order to cover my mortgage and monthly bills and not dive into my savings account. $60K is a very large pay cut compared to my current salary; I wouldn’t be getting ahead but I wouldn’t fall behind. I figured out a budget where, with the severance pay plus some reserves I can probably stay afloat without a job until the summer of 2021. Not my ideal plan but it could be done.
My dilemma is do I choose Door #1, which is a good retirement package, but the risk is needing to find a new, well-paying job. Or do I gamble on Door #2, which is either going to be a complete involuntary separation from the company, or, I could retain my job as is. I should add that there is likely to be a pay cut. My company is youth-oriented so at my age I may be on the list for layoff.
I should add that I’m not in love with my current job as a global account manager any more. It has changed from when I started it 15 years ago; I know that I don’t have the same passion or energy and frankly my plan was to stay with it only because of the pay and the benefits. The hours are long (12 hour days + some weekend hours are the norm) and the internal competition is mentally and emotionally draining.
My background is in Sales, Account Management, as well as Training, which was my chosen career path that I was pursuing before 9/11 caused me to lose my job. So I do believe that I do have marketable skills, but with so may people looking for work, I feel that my age and my travel-industry career may be serious hurdles.
I would love to hear back with any insights, suggestions or words or wisdom that you may be able to share. Thank you in advance!
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Not happy with this transfer offer
My boss pulled me into a conference room yesterday to say that she has a transfer opportunity available to another office in the region (not far from home, about the same driving distance). I've been with the company for five years and have received great reviews and raises and a nice bonus. I thought she was going to suggest another position that recently opened up that sounds really exciting, but instead, she said a role was vacated at this other office, and she thinks I'd be a "great fit."
Well, the role really isn't anything I'd be interested in at my level. I see it more as a "foot in the door" job for someone with half my experience who needs to start somewhere. If anything, I see it as a dead end job. I'd take all of the great experience I've gained and toss out out the window if I took this job. I'm an SME in my area, and it would be bizarre for me to give up the job for something like this.
I said I'd think about it, but within five minutes of hanging up the phone, I had a sick feeling. I did ask her about the other role I'd want, and she gave me a wishy-washy answer about the role being incorporated into another position (maybe).
No one has ever complained about my work (not that I know of). I've been very happy there overall, but just a little antsy to take on something more challenging after five years. FWIW, she has moved people into really nice roles, but in my case, the move would look embarrassing, as if I were being punished and banished to a weird job that derails one's career (and I've seen them do that to other people on purpose). So, I'm going to tell her next week thank you, but I'm not interested. What if she tries to push it or demands a good reason why I'm turning it down other than I'd rather wait for something else? Would you say aloud that it doesn't look like such a great career move for someone with my experience, and I know there are better opportunities? I'd rather quit and go elsewhere than take this job. I ran this by a friend and he said it sounds like the first job they'd cut if they have layoffs.
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?
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Currently interviewing but i have a dental procedure coming up that will put me out for a week , meaning I will be out for 1 week, just 2-3 weeks right after starting the job. ...
I would like to prepare what I will say as im approaching last interview and may land the job. The issue is I would rather start right away because i need income urgently to pay bills
a- tell them its best for me to start after my procedure - 3 weeks from now ( which will but me in a predicament as i need immediate income) and they might be annoyed they have to wait 3 weeks
or
b-tell them i can start 1 or 2 weeks before my procedure and but that in 3 weeks I may need an entire week off .
advice ?
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Feeling stuck on your next move in tech?
You’re not alone.
The industry shifts fast, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual one.
But staying relevant doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s a simple, doable rhythm to follow (even with a full calendar):
✅ Quarterly: Scan open job listings—not just titles, but the skills and tools required. Use AI to spot patterns.
✅ Monthly: Talk to someone in a role you admire. Ask what they’re learning, noticing, and questioning.
✅ Ongoing: Skim global reports (like the WEF’s Future of Jobs) and follow a few sharp thinkers right here on LinkedIn.
✅ Repeat: Make this a habit, not a one-off. You’ll start to see the signals.
Then, check in on your fit using the IKIGAI model:
? What you love
? What you’re good at
? What the world needs
? What you can be paid for
From there? Close the gap with real upskilling.
The best programs offer:
✔️ Hands-on practice
✔️ Critical thinking challenges
✔️ Confidence in what you can do (not just what you know)
That’s why I often point folks to flexible, job-aligned platforms like Udacity—especially when time is tight and skill depth matters.
You don’t need perfect predictions.
Just a smart way to listen for what’s next.
? What’s one signal you’re seeing in your space right now?
#CareerDevelopment
#TechCareers
#Leadership
#Udacity
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Hi everyone,
I’m Mitali, a former Cognizant employee and a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas. I have experience in Salesforce, business analytics, and cloud technologies.
I’m currently seeking new opportunities in business analysis, CRM, or related roles. I’d be so grateful for any leads, advice, or referrals to help me get my foot in the door. If anyone has recommendations or knows of companies hiring, please feel free to connect or message me. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Job Search Myth: "If I apply to more jobs, I’ll get hired faster."
Quantity doesn’t beat quality. Sending out 100 generic resumes won’t open as many doors as 10 targeted, tailored applications.
Focus on roles that match your skills, customize your resume, and write a thoughtful cover letter. It’s not a numbers game; it’s a strategy game.
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