Offered severance package

Question

Started my job a year ago (Dec 2 would be my anniversary).  Never really liked it and had started looking for something else before pandemic hit.   Worked remotely from March to August, as did my department.  I thought I did well with it, but when my computer at the office broke down and I had to go in everyday to use another one, they decided I must work on site from then on.  There is alot of resentment toward our department (accounting) because we got to work remotely.  So I have been going in, keeping social distance, and looking for another job.  On Friday morning my 2 bosses invited me to a zoom meeting.  Said it is obvious I am unhappy there and not good for me, and offered me 2 months severance with the weekend to think about it.  I would love to take the severance and run, but am concerned about the stigma of being unemployed while searching.  I also have to wonder if I should try to negotiate the severance offer.  Advice?

Joanna Poe · Answer

The most important thing to negotiate beyond the severance is what are the terms of your leaving? Is it a dismissal? Will you be eligible for unemployment (in case you are not lucky enough to find something before the 2 months runs out)?

Deborah Frincke · Answer

You are not happy, and they are not happy - they may know you are looking, btw.  Odds are,  you are negotiating your separation from them, not deciding if you wish to leave.

If you leave with severance,  you can indicate to anyone who asks about the gap that it was an amicable separation that enabled you to focus on your job search.

You have gotten all kinds of good advice about how to negotiate .... and what for ...

It is scary to step into the unknown.   I am sorry it is happening at such a complicated time. Please prioritize self care, and avoid second guessing yourself, whatever form the negotiation takes.

Veronica Bacica · Answer

I agree with many of the comments above.  You may need to ask yourself 'do I really want to use my time going into a job that I know I don't want to do or work in'.  It seems like that answer is no from what you mentioned.  Time is valuable.  One of the positives in this situation is that you can be using your 'new time' of the 2 months severance looking for something that truly fits you, instead of working somewhere you don't want to be at and trying to find the time to squeeze in the job search.  It may be a blessing in disguise that will make more sense to you in the long haul.

Karisa Karmali · Answer

Negotiate 3 months +.

Brittny Jones · Answer

I would try to negotiate at least a three month severance. In exchange, you can offer that they can use your last two weeks as an opportunity for training the interim person/new hire. If you're pushing for more than three months, you can even offer something like 8 hours of consulting time once the new hire starts. In other words, make a business case for what they would get, if only they gave a little more upfront.

Kim Zaninovich · Answer

Consider that it might be tough booking a job before the start of the year. Perhaps you can take your leave after the 15th of next month? Maybe that's your negotiation. Also, insurance re-ups the first of every month, so don't let them make Monday your day of termination. Consider carefully if they want you to sign a non-complete as a term of the severance. In this Covid environment, there are so many people looking for gigs without having a gig. You won't be an anomaly.

Anonymous · Answer

Agreed - review the severance package carefully, and then part ways gracefully. It's a hard time to find work, but a better fit is out there for you.

Pearl Wong · Answer

never waste your time doubting yourself. the cards have been dealt. take the severance payout graciously. leave on good terms. close the book, and make good use of the next 2 months.

Lydia Gershman · Answer

There is no stigma with being unemployed at this time.     Their offer of severance indicates that your time there is limited.    Be careful.  Coming back with a counter offer negates the original offer and they could just as easily let you go with no severance.

MJ · Answer

Thank you all!  I did agree to the severance and parted on good terms.  The severance will be weekly as opposed to a lump sum.  It is a relief to not have to go there.  While I had no issues with the bosses, a few of the coworkers were awful.  I was actually looking for work before the pandemic hit.   Thinking about marketing myself as a consultant as I have many years of bookkeeping through temp agencies.  I always liked temp work and did well with it, but the pay through agencies is awful.  Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving!

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