I'm strongly considering accepting a voluntary severance package.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

   It sounds like you are unhappy. Have you discussed the role and expectations with your boss/supervisor?

2. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 5:50PM UTC

   Yes, and they've been great about TRYING to change my role, but I'm so burnt out and unclear on what I actually want. And still trying to do the current role. I was already mentally preparing myself to outright quit in the new year. Then this option appeared, as if the universe is trying to tell me something.

3. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 6:38PM UTC

   Sometimes there are signs. I wish you luck in your decision!

4. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

   Did the company offer you a voluntary severance? If so, I'd say that could be an indicator that actually you are not on par with a bonus or promotion. Or a sign that mass lay-offs are looming.

   I think that even if you don't think your anxiety and depression has not be visible to others, it probably is. People have noticed that despite doing well, you aren't connecting with the team and really unhappy.

   Why stay in something that makes you unhappy? If it were me, I would take the severance and focus on my mental health. Then decide if you want to search for another role (if you can afford to do so). Good luck!

5. Shelly EdwardsSeptember 27,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

   Why is the company offering voluntary severance packages? After just one year of employment with the company, how much could you expect in a severance package and will that be enough to sustain you financially until you find another job? If you are being offered a severance package, are you sure you are on track for a promotion or could that be a false promise? Have you spoken with your boss about your feelings regarding the job and the work you are doing? Are you sure these feelings are directly related to the job or do you have other issues going on that you may bring into another job? These are questions only you can answer for yourself, but these are questions you need to ask yourself and discuss with your boss and potentially your life partner (if you have one) before you make a decision. Until these questions are answered for yourself, we can't really help answer this for you.

6. KatSeptember 27,2022 at 3:05PM UTC

   Sounds like this isn't the right job for you and that taking the severance is your best option. However, there are some other things to think about here as well. Is it the job itself that's the issue? Is it the company? Or are there other things going on in the background (health/family/financial/other issues) that are effecting your perception and job performance? If it's the job, see if there's something else at the company that might better align with your skills and goals. If it's the company, look elsewhere. Chances are if they're giving you voluntary severance, it's either a nice way of saying you're not a good fit or they're going to be laying off people soon. If it's personal, talk to someone (therapist, medical provider, friend, mentor, etc.) who can help you work through the anxiety and depression so you can be your best self. That will put in a better mind set while you look for you next job.

7. Anna YaguchiSeptember 27,2022 at 3:15PM UTC

   I accepted a Voluntary Separation package at the start of the pandemic.
   For the past couple years leading up to that the job and workplace I used to love had changed so much I would have serious thoughts about playing in traffic rather than go to work.

   Then COVID came. The intial shut downs along with news on the grapevine of coworker after coworker getting infected just made things worse.

   Voluntary separation of employees with a certain amount of seniority was a way for the company to cut expenses. I think accepting the separation package was the best thing I could have done for both my mental and physical health. Conversly soo many people left as a result, the company took a huge brain drain. I'm told working conditions got worse.

   Things You should Know:

   1) don't know what your employer is offering. But what I got in my separation package was based on my salary and my years of service. Under those conditions a person with only one year would not get nearly as much.

   2) Check the unemployment rules on your state. In my state "a mutually agreed upon separation" of employment qualifies for unemployment checks.

   3) In some states a severance package is not counted as "income" for the purpose of receiving unemployment or services like health insurance, utilities assistance, Internet assistance, etc.

   4) Medical Insurance Under Corba is seriously expensive. But being without insurance in a pandemic was a non starter for me. I had a three month Medical insurance grace period with my old employer I used the time to sign up for free state medical insurance as peson with 0 income, but I fully disclosed my savings and severance package to keep everything above board.

   5) If you decide to go for it immediately cut back on expenes and live frugally as you can bare to. This will allow you to save up more of a financial cusion. While you wait for the official separation date.

   I hope this helps.

8. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 4:24PM UTC

   Super helpful, practical advice. I appreciate you.

9. Barb HansenSeptember 27,2022 at 3:21PM UTC

   I accepted a voluntary severance package once in my career, and it turned out great for me.

   I had been working for a new company for about a year. I didn't like the job I was doing. I was stressed out (too much busy work, too much travel) and I was starting to doubt my career choices. The company was downsizing, so I called my manager and asked to be placed on the downsizing list.

   I got a six month severance package that allowed me to take a few weeks off to regroup and recenter, then I started looking for another job. Once I was in a better headspace, I reconnected with a previous colleague and he hired me.

   Could I have reached out to my previous colleague while I was working? Sure, but I don't think I would have b/c I was too busy and too stressed to actually reach out.

10. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 3:21PM UTC

    If the severance package will allow you plenty of time to shop around to find a great fit, I say go for it! It will help lift your apathy and give you a smooth transition to something more in line with who you are and what you're looking for.

11. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 3:27PM UTC

    I accepted a package that allowed for 2 months for each year I was with the company. I was there 5 years so I received 10 months plus my accrued PTO which amounted to another month along with an agreement to keep me on my benfts plan.

    This allowed me to decompress and take my time to really find a great position that checked most of the boxes and still have a bit left over for a nice island vacation before starting my new job.

    It's a great opportunity depending on the package, length of time and job market.

12. AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 6:19PM UTC

    As long as you understand what you get in the VSP (read all the fine print and ask your questions), and you're cool with that, then I'd say, take it!

    I know the feeling of "looking good on paper" but not emotionally connecting or growing with the role --- no job is worth your mental health. Plus, staying in a job that is stifling your growth/learning potential is equally detrimental.

    In the end, this is a personal decision and you have to go with what makes sense for your livelihood and long-term career goals.

    Good luck to you!