You could do what some of the rest of us that currently work in the accounting industry have done when we've lost jobs, which is go to work for yourself. I 'm self-employed as a bookkeeper/accountant (non-CPA), and I'm much happier now then I have ever been. I'm also much healthier, too. Working for myself allows me to pick the type of clients that I want to work with, set my own hours, and let's me set my own pricing based on what is considered standard and acceptable for my area. It might be that you do better as a temp worker because you get enough variety, which you currently aren't getting in your current position. Which would also mean that you'd probably do really well in working for yourself, and you'd get plenty of variety. I took the plunge and went to work for myself, when I could no longer continue to work in retail which I loved due to having a major ankle injury that we initially thought was temporary but in reality was actually permanent and non-surgical. Going to work was never what I had planned for myself, however, it was obviously the best path for me given the situation at the time.

Take the severance and be sure to get letters of recommendation from your manager before you go.

Thank you everyone! Your good advice means alot to me. I am meeting via Zoom at noon and will keep you posted.

Keeping the job is not really an alternative if they have made a formal severance offer. You can quit and take the generous severance, or be let go a little later without it. Those are your real choices here. Take the severance, and file for unemployment would be my advice. You don't really have this job anymore.

I received a very similar offer from my employer, I was not happy with my job any more, I have 2 small children doing remote learning, and I was starting to loose productivity. My employer offered me a severance package and said they would not oppose my application for unemployment and suggested that I have a lawyer review it, which I did. The lawyer suggested a few provisions so that I could start getting unemployment as soon as I received my last pay check. I took the package and now a month and a half later I am so happy I did. I have been applying for jobs and have had an interview last week, which I am hopeful for. I would advise taking the offer, but asking them to give you time to have a lawyer review. Best of luck!

I would take the severance. It’s extremely generous. And if you stay you may get fired. If you can afford to be out of work a while and find a new job easily, at least temping, there are so many people unemployed now due to the pandemic and all, nobody should think anything of it. If it were me I would simply say that circumstances changed and they made me an extremely generous severance offer which I figured would give me a chance to find my next great opportunity.

2 months severance after one year? That's rare. They clearly would like an amicable separation. Definitely have an employment lawyer review the terms. You want to ensure there are no restrictions on future employment in terms of who you can work for, etc... And depending on why this is all happening, you may be able to ask for more-another month of severance? extension of medical benefits? That on top of unemployment will give you a head start as you begin a new journey!

I agree with Gretchen’s approach. I may even ask for one more month along with the reference. That sounds like an opening offer to me. Worst they could say is no.

I would take the severance. Also ask for a good reference so you can find placement without a concern about this past position hanging over your head.

Thanks all. The idea of severance is enticing, but would I be able to find another job? It was hard enough as a temp looking for work. When I would get an interview all they were interested in was why past jobs ended. Age is another stigma (mid 50s) that makes it difficult.