Read between the lines, my love. The following is from a LinkedIn post:
Take the severance.
Take the buyout.
Take the "early exit" package.
Take the separation package.
Take the termination package.
When your employer starts offering them, pay attention.
Because these programs are rarely about generosity.
They're usually the corporate version of smoke in the kitchen.
A re-org is coming.
A sale is coming.
An acquisition is coming.
Layoffs are coming.
Or somebody in a conference room has decided payroll needs to lose a little weight.
Earlier this year, I had a client turn down an early retirement package because he loved his job and thought the company loved him back.
"There's no way they're going to let me go."
They did.
Four months later.
The package he turned down included
1 full year of severance
6 months of COBRA
50% of his expected annual bonus
What did he get when the layoff finally came?
6 weeks of pay.
No bonus.
No extra health coverage.
That's a brutal difference.
I know people don't want to believe the company they've given years to might be setting the stage to cut them loose.
But loyalty does not protect you. Ever.
If a company starts offering buyouts, early retirement packages, or voluntary separation deals, do not just focus on whether you want to leave.
Ask yourself why they want people to leave now.
Because not taking the offer can be like assuming the gift horse isn't about to turn around and kick you square in the a-s.