I’m being offered $3,000 in ‘severance’ from my job, but the whole thing feels kind of shady. I’ve only been there a little over a year, and from what I’ve read, Massachusetts doesn’t require employers to provide severance at all. A couple of lawyers told me that negotiating might not be worth it since I might only get a little more, and legal fees could cancel that out. But I’m nervous that if I try to ask for more, they’ll just take the offer off the table completely. Has anyone been in this situation before? Is it common for companies to just refuse to negotiate?
If they’re offering severance, they might want you to sign something in return. Have you checked what’s in the agreement?
Riley said:
If they’re offering severance, they might want you to sign something in return. Have you checked what’s in the agreement?
Not in detail yet, but that’s part of why I’m unsure about negotiating.
Riley said:
If they’re offering severance, they might want you to sign something in return. Have you checked what’s in the agreement?
Yeah, definitely read through it. Sometimes severance agreements include things like non-disparagement clauses or waivers.
Companies usually expect some negotiation, but there’s always a risk they just say, ‘Take it or leave it.’ Have they given you a deadline?
CathyGenesis said:
Companies usually expect some negotiation, but there’s always a risk they just say, ‘Take it or leave it.’ Have they given you a deadline?
Yeah, the contract is due in a couple of days, which is stressing me out.
CathyGenesis said:
Companies usually expect some negotiation, but there’s always a risk they just say, ‘Take it or leave it.’ Have they given you a deadline?
Ugh, that’s frustrating. If you want to ask for more, maybe keep it casual, like ‘Is there any room to adjust the amount?’ so you don’t seem like you’re rejecting it outright.
Since Massachusetts doesn’t require severance, it’s probably just something they’re offering as part of a settlement. If you push too hard, they could technically pull the offer.
Uma said:
Since Massachusetts doesn’t require severance, it’s probably just something they’re offering as part of a settlement. If you push too hard, they could technically pull the offer.
Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want to risk losing what they’re already offering.
Uma said:
Since Massachusetts doesn’t require severance, it’s probably just something they’re offering as part of a settlement. If you push too hard, they could technically pull the offer.
If they’re offering severance at all, they might be open to negotiation. Most companies start low to see if you’ll just take it.
Have they given severance to other employees in the past? If there’s a pattern, that might give you an idea of how much flexibility they have.
Bevan said:
Have they given severance to other employees in the past? If there’s a pattern, that might give you an idea of how much flexibility they have.
I’m not sure, but I guess I could ask around.
Bevan said:
Have they given severance to other employees in the past? If there’s a pattern, that might give you an idea of how much flexibility they have.
Might be worth checking. If others have gotten more, then you definitely have room to ask for an increase.
If you’re really unsure, maybe have a lawyer quickly review the agreement before you sign. Even if you don’t hire one to negotiate, they can tell you if it’s fair.
Ziv said:
If you’re really unsure, maybe have a lawyer quickly review the agreement before you sign. Even if you don’t hire one to negotiate, they can tell you if it’s fair.
That’s not a bad idea. I just don’t want to spend too much on legal fees if it’s not going to change much.
Ziv said:
If you’re really unsure, maybe have a lawyer quickly review the agreement before you sign. Even if you don’t hire one to negotiate, they can tell you if it’s fair.
Some lawyers do quick severance agreement reviews for a flat fee, so it might not be that expensive.