Your Severance Package Is Negotiable: How to Get More Than Just Money

Your severance package isn’t “fixed.”

It’s a starting bid.

Companies count on you being too shocked, too loyal, or too polite to push back. 

Don’t.

You can negotiate for more than just money:

 • Extra weeks of pay

 • Extended health benefits

 • Unused vacation payout

 • Stock vesting

 • Positive reference letter

 • Outplacement help

 • Non-compete waived

 • Even keeping your laptop

Your leverage:

 • Tenure & seniority

 • Impact of your role

 • Unpaid bonuses

 • Company precedent

 • Potential legal claims

Rule #1: Don’t sign anything on the spot.

Rule #2: Ask for what you actually want.

The first number on that paper isn’t generosity.

It’s an opening offer.