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Take control when being served your walking papers

By STEVE STROMP

With layoffs still on the radar screen and companies struggling to pare costs, a number of American workers today walk the chalk line not knowing if next Friday is their Armageddon.

If hustled into the boss's office or the company conference room to be issued your separation papers, you want to avoid two critical moves that may cost you later. Don't go ballistic when notified you're being separated. Exit professionally with dignity. Secondly, don't accept any severance package on the spot.

Carping about the decision won't change the separation action. You're history. Challenging the action or trying to talk your way back into the job only worsens, not helps, your situation. Leave it alone and get on with your life.

Hopefully, you were able to create favorable relationships during your employment. Why jeopardize the positive image with bizarre behavior your last day with the company? While you certainly won't toss bouquets when notified you're being surplused, let's not fling bricks either. It is not unusual for companies to downsize employees and rehire them months later. You want to position yourself for recall in the event you fail to hang with another employer.

Most severance packages are intended to cushion the shock of separation, and companies understandably are anxious to get the employees processed out and on their way. The savvy displaced worker should request time — at least 24 hours — to properly evaluate the information before accepting. You, for instance, may want to bargain for an extension on your health care coverage or for outplacement services that will help you find other employment.

Take time to study the severance and don't be reluctant to negotiate items or request changes. Colleagues may advise you "don't bother," but it doesn't hurt to ask. A decent severance package helps offset the bitter taste of the layoff.

Steve Stromp is a professional career consultant, lecturer and writer. Contact him: sstromp@sbcglobal.net.