With almost a decade of professional experience, I’ve been through it all. I’ve quit, been furloughed, freelanced, and found my way back to full-time work. My friends and colleagues have been through similar journeys, too: One has been laid off every single year for four years straight. Another is building her own freelance business, and another is embracing a period of “funemployment.” With an uncertain job market and the economy on the brink, my friends and I are getting nervous about our financial futures—and we’re not alone.

Money makes the world go ‘round, which is a scary thought when you’re unexpectedly on the job hunt. Unemployment only goes so far (if you qualify for it), and savings can help in emergencies, but nearly 60% of Millennials live paycheck to paycheck. Severance packages, if you get one, are one of the few things that can help make unemployed seasons bearable.

I admittedly didn’t know much about what or how to negotiate for my first job out of college—I certainly never considered discussing severance. Talking about what happens when you leave the company can feel like discussing divorce before you’re married. But I know now that severance discussions can act as a prenup, outlining fair details if anything goes in a different direction.

Based on our experiences between roles, bracing for layoffs, and worrying about the state of pretty much everything, my friends and I have learned that being prepared is more important than ever before. Severance is something we will never leave on the table, and you shouldn’t either. Ahead, I’m sharing everything you should know about severance, and how to negotiate it before you ever need it.

In this article

What is severance?

Severance is compensation that an employer pays to an employee when their employment ends. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t just apply to layoffs (more on that below). Severance can include a monetary component like a certain percentage of your salary or what you’re due for unused paid time off, but it might also include things like continued healthcare coverage, stock options, outplacement assistance, skill training, or additional professional services to help you find your next role.

How do I know if I’m eligible for severance?

There are, unfortunately, no federal or state laws in the United States mandating severance payments. Crazy, I know. (Other countries, especially in Europe, are another story.) That said, most organizations make it their policy to offer some form of severance to stay competitive, and there are several situations when severance might come into play. For example, if you’ve been laid off or dismissed or have resigned, you might be eligible for severance depending on your company policy.

Before accepting any new role, check your contract for your company’s specific severance details. If you’re currently employed, you can likely find this info in your employee handbook, too. If you can’t find any details, don’t assume it doesn’t exist for you, but do ask your HR representative about it so you’re informed!

When can I negotiate severance?

Depending on your industry, role, and level of experience, you might be able to negotiate severance before you even begin a new position. In fact, you can (and should!) bring it up during the interview phase as part of regular negotiation discussions, alongside things like salary and PTO time. Even if you aren’t able to customize the details, knowing more about the company’s severance policy can give you an idea of what a future package might include, like how long, if at all, you’ll have healthcare benefits.

“Severance discussions can act as a prenup, outlining fair details if anything goes in a different direction.”

If you can’t negotiate severance at the start of a position (or you never did), it is potentially negotiable when you part ways with an organization. When a severance package is initially shared, consider any additional requests you’d like to make or discussions to have before signing any documents. Is there an opportunity to transfer to another department? Can you swing an extra month of 401k contributions? What about a continued visa sponsorship? These are all more-than-reasonable asks!

What can I negotiate when it comes to severance?

Financial compensation

The largest piece of a severance package often boils down to money. The dollar amount of a severance offer is often based on time with the company and usually includes payout for unused time off, stock value, and unpaid bonuses, commisions, or reimbursements too. Depending on industry, recent performance, tenure, company policy, and reason for departure, you might be able to negotiate other things like a larger payout or different stock options to cover expenses while searching for your next role.

Length and timing of payment

The length and timing of a severance period is just as important as the actual benefits you’re set to receive. Some organizations opt to pay severance on a monthly basis for a predetermined period of time—depending on your package, this could mean a very small amount each pay period instead of one lump sum. Severance packages might offer continued insurance coverage for a set period of time as well. Consider asking to adjust the severance schedule based on what works best for your needs.

Benefits and other perks

When money is on the mind, it can be easy to forget about what else you might be losing, like your benefits. A common issue that people run into is losing healthcare—which can be extremely costly out of pocket. In your negotiation, ask for extended health coverage, or ask for a stipend to cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Before this, do some research to understand just how much it will cost you so that you know how much you’ll need. For example, will new health coverage cost you triple what you pay now? Will your prescription costs double?

In addition to this, you can negotiate continued contributions to your 401(k), especially if you’re receiving severance pay over time. Finally, if you have stock options, you can ask for accelerated vesting. If neither are possible, a cash payout is always worth asking for.

Career support

Now that you’re headed on the job hunt, you’ll want all the support you can get, and yes, you can negotiate that too! For example, some employers offer outplacement services, like career coaching, resume writing assistance, or job placement services. Don’t forget to ask for a positive reference letter while you’re at it too.

What should I do if I don’t get severance?

As with all negotiation, the worst answer you can get is no, and unfortunately, that is the case for some people. I’ve been there, and so have many of my friends. When this is the case, it may seem like you have to go straight to the job boards and unemployment office. Of course, you’ll want to do those things, but don’t be so quick to panic—there are more ways you can put yourself in a positive position. For example, ask to stay top of mind for any new roles that might come up within the company, and in the meantime, connect with with your manager and colleagues on LinkedIn. While you’re at it, ask around to see if anyone has any industry connections or job leads that could be helpful for you.

While you search for a new role, use your extra time to upskill or take on freelance work if possible. This can help you earn more money in the future or make some in the meantime too. With all of this being said, keep your head up and look at this as an oppurtunity to advance your career long-term. You never know what door will open up for you next.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica Ivetich, Contributing Writer
Jessica is a freelance writer and digital marketer with nearly a decade of brand and agency experience. Contributing to The Everygirl since 2022, she is also a proud Midwesterner, Formula 1 fan, and book lover who’s always looking to learn something new. More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
8 seconds ago

Emirati content creator Khalid Al Ameri is an avid storyteller.
Having cultivated an impressive online following for himself over the years, Khalid Al Ameri has shared many important messages with his audience.
Some of his most popular videos are about growing up in a multicultural household, his mother is from the UK and his father is Emirati, his son’s autism, sharing an insight into how the UAE handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delving behind the lens of the camera, here’s a few facts you may not know about this hugely popular content creator.
Khalid Al Ameri completed his MBA at Stanford University

After having graduated from high school at the American International School in Abu Dhabi, Khalid, later on went to complete his MBA at Stanford University in Business Administration. However, he discovered his passions lay elsewhere in storytelling. Doing a complete 180 from his MBA, Khalid moved into the journalism field and eventually landed a role as CNN’s Middle Eastern Correspondent.
He’s known for his selfless acts

From volunteering in schools around the world as part of Dubai Cares’ imitative to performing good deeds around the country. Khalid is known for spreading positivity and awareness through his selfless acts, including earlier last year when he took a video on YouTube explaining the concept of a Balikbayan box, where several household items are sent back home on behalf of residents of the Philippines. He also gave his housekeeper, Leila, a surprise with the box and a ticket to visit her family.
His goal through content creation is to bring people together

Khalid is always spreading love and awareness about serious issues through his content. By also running a Facebook group entitled ‘Khalid’s World Group’, participating members are encouraged to share their experiences and see how they can help each other accordingly.
Khalid Al Ameri has a Scottish mother

Having grown up in a multicultural household, Khalid is half Emirati, half Scottish. Having grown up in the UAE, he sees himself as “100 per cent Emirati”.
“My mother is British and I love her – however, I am 100 percent Emirati. It is all I have ever known; it’s the country I love and work for every day. So how different am I? I don’t think I’m that different at all.”
He reached new heights in his career

With a large demographic outside of the UAE, Khalid has garnered a massive following over the years. His comedic content, coupled with a social message is well appreciated. He recently crossed 4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, which is a massive achievement for any content creator.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram @khalidalameri More

I’m basically a servant to my own desire for instant gratification — when I want something, I want it immediately. I think several of you feel the same; otherwise Amazon wouldn’t offer their amaaazing deals on free shipping. Thankfully, they do — which is why I’m able to stock up on fall essentials basically the […] More

There have been some changes made to the self-isolation process for those who test positive for COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi.

According to a report by The National, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus in the emirate must now self-isolate in a healthcare facility which includes designated hotels and hospital.
Self-quarantine was previously allowed in the UAE capital, but this is no longer the case. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, even if they appear to be asymptomatic, is now required to be admitted into a healthcare facility.
“The Home Isolation Programme has been discontinued late in August,” Dr Shada Al Ghazali of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre told The National. “All Covid-19 cases are isolated in assigned isolation sites and, or hotels.
“This is in line with the emirate’s strategy to control the spread of COVID-19.”
Per instructions from the government, it’s been reported by the publication that all private hospitals have been cleared of coronavirus cases and those who test positive will be cared for in state-run medical facilities.
The new policy is to help minimise coronavirus cases and infection rates in the UAE capital. With the five field hospitals have a capacity of 1,200 beds, there’s space to accommodate those who are infected.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Instagram More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
1 hour ago

This week, we chat with Svitlana Antonovych, the Co-Founder of Versace Home Dubai. Her background focuses on being a creative interior designer and architectural designer, with an eye for detail.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.

Versace has announced the opening of a new flagship location for Versace Home in Dubai. The store, located in Dubai Mall, marks a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Middle East.
To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman spoke to Antonovych, to see how it all began.

What was your favourite subject at school?
I have always loved art and literature. These subjects taught me to think creatively, appreciate aesthetics, and understand cultural contexts—skills that are essential in my work today.
What was your first job?
My first job was in the visual arts field—I started as an assistant at a design studio, where I helped with interior projects and concept development.

What brought you to Dubai?
Dubai is a city of opportunities, where design and art are highly valued. I moved here because I wanted to work in an environment where architecture and interior design are constantly evolving, and where clients are open to bold ideas
What are the key elements of your role?
My role includes, developing interior concepts, selecting materials and furniture, communicating with clients and contractors, overseeing project execution and visualising and directing creative aspects
Talk us through your daily routine.
Each day starts with analyzing tasks: meeting with clients, developing new concepts, and discussing projects with the team. Sometimes, my schedule includes site visits, material selection, or seeking inspiration in art and architecture.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
When it comes to leading an interior design brand, it’s important to train your eye for design and develop your taste. Don’t be afraid to try new things, learn from the best and gain as much experience as possible Also, focus on patience and attention to detail as this is the key in this field.
Tell us more about the products/services?
I work on full-cycle projects—from concept to completion. This includes developing design concepts, selecting materials, overseeing the execution, and final styling of the space.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Design is not just about beauty, it’s about meaning.” A space should be comfortable, inspiring, and tailored to the client’s needs.

And what is the worst?
“Do what everyone else is doing, it works.” Uniqueness is the key to success. If you simply follow trends, you’ll never create something truly valuable.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Working in a highly competitive industry. It’s crucial not only to deliver quality designs but also to anticipate trends, adapt, and maintain a strong individual style.

What’s lies ahead for the brand?
I plan to expand my projects, work with international clients, integrate new technologies into design, and create spaces that inspire.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied  More