Turn Termination Into Triumph: Mastering the Art of the Severance

Ever been caught in that heart-pounding moment when your boss or HR delivers an ultimatum—quit now or face the axe? In today’s high-pressure work environment, such encounters can feel like a dramatic showdown where every decision might change your future. This scenario isn’t just nerve-wracking—it’s a real-life crossroads that challenges you to weigh your rights against the looming threat of termination.

Imagine stepping out of a tense meeting, your mind racing as you consider whether to resign or let the company initiate your exit. The stakes are high, and the consequences can shape your next career move. The following post captures one individual’s hard-earned advice on turning a potentially negative situation into a strategic advantage.

‘LPT: If your boss or HR tells you that you need to quit or you will be fired, don’t quit. Let them fire you.’

Total depends on circumstance. But if you haven’t been accused of anything illegal make them give you a severance package before you voluntarily quit. Believe it or not, it can be a ton of work to fire somebody, especially in large companies. Most line and HR managers would be more than happy to give somebody a severance package instead of having to mess with performance improvement plans, recurring ‘coaching’ sessions, and documentation of performance shortfalls, etc. for months on end.

My company decided they wanted me gone, they offered me 3 months severance to quit, or they would fire me. Because of my field and skills I knew I could find a job easily within 3 months, so I took their offer. (I did however, immediately file for COBRA to keep my insurance going, which works regardless of termination reason)

Within a month I had a new job, at a 40% pay increase, and two months extra pay in the bank. I was in an at-will state as well. Even in at will states, it can be a hassle, or financially troublesome to fire someone. The real life pro tip here is to know your rights, the laws, and your situation with anything employment related and make the best decision for you at the time. Also, with what the original comment was mentioning, you can totally negotiate.

Facing the choice between quitting and being fired is undeniably a pivotal moment in anyone’s career. It forces you to confront not only your immediate job security but also your long-term financial well-being. Analyzing such situations reveals that companies often prefer the administrative ease of a severance package over the drawn-out process of performance improvement plans. This dynamic sets the stage for a counterintuitive—but sometimes wiser—approach.

The original post underscores the importance of knowing one’s rights in an at-will employment environment. When employers opt to let you go, they’re often trying to sidestep the hassle of formal termination procedures. This not only benefits the company but can also work in your favor, as a severance package may cushion the financial blow. While opinions vary, the notion of “letting them fire you” resonates with those who recognize the power of negotiation in these situations.

Broadening the perspective, this issue reflects larger trends in modern employment practices. For instance, the debate over termination methods isn’t confined to blue-collar jobs alone; even celebrities in the spotlight have navigated similar challenges.

In 2019, a well-known film star secured a discreet severance during contract disputes, a case that sparked broader discussions on fair treatment in high-stakes industries. Such examples illustrate that knowing your rights isn’t just practical—it’s essential across the board.

According to employment attorney Deborah Gould, “Employers typically prefer to offer a severance package rather than risk a drawn-out legal battle over termination procedures.” This insight, highlighted in a recent Forbes article , emphasizes that a forced exit can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. Her perspective sheds light on how, when handled correctly, being fired might offer more financial and legal advantages than resigning voluntarily.

Taking this advice to heart, employees should arm themselves with knowledge and consider professional counsel when faced with such dilemmas. Legal experts recommend a careful evaluation of your severance terms, benefits continuation (such as COBRA), and the realistic timeline for finding new employment.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on a clear understanding of your personal situation and market conditions. In an era where every career move counts, informed choices can turn a potential setback into an opportunity for upward mobility.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Here are some hot takes from the Reddit community—candid, humorous, and refreshingly blunt.

MNConcerto −  I work in HR and I agree. Make them fire you for unemployment benefits.

[Reddit User] −  It depends on the industry you work in. If you are a cop, you better quit before they fire you. But if you are something like a warehouse worker, let them fire you. Get that unemployment check.

994phij −  LPT: if the choice is between getting fired and leaving your job, don’t base your decision off a Reddit post. Check the laws where you live, think about your current situation, talk to sensible and knowledgeable people that you know, get professional/legal advice if you can afford it (edit: or there might be organisations/charities that give this kind of advice for free).

ribnag −  This totally depends on the circumstances of why they want you gone. If they’re *letting* you quit after you get caught robbing the company blind… Accept the favor. If they’re offering a sweet payout to take a hike without putting up a fuss… Consider how long it will realistically take you to find a new job vs how long it would take you to make the same amount. If it’s comfortable on the side of “paid two-month vacation”, why *wouldn’t* you jump at that?

The *real* test, though, is how long of a career do you seriously think you’ll have at a company that has already bluntly said it wants you gone? You’re about to be unemployed either way (they’ll find *some* minor rule you broke, don’t worry). May as well be on *your* terms.

[Reddit User] −  Why. Please explain

LilithsGrave92 −  As someone who has been fired, I totally disagree. I found it very difficult to find a company who would look past the firing and actually at my experience etc. For anyone curious; I got fired for mental health related sickness.

Edit; I’m also British and clearly we have different rules for firings/quittings etc and what you’re entitled to when that happens. I’m assuming OP is American or something

Edit; I’m mildly concerned about how many people would seemingly lie on their applications despite it probably leading to even more problems later on

Sufficient_Focus −  This sub needs to add a USA tag, Also, explain your tip.

awks-orcs −  In England this is terrible advice. Do the opposite.

Ramshal −  This sub should be called LPTUSA

Navigating the ultimatum to quit or get fired isn’t an easy call. Whether you agree with letting your employer take the lead or prefer to leave on your own terms, one thing remains clear: knowledge is power. We’d love to hear your thoughts—what would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Share your experiences and join the discussion below!