Either way, you join the call and see that HR joins not long after. Then you hear the word “restructuring” — or “position elimination” — and everything else becomes background noise. Your mind races. Your stomach drops. You might nod along, say “I understand,” and hang up twenty minutes later having absorbed almost nothing that was actually said. If you are me, you probably start sobbing not long after and messaging your family and coworkers to let them know what just happene

But here's what they definitely won't share with you in that meeting: severance packages are almost always negotiable. While companies may not make it seem this way, they will have a process in order to work through a negotiation. This guide will help you understand what is on the table for negotiation and how you can successfully negotiate these terms.