Laid off, anything I can do?

[saxisa]

I was just laid off from my job in southern california.

I had worked for my company for 8 years, had excellent reviews for all 8 years and the maximum raises of anyone in my group for those 8 years as well. To my knowlege, and from what others have told me, I was an excellent employee (not tooting my horn, this is just what I have been told).

I recently asked for a promotion, and just turned 40 a little over a week ago, if that makes any difference.

My boss claims that he was very upset over my being laid off, and that the decision was made at the VP level- he was asked for input but not a role in the decision. I have also heard that the CEO saw my name on the list and asked why I was there. Nobody has any real clue why I was let go, and sadly for them, morale is extremely low.

They kept other employees in my group who sit at their desks and play games all day long, and have new hires starting in May (they were hired before anyone knew of the layoffs apparently). The slackers only make about 10k per year less than I do, so its not like the company saves big bucks by letting me go vs a junior person. Dont get me wrong, I dont want them to go either, Im just trying to understand the decision.

So besides all signs pointing to this company as someplace that makes poor decisions and probably not a good place to be anyways, is everything okay with this picture? I do NOT want my old job back, I already have good opportunities.

But everyone laid off got 1 month, older employees got more- I got 3 months severance pay, 1 week additional for each year of employment.

Should I just sign the severance agreement and let it go?

Oh and by 'do something' I mean try to negotiate for a better severance package.

 

[pattytx]

3 months severance pay for 8 years of employment isn't a bad deal. I don't know what you could use as a negotiating tool to get more, since I'm not seeing from what you posted any violation of law on the employer's part.

 

[cbg]

Severance is not required by law in your state, or in most states. 3 months is not out of line for 8 years; it's not the most generous I've ever heard, but it's not the worst by a long shot, either.

No one here is in a position to say if your employer would be willing to negotiate, or if they would pull the offer already on the table (and yes, in the absence of a legally binding contract that guarantees severance and the rate at which it is calculated, yes, they can do that). You know them, we don't. Do YOU think they'd be willing to negotiate up? It sounds as if they already gave you more than they generally provide, if I understand you correctly.