Even if you're being fired, your boss may want to make sure that there aren't any problems. Especially if they want you to sign a release agreement, try to get something in return. It can't hurt to ask.

You will have a better idea what to ask for if you find out the company policies and your rights. If your boss is worried about setting a precedent for other workers, offer to sign a non-disclosure statement that you won’t tell anyone.

  • Good Reference - Will they give you a reference letter? If they agree to, say that you will write a draft for them to consider. What will they say about you if another employer calls? Making you eligible for rehire (even if you don't want to work for them, it's a common question during a reference check).
  • Health insurance coverage - Many workers have a right to keep your health insurance if they pay for it. But you can propose that the company pay your insurance for a month or two. Or, to keep your insurance longer than 18 months (that doesn’t even cost them anything, since you pay for it).
  • Pension credits - Are you close to vesting in the pension? Usually workers vest after 5 years, but sometimes there is a smaller number of years with benefits increasing each year. Maybe you are close to getting another year’s credit for the pension. If you are close to being eligible to retire under the pension, you should definitely try to get the company to let you retire.
  • Benefit time – If you will lose accrued vacation or sick time, try to negotiate to be paid for it.
  • Severance pay - there are no states where severance pay is required, unless there is an agreement or policy at the company. If you are going to be given severance pay, also negotiate how it will be paid (lump sum, as an ongoing paycheck, etc). How it is paid can affect your taxes and unemployment.