<prompt> Human: The company I work for is delivering a round of layoffs. For some people they are giving us the option of either taking a lower paying job or a severance package. My question is about the severance. It is six months as a lump sum. Is this standard with severance packages and how would that impact the taxes if I were to go that route?  <response>: Severance at all is a luxury. 6 months is very generous. Sounds like youre getting a great severance package. Id take it. Your job for the next 6 months is finding a new job. Just make sure youre in an area where you can find a new job, and start hunting ASAP. 