<prompt> Human: Hopefully this is advice none of us will need, but as more and more of my friends have been getting laid off, it would be great to have this kind of information before its needed: what to do when you receive a severance package offer whats an acceptable offer what to look for in the agreement you sign non-compete, etc. do you negotiate? non monetary compensation healthcare, etc. do you sign it on the spot? whats the legality surrounding that and receiving unemployment? Any advice or personal experience is appreciated!  <response>: You can negotiate anything in life. But with severance packages at larger companies, theres no room to wiggle. You can always turn it down, but they can also simply let you go with no severance.Also understand: The severance package is nota nice gesture or something youve earned unless its written into your contact, but its consideration for your agreement to not take any further legal action in the matter and on occasion as incentive to stay on until a certain date. 