I was informed that my position as a [specific role] will be eliminated by the end of the year due to restructuring at [company name]. I will receive 4 months of severance, which includes medical benefits and a bonus if I stay until December 31. I plan to start my job search in October, November, or January. I have a HELOC for $200k, which I might need to consider as I transition. This is my first layoff, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I have one year’s worth of expenses saved in a high-yield savings account, but at 53 years old, I was hoping to stick with my employer for at least another year to take advantage of the rule of 55. I’m feeling burnt out and tired of corporate politics, and I just needed to vent a little. I would appreciate any advice on what steps I should take before my last day of employment. I’ve been thinking about networking and possibly consulting work, as well as moving my previous employer's 401k into my current one to have more options when I turn 55. I’ve heard that job searching can be tough at my age, so I’m trying to prepare myself as best as I can.