I recently found myself in a tough situation at my job as a Licensed Healthcare Case Manager for a CCO organization in Oregon, while I was on approved bereavement leave due to a family loss. While I was away, I learned that my department is shifting to a mandatory hybrid work model, requiring me to be in the office three days a week starting November 10. This is a significant issue for me since I live about 300 miles away from the office, making daily commuting impossible. HR sent a notice about this change while I was still on leave, and they offered a severance package for those who cannot make the transition, with a decision deadline of November 2. I received the email on my personal account, which was confusing as it seemed to have incorrect dates and a very short response window. I have a mortgage to pay, and this sudden shift is overwhelming, especially during such a difficult personal time. The initial severance offer is around 4.5 weeks of base pay, but I plan to propose a counter-offer for 8 to 12 weeks of base pay plus two months of COBRA health coverage. I want to ensure I advocate for myself effectively during the upcoming Zoom meeting with HR on my return date. I need advice on how to structure my counter-proposal without jeopardizing the initial offer and what key questions I should ask to set boundaries during the meeting. I’m also looking for insights from anyone who has experience negotiating severance packages or dealing with remote position eliminations. Any guidance or support would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this challenging time.