I recently made the tough decision to leave my job after two decades. I felt like I had maximized my impact and reached a ceiling in my role, leading to a growing detachment from my work. It was clear that a vacation wouldn’t resolve my feelings, so I decided it was time to move on. My departure was officially labeled as a 'mutual separation,' and I left on good terms with a severance package, which was a relief. I want to focus on the career path I truly desire now. However, in the two weeks since leaving, I've faced some challenges during interviews. Interviewers seem fixated on my long tenure and my current unemployment status. I'm looking for advice on how to explain my situation in a way that feels definitive and leaves no room for doubt. I’m not trying to defend my choice, but I want to present a clear narrative about my decision to leave and my intentions moving forward. Some suggestions I’ve received include simply stating that I was laid off, as details can confuse recruiters. Others advised me to emphasize that I left on good terms to consider my next steps carefully, ensuring that my skills are utilized in an engaging role. I realize now that it might have been better to secure a new job while still employed, as there seems to be a bias towards candidates who are currently working.