It is, but I’ll honestly give Microsoft credit here. I have several friends who work there who are nearing retirement, and this is honestly the best way to do it. You leave with dignity, you get a fat check, and you get to retire early. I have a couple who have done it already. Honestly, as far as layoffs go, it’s the best way to do it.

The only gotcha is if you choose to stay you officially know you’re on notice, you probably shouldn’t trust it. If you don’t take it then tomorrow you could be shown the door with a minimal severance, or no severance at all.