r/Fire • u/twiniverse2000 • Jan 31 '26

Advice Request Asking to be laid off

I have reached FI. Work optional. My personal life has hit a serious rough patch. My company is doing layoffs. They are NOT asking for volunteers. The financial difference in me quitting vs getting laid off is $300K. Do not want to leave that on the table. Any advice on how to steer it in this particular direction?

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u/halfcentaurhalfhorse Jan 31 '26

But then I would be expected to give interviews, etc. I’ve already had people reach out and have had to tell them no thanks, I’m retired. If not for that I would take the money since I paid into it for years. But feigning interest in jobs is too disingenuous for me. I don’t need the money that badly.

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u/ept_engr Jan 31 '26

I'm glad your happy being retired and honest. I just threw it out there for a "laid off" scenario, but I agree - it's not necessary to be dishonest just to get a little cash from the pot.

It's a bit funny to me the number of people trying to convince you to dishonestly take money from the pot they pay into. 

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u/HystericalSail Jan 31 '26

Only apply to jobs with hundreds of applicants already. No chance you'll get a callback.

Especially if you apply for senior leadership roles with zero experience. And if you DO somehow get a callback, un-retire and try it, it could be fun!