When your boss decides to terminate you, they want you gone yesterday.

After they drop a bombshell on you, you are handed a separation agreement and pushed to sign it before you can take the time to process anything that has just happened.

They typically require you to release all legal claims in exchange for compensation. Once signed, your leverage is gone.

Before signing, you should understand:

• What claims you may have

• What rights you are waiving

• Whether the offer reflects your legal exposure

• Whether the terms are negotiable

Employers often expect employees to accept the first offer quietly, and insist that the terms are set in stone. In reality, they are afraid that you’ll push back—particularly where discrimination, retaliation, or wage violations are involved.

Employers will “flood the zone” during a termination, getting you swept up and out the door by keeping you feeling overwhelmed. Their best-case scenario is for you to deal with it alone.

Don’t hand them that advantage. Talk to an expert to get the best deal possible while you find your next (and undoubtedly better) opportunity.