My layoff story
Late 50's, had 10+ years in accounting at a F100 company. A tersely worded email was sent out to targeted employees (those 55+ with 10 years) offering a "generous" severance package if an early retirement offer was accepted. I kinda brushed it off and was planning to grind it out for a few more years.
My boss asked me if l read the email. I replied that l saw it, but wasn't interested in the offer. Boss had confidential information that our group was being outsourced (he didn't tell me), but l read between the lines and got the hint that l should take the offer, which l did. That got me an enhanced severance package.
My final day was about 3 months out. I spent quite a bit of time documenting various tasks l was responsible for and transferring knowledge to the offshore employees of the professional services firm taking over our roles.
Quite a few of my colleagues also accepted the offer. I cut back on my spending and retired. None of my colleagues seeking employment have landed anything meaningful 6 months later even with a stellar work history, CPA license, and advanced degrees. The job market is challenging for older workers based on my experience.