What to Do If Your Employer Gives You a Separation Agreement to Sign? Here’s a Hint: Do NOT Sign It.
- Anne Marie the AntiHR Lady
- Feb 9, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3
So, your employer just handed you a separation agreement. Whether you were expecting it or not, let me be clear:
Do. Not. Sign. It.
At least, not yet.
Before you touch a pen or open DocuSign, you need to understand exactly what’s at stake—and how to protect yourself. This blog post breaks down what a separation agreement really is, what to look for, and why signing it too quickly can be one of the biggest mistakes of your professional life.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement is a legal contract. Period.
It’s designed to protect the employer, not you.
Usually offered when an employee is laid off, fired, or subtly pushed out, this document typically asks you to:
Give up your right to sue the company
Waive claims related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
Agree to silence about your experience through confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses
Accept a payment, labeled as “severance” or a “separation package,” in exchange for all of the above
Here’s what no one tells you:The moment you sign, your leverage is gone.
Why you should never sign a separation agreement right away
Employers often present these agreements with urgency—"We need this signed by Friday," or "Everyone signs the same one." That pressure is strategic. They’re hoping you’ll sign without fully understanding your rights.
But once you sign:
You may lose the right to sue for discrimination, retaliation, or wrongful termination
You may be gagged from sharing your experience
You cannot renegotiate terms or ask for more money
What to do instead
1. Pause and breathe
Take a moment to gather yourself. Whether you're blindsided or saw it coming, you deserve time to think strategically.
2. Do not sign it yet
Tell HR you need time to review the agreement. Ask for a written deadline. If you're over 40, federal law gives you at least 21 days to consider it.
3. Use my separation agreement checklist
Before you sign anything, you need to understand exactly what you’re being asked to agree to—and what you’re giving up.
📄 Download the AntiHR Separation Agreement Checklist to break it all down. It’s designed to help you flag red flags and ask the right questions before you give up your legal rights.
4. Enroll in the Mastering Separation Agreements Course
Want to understand every clause, every trap, and every opportunity to negotiate for more?
🎓 Enroll in my online course Mastering Separation Agreements – It’s a self-paced, practical guide that helps you:
Decode legal language
Identify hidden risks
Learn how to push back with confidence
Understand when and how to negotiate terms
If your job is ending, this course could help you walk away with more money, more protection, and less regret.
5. Document Everything
Keep a copy of the agreement, all related emails, and notes from conversations. If you’ve experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, now is the time to gather your documentation—before your access is revoked.
📝 Need help staying organized?
Download the AntiHR Documentation Journal to start building your case.
What If You Already Signed?
If you’ve already signed a separation agreement, don’t panic. Depending on the terms and how recently you signed, there may still be a window to revoke it (especially if you’re over 40). Contact me immediately to explore your options.
Protect Yourself First — THEN Negotiate
Too often, people rush to sign because they’re scared, confused, or desperate to move on. I get it. But signing without negotiating can mean walking away from tens of thousands of dollars—or giving up your ability to ever speak the truth about what happened.
You deserve better. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Get More Support
Want Help? Book a Discovery Call.
If you’ve been handed a separation agreement and you’re not sure what to do next, let’s talk.
🟣 Book a 20-minute Discovery Call with me HERE
Better Yet—Join the AntiHR Membership Community
If you’re dealing with a toxic workplace, retaliation, or being pushed out, the AntiHR Membership Community gives you the tools and support you need:
💥 Free access to my workplace eBooks and tools
💥 Member-only webinars, resources, and live Q&A sessions
💥 Annual members get a FREE discovery call every year
💥 It's just $12/month when you join as an annual member
🟣 Learn more and join now:
Final Thoughts
Being handed a separation agreement can feel like the end—but it might just be the beginning of your freedom. Don’t rush, don’t panic, and don’t sign without understanding your rights.
For more tips about navigating and escaping difficult HR situations:
Book a Discovery Call Here
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Subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out my playlists!
Subscribe to my website for the latest updates and resources
You have options. You have support. You have power.
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