[naveen99]

Don’t contracts have to be two sided ? Like a promise to donate no strings attached, and then not donating is no breach of contract. If there are strings attached to donation and the other side promises signs off on the strings, then you have a contract but it’s not a one sided donation.

[lmm]

Under at-will employment, merely continuing to work for an employer amounts to consideration. This is well established.

[lukevp]

Giving up a large portion of your life to work for a company isn’t enough of a party to a contract in this regard? Someone could conceivably take this job over others, or not leave as early, if they have assurances of severance. It’s not a gift any more than paying someone for employment is a gift, so I don’t see how this has anything to do with charity.

[thaumasiotes]

That wasn't done in exchange for Elon Musk's severance offer. Existing employees when he took over were... already employees when he took over.

[mlyle]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estoppel

Detrimental reliance/promissory estoppel.

If an employee continues to work under a contract, relying upon a promise that is later broken...