It's a generous payout. The cuts seem indiscriminate when I look at all the talented people being cut. I imagine that it is hard to surgically remove 20% of your workforce.
Right now, I'm torn between looking for work immediately and asking for a delayed start, or going on vacation now and looking for work when I get back.
All I know is that Mars Bar (the local bar) will be busy tonight.
I took a few months after my last resignation and it allowed me to really think clearly without the daily distractions of corporate life. It really let me reexamine my priorities and how I want to live going forward, so if you're (a) comfortable financially (I had few if any financial obligations) and (b) are confident in your ability to find a good role in the future, I can vouch for the mental benefits of just taking it easy for a few months, even if you don't do anything "special".
Oh, and thanks for sharing your perspective with us!
I'm not sure what 3+ months' salary is for you, but I was able to live for a year in NW Thailand for $20k. I wouldn't be the person I am today had I not done that.
As an aside, this is why the US should have longer mandatory holiday. Taking a vacation would be the last thing on my mind if I was laid off, but our country has 5 weeks of semi-paid holidays a year.
Good luck with your decision, I'm sure you'll land on your feet.
my friend got 6 months after talking to HR and agreeing to sign the doc. remember, no one asks you to sign something for your benefit :)