My job offered me a voluntary severance. Here’s what my decision taught me

If your employer offered you a lump sum to permanently ditch the job that stresses you out like no other, would you take the money and run—or worry about what it might cost you later? I never thought I’d actually encounter this career conundrum. Looking back, I’m surprised by the choice I made.

The all-company virtual meeting initially seemed like any of the weeklies that had preceded it. There was a weird icebreaker to get folks loose, various team updates, some HR housekeeping. Then...