TLDR:

1. Non-Discretionary Bonus: Is it realistic or a red flag to ask an employer to make my performance bonus non-discretionary in my initial offer letter?

Prorated Bonus on Layoff: Is it unheard of to request a clause that prorates my bonus if I get laid off prior to the payout date through no fault of my own?

Guaranteed Severance: Has anyone successfully negotiated a standard minimum severance (like 4 to 8 weeks) directly into their initial job offer letter for an IC / mid-level ($80k–$100k) remote role?

Context & Background

I'm Gen Z in corporate, and I was laid off about three weeks ago. This marks my 4th layoff in under 4 years, and none of them were performance-related. At my latest role, my manager actually got laid off a month before I did.

Because of this, I've completely stopped drinking the corporate Kool-Aid.…