As many in the workforce go to great lengths to keep their jobs, many others are longing for layoff. They are the "unhappily employed," people who've survived months, even years, toiling at jobs that provide little personal pleasure beyond a paycheck. They yearn for new and exciting work to wake up to every day, but they have little time to satisfy such urges.

It's called "layoff lust," i.e. the strong desire to be laid off from one's job. Burdened by unfulfilling work, the layoff lusters long to get lucky, to be sent away with a severance package, providing time at last to pursue their passions.

But for now, they're biding their time, suppressing their desires, waiting for the axe to fall, fantasizing about what it would be like to work elsewhere. They occasionally flirt with other job prospects, but seldom get past first base. They’re stuck in the safety and security of work without love.

Seducing the Terminator

Losing your job ought to be easy. “Just say no" to any new work assignments. Try showing up late, showing up drunk, showing up your boss -- or try showing too much, maybe with your own strategically-implemented "wardrobe malfunction.” If nothing else, people will remember you.

But be careful your plan doesn't backfire. Doing your job poorly can sometimes lead to advancement and promotion -- and doing your job well can get you canned. Just look at all the people who have lost their jobs despite peak performance.

So, if you want to achieve termination with a big financial payoff, you'll need to convince your boss that paying you to leave is a worthy investment. The cost of keeping you must be greater than the cost of letting you go.

There is nothing sexy about unemployment, so make sure you have adequate financial resources before plotting your break-up. A layoff does not automatically guarantee a financial settlement. On average, severance packages equate to two weeks of pay for each year of service, but there are wide variations from company to company. Find out how previous layoffs and terminations have been handled at your company. If your organization doesn't have a written severance policy, it may have some precedents to steer you.

Developing Your Proposition

To negotiate an amicable split, you'll need to tempt your boss with an appealing proposition, but it must be a win-win affair. The advantages for you are obvious, but make sure it's good for your employer too.

Explore alternate ways for fulfilling your responsibilities, perhaps by consolidating tasks or transferring your assignments to other staff members. Eliminate activities that do not positively impact revenue -- and be sure to factor in the gains of freeing up your office space (and computer) for someone else to use. Also consider the tax implications, benefits and worker's compensation costs. Severance pay may be more cost-effective than continuing to support you indefinitely.

Exploring Your Fantasies

Until you have a career strategy in place, you're not ready to make your move. You don't make good career decisions by getting away from a bad situation -- you make them by moving toward a good situation.

Take time to define your dream job -- one you want to wake up to in the morning. Identify what you desire above and beyond a paycheck -- independence, creativity, learning? Solicit information about career areas of interest. Engage a career counselor or coach, read career books and articles or gather suggestions from friends and colleagues. If you don't know what you want to do, you may just end up in another bad work relationship.

When you're ready, slip your written proposal to your boss. Volunteer to be laid-off, but don't make it sound like a resignation. Take the high road. Let your actions appear to be in the interest of the company's current fiscal situation as well as your long-term career aspirations. Ask him/her to read your proposal and set a time to discuss it with you.

With a little planning, you can achieve the kind of work life you've only dreamed about. Sure, this all may sound a little risky (or risqué), but there is excitement in danger. Pablo Picasso once said, "It is your work in life that is the ultimate seduction.” He knew what it was like to be in love with his work. You can too -- if you let your passions guide you.

© 2004, Career Planning and Management, Inc., Boston, MA.  All rights reserved.