The COVID-19 pandemic has unsettled the country’s employment picture for months and will likely continue to do so for a while.

However, the nature and terminology of this disruption varies greatly among individuals – some have seen their jobs disappear, others have been “furloughed” and still others have been offered an early retirement. If you’re in this final group – those either offered, or feeling forced to accept, an early retirement, how should you respond?

Try to look at your situation holistically, rather than strictly in a short-term manner. Consider these four areas:...