Older workers leaving work force need exit strategies.

By Alejandro Bodipo-Memba, Detroit Free Press Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Dec. 30--Most baby boomers know how to bargain for a raise, a promotion, extra time off or other perks, like the corner office.

But early retirement? That's not something this generation has much experience asking for or even coping with when employers push them toward the door.

It's the next, and possibly last, big career decision many of the nation's 76 million boomers will face.

The lucky ones who have saved enough money to quit their jobs before the traditional retirement age of 65 will be looking for an exit strategy. What leverage do they have to wrangle a bonus, a better pension or even part-time work from their employers?

Many others might be offered early retirement whether they're financially ready or not. If they don't take it, would they be laid off with a far less generous severance package?

"It is usually thrust upon them when they are not ready for it, and it can be a little traumatic," said Warren McIntyre, a certified …