To elaborate on your point, and to seek a little clarity on what's going on here... The severance deal thing is kind of like a bonus for helping make the trans

To elaborate on your point, and to seek a little clarity on what's going on here... The severance deal thing is kind of like a bonus for helping make the transition easy... you can forego the bonus and "stick it" to your employer, but it won't necessarily affect your future employment opportunities. I assume the certificate thing is like a proof of employment? So HR saying "Play by our rules or we'll do everything in our power to make your life difficult" is coercive and should be illegal if it isn't already.