Some departments have offered temporary extensions of employment through December, The Detroit News reported. The buyouts were effective Nov. 30, with most spending their last day at work Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Chrysler plans to cut 5,000 jobs from its 17,000 white-collar workforce. Those who had been with the company at least 10 years were offered $100,000 and those with less experience $50,000 plus, for both, a $25,000 voucher to buy a Chrysler vehicle.

For many employees, the decision was easy.

"I figured I can take a chance. I'm 28, single -- I can go wherever I want," said Jessica Krul, who has worked in purchasing for two years.

For long-term employees, the decision was tougher.

"I've been through previous downturns, but there was always a light at the end of the tunnel," said Jim Burns, 54, who has been with the company for 32 years. "This time I'm not seeing any progress. I couldn't turn it down."