Should I take this job OR shove it?

[Mookie]

Here's my dilemma: I was recently laid off after many years working for the same company. I'm now on "income continuance" for up to 12 months, or until I find another job. I was recently offered a temporary 10 month position with my old company at about the same salary, but with the "possibility" of an extension.

I have been struggling with the decision of whether to take this job or not. If I take the job, I would basically be working the next 10 months for free, in order to gain a chance at an extension, or maybe even a permanent position. If I don't take the job, I can just relax and have fun for the next 10 months, and then find something else, but there are no guarantees of what I might find.

So, should I take the next 10 months off (and get paid to do so), or should I take this job in order to get a shot at an extension???

[mind_business]

The offer for a possible extension may be real ... but it could also simply be your company trying to get their money's worth by getting you to work for the continuance amount. I would be cautious. Would they reset the income Continuance after your temp position is done? If not, I would look elsewhere for work.

Hopefully you're from Alberta or Saskatchewan where the jobs are plenty.

[peterk]

Well, how rich are you?

To clarify, was the company that just laid you off the one that wants you back? That seem suspicious...

[sags]

One question I would find out the answer before making a decision.

If you refuse the job.............is the benefit terminated?

[Mookie]

Thanks for the quick responses guys! To clarify, the company that is offering me the job is the one I used to work for before my most recent employer that laid me off. I don't think my income continuance could be terminated if I refuse this offer, as it can be argued that it by itself (without the possibility of extension) is not really a financial benefit to me.

[Spudd]

Personally I don't think I would take it unless they could mold it into a permanent role for you. The only real advantages to taking it are the possibility they may extend it, and less of a gap on your resume. But I don't think either is worth working for free.

I would job-hunt during the 10 months off but only accept a permanent position. Otherwise like you say you're essentially working for free. BTW I find it baffling that the original company can put such a string on their benefit. I would think they need to pay you that severance whether or not you find another job. I know obviously that's not the case, I just think it's bizarre.

[Four Pillars]

How would your old company know if you are working or not? I'm assuming you wouldn't tell them.

Getting a one year paid holiday is nothing to sneeze at - I wouldn't just give it away.

Unless you can't handle the risk of unemployment after the continuance ends (at which point you should be able to collect ei), I would think about what you want to do on your time off and figure out it it's worthwhile.

If you want to do some traveling, start a business, get in shape, do some work on your house etc etc - now's the time.

[Lephturn]

I would not look at this as a "holiday". I would look at it as a rare chance to invest some serious time in examining what you would like to do in the next 10-20 years and spend time educating and preparing yourself for what you'd like to do. This is a great opportunity if you have been in the same industry/job for 10 years and you are interested in trying something else! 12 months of income plus EI after that may give you an opportunity to change career paths that you may never have had otherwise.

For clarity - are you required to notifiy your last employer if you get another job, and does that terminate your payout from them?

You should also be concerned that a 12 month gap in your resume' could be a problem. A big part of your decision will depend on the job market for your skills/knowledge and where you fit into it. If you are in high demand then you may be better off to take at least a good part of those 12 months - if you think you will struggle to find something you may not want to risk it.

[MoneyGal]

For clarity - are you required to notifiy your last employer if you get another job, and does that terminate your payout from them?

Typically that is how income continuance works.

[Plugging Along]

I would not take the job, as it's is not permanent, and it will be more difficult to do job hunting when are you are already working because it will be more difficult to schedule around your work.

I think it comes down to whether you think there is a good chance that this job will become permanent. If not, I would keep looking.