Asked To Go On Unpaid Vacation Today

[The River]

I was "asked" to go on unpaid "vacation" starting today
for at least the next 2 weeks. It could be longer,
much longer. I can hold out for 3 or 4 months if I have to.

I want to see the company succeed for multiple reasons
and don't want them to see an increase in unemployment tax
if they officially lay me off. I can take a "hit" for the company
and live on savings for a while....but chances of actually going back to work look bleak.
My technical specialty within the housing / development industry has totally tanked.

After 44 years of always having a job, how long do I
hold out, as a friend of the owners, before insisting they make it official so I
can at least apply for unemployment to help with expenses?

[Avalux]

1. I'm sorry to hear this. Is it a small company?

I get the idea that it is and they'd take a hit for unemployment ins. Others besides you?

I was unceremoniously laid off at the beginning of February and filed unemployment immediately; lucky enough to find another job and will start next week.

Bottom line - you have to think of yourself first and do what's best for you. Try to talk to someone at the company and find out just how bad things are for them. Might be best to cut loose and file so you can get unemployment. Good luck to you. :hi:

[The River]

5. Yes

a few friends (6) who banded together out of necessity.
We are all near retirement age (2-5 years).
If the housing industry recovers we will survive.
But, always that but.

Thanks

[Avalux]

6. Oh that is tough.

I really am sorry; I sincerely hope things turn around for you, your company and the housing market - SOON. Hang in there. :hug:

[snappyturtle]

2. Are you certain you can't apply for unemployment after all you're not working.

I realize it varies from state to state but it's worth looking into. I say this because I've just been through this with my daughter.....her company called it a temporary job suspension. Five weeks went by until it was made permanent. I wish she had applied and could have. Good luck to you....sorry.

[The River]

9. Technically Speaking

I guess it is a layoff but hopefully
short term. If 5 or 6 weeks don;t see an
improvement I will make it official.

Thanks

[angstlessk]

3. why are they asking you to go on 'permanent vacation' and you still consider them friends?

their unemployment insurance will only go up if they still have other employees...why not let one of them go? They want you to spend all your savings to save then a few hundred per month?...NOT AN EVEN TRADE!

[The River]

7. It Isn't Something

they wanted to do. We're all making sacrifices.
Keeping the doors open and the phone working
is important, but not as important as my own
long term survival.
I'm thinking 6 weeks and then insisting.

[LakeSamish706]

4. Just me, but I think I would want the UI route.... They can always rehire you if it...

works out.

[Lisa0825]

8. I'm in the club too....

I started a new job in January after being laid off due to hurricane Ike. Last week, we were told we'd have to take 6 unpaid days off over the next 90 days (corresponding to a 10% pay cut for exempt employees). On the one hand, OUCH! But on the other hand, I am glad they are trying to do whatever they can to prevent layoffs. I just hope this is enough.

UI depends on the state. Here, if your hours are cut by 20% you can quit and still qualify for UI, or if you are cut by 35% or more, you can keep working and apply for supplemental UI. But like I said, it varies state by state.

[The River]

10. Virginia

several other former employees are already collecting UI.
I'm the next to next to last to go before the doors close.

[Gman]

11. You're likely eligible for UI the first day off

as you are available to work but there is no work. That's the definition of laid off. If your friend is a friend, he won't mind you filing for UI. Furthermore, how bad could the hit be for him? I don't know what state you're in but UI is a relatively small percentage (2% - 3% depending on the claim record) on the first like $9,000 an employee is paid. That's max $270 a year. And if his rate goes up he only pays that rate on those that are left on the payroll. You're not going to cost the guy a helluva lot of money. And if the his UI going up causes him to go out of business he's already out of business.

[The River]

17. You're Right

Thats about a half weeks pay they would be liable for.
If they go out of business it won't matter. The office lease
expires in 3 months so that will be a definite point when something
has to give. There are enough receivables due to last till then.

[riverdeep]

12. If you can hold out for three months,

I would go back to them after a month, if they say no, tell them to make it official. Take it from me, it will take you longer to get a job than you think, bills will present themselves from nowhere, and the next thing you know, you're selling you're furniture to make next months rent.

I don't want to scare you or put you in a panic, but TOMMOROW work on your job plan-your resume, your most likely employment scenarios, etc.-and activate it by Wednesday. You now have to act as if this job is never coming back, no matter the assurances you may have gotten. If it comes back, then you are in a position to decide. You may find yourself considering jobs you wouldn't think you would have to do, like janitor or whatever. If it keeps some money coming in, do it. All the while, you can look for a better job, but at least there's something coming in. Unemployment can take a while to kick in, don't forget, if not be outright denied, rightly or wrongly.

Oh, and if times get really tough, Bush's Baked Beans make a nice filling cheap meal with no cooking.

[The River]

14. Thanks

A lot of jobs I used to be able to do are no longer an option.
@ 60 it's not getting any easier to even sit at a computer all day
let alone physical labor.
I have specialized in living cheap
since putting my daughter through college
15 years ago. Preparing for times like these I guess.

[riverdeep]

16. Hey, I understand that.

I was a nineteen year old digging holes in ninety degree weather a long time ago, and that was hard THEN. I do want you to become activated though. Don't take things lightly here, you're in a dangerous time. The cure for that is action. I know that there were times I COULD NOT SLEEP and get those thoughts of worry out of my head, I went and did what I could to get my job plan further. The most important thing is that you don't whither. Whithering, for any length of time (there will be days), is bad. Stay energized, it's allows you to recognize opportunity. Seriously, good luck.

Oh, and come to think of it, Bush's Beans are pretty good even if you're not poor.

[The River]

18. I Do Like Bush's Beans

despite the name *bush.
I buy the veg version without the "piece-o-pork".
Also their chili is very close to what I make
from scratch. Nice when I'm too tired to cook.

nice name btw.
mine comes from being a canoe guide
way back when.

[SoCalDem]

13. Friend or not, I would ask them to put something in writing

and sign it.. something like..

unpaid leave for x numbers of days (in lieu if immediate layoff)...and if that day passes and you are no longer "offered" a comeback, you would at least be protected when you DID try for unemployment compensation..

good luck to you :)

[The River]

15. Thank You

I knew it was coming but it's still a bit of a shock.
I'll get it all official by weeks end I guess.
The kicker is we have a few hugh!1! jobs pending
but the lenders are holding back and nothing
moves ahead.