Should I do contract work for employer who recently axed me?

Question

Ok... I was recently laid off... still looking for a new job, i need to get medical coverage soon for me and the kids... place that laid me off calls and asks me to come back and work for them on a contract/temp basis. Now... I want to remain on good terms with them, they are a reference - i was with them for almost 5 years and all... but I need to focus on finding a new job... doing this temp work will surely slow down my progress in doing so. My husband says I should tell them to "go to you-know-where" - but I don't know... what do you think?

Answer 1

Be careful. They are paying your unemployment insurance to the fed's. If you turn it down, they can report you to unemployment and say you turned down a bonafide paying job, which can cause your unemployment checks to be yanked.

Take the job, but ask for flexibility in hours when you have an interview arise. I am sure they will understand.

Answer 2

If your family can use the income, then by all means, swallow the bitter pill, put aside your pride and take the job.

I suspect, since you are being called to come back, that your boss had a very tough decision in letting you go and I bet he/she fought to keep you there but was overruled by Corporate. But, once you left it became even more apparent to your employer just how valuable you were.

By accepting the contract position, you might even find that your old, permanent position might open up again.

With good jobs so hard to find these days, I think it's a good opportunity that you should take advantage of.

Answer 3

If you dont have a job at the moment go for it..but keep looking and soon as you find a new job get even.... You probably could use the money. They are probably hiring you back on a contract to avoid paying you employee benefits.... Remember if they issue a 1099 you are responsible for your SSI tax and income tax withholding....just a thought... Go make some money...only after you have exhausted your unemployment benefits--if you are collecting.

Answer 4

Boy, they have balls, don't they?

Ask for double your previous hourly wage since they aren't paying you benefits now. You can tell them that your rate has to go up to compensate for the lack of benefits. If they were paying a temp firm to find someone they'd be paying more as a commission to the temp firm, so they are hoping you'll come back at a bargain rate. Continue to search for a more permanent job.