Laid off last Friday. Got a job offer through a connect today but I don’t want it. Feeling guilty.

[Anonymous]

I was laid off last Friday. Luckily, after my lease ended a few months ago I moved back in with my parents (my plan was to travel around Europe for a 6 months since I could work anywhere), so I don’t have any major bills. My old manager, who I really liked, got wind of what happened and said he wanted to add me to his team; I wouldn’t even have to interview. He called today and told me about the position; I’d be doing the same work but in a different industry. An industry that I worked in when I first started my career 10 years ago. After the call my gut just wasn’t sold. In fact, the thought of working in that industry kind of made my stomach turn into knots, not in a major way but still. Here’s the thing, I could turn it down but I’d feel like I would be an idiot for turning down a job during a recession when I’ve been laid off and I don’t even have to interview for. Also, beggars can’t be choosers, right?

I’m not sure what to do. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Take the job and apply elsewhere while employed.

[Anonymous]

As someone who was out of work for two years after a layoff, I'd take it. But you may be in a more stable position since you are (presumably) younger and living with your parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take the job and apply elsewhere while employed.

+1
It’s much easier to get a job while you already have one.

[Anonymous]

You don't really know if you're a beggar yet, right - you haven't started looking for a job?

Could you still work remotely? How's the salary and vacation package?

Could you ask to start a month from now and give yourself some decompression time before jumping back in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take the job and apply elsewhere while employed.

This and because your old manager is so fond of you, be open that you’re doing this. You don’t want to burn a bridge. Maybe join on a consulting basis.

[Anonymous]

How long before you’d have to let them know? You don’t want to take the first job just because. You should shop around.

[Anonymous]

How is your industry and skill set right now? How do you feel about your ability to get a new job that's a good fit for you? If you feel good about your prospects and this isn't the job you want right now, and you're young with no financial liabilities, I'd turn it down.

If you are nervous about finding another job or you don't feel you have adequate savings to cover an extended time period unemployed, then you should at least consider taking it.

If you feel bad turning the job down because your old manager went out of his way to help you and you feel guilty, that's NOT a good reason to take the job. Turn it down, with your thanks and apologies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is your industry and skill set right now? How do you feel about your ability to get a new job that's a good fit for you? If you feel good about your prospects and this isn't the job you want right now, and you're young with no financial liabilities, I'd turn it down.

If you are nervous about finding another job or you don't feel you have adequate savings to cover an extended time period unemployed, then you should at least consider taking it.

If you feel bad turning the job down because your old manager went out of his way to help you and you feel guilty, that's NOT a good reason to take the job. Turn it down, with your thanks and apologies.

My contractor is calling me tomorrow with prospects, so other than me being a naturally very anxious person, I’m not totally concerned about finding something new. Luckily because I’m with my parents I probably have about $600 worth of a bills a month, and with unemployment that’s plenty to cover it. I have quite a bit of savings if push really comes to shove.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is your industry and skill set right now? How do you feel about your ability to get a new job that's a good fit for you? If you feel good about your prospects and this isn't the job you want right now, and you're young with no financial liabilities, I'd turn it down.

If you are nervous about finding another job or you don't feel you have adequate savings to cover an extended time period unemployed, then you should at least consider taking it.

If you feel bad turning the job down because your old manager went out of his way to help you and you feel guilty, that's NOT a good reason to take the job. Turn it down, with your thanks and apologies.

My contractor is calling me tomorrow with prospects, so other than me being a naturally very anxious person, I’m not totally concerned about finding something new. Luckily because I’m with my parents I probably have about $600 worth of a bills a month, and with unemployment that’s plenty to cover it. I have quite a bit of savings if push really comes to shove.

Oh and my skillset, I feel really good about that and in my industry there’s always a need for people with my background.

[Anonymous]

What happened to Europe? Go take the trip. The job market is great in this “recession”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take the job and apply elsewhere while employed. [/quote

Bingo! Take it, do a great job while you are there and keep looking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take the job and apply elsewhere while employed. [/quote

Bingo! Take it, do a great job while you are there and keep looking.

And then definitely burn the bridge with her boss?

[Anonymous]

Your old manager, huh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What happened to Europe? Go take the trip. The job market is great in this “recession”

Yes - are you actually bummed out about the job offer? Or because you would walk away from 6months in Europe? If it’s the former, don’t accept the job. If it’s the latter, negotiate a delayed start date and maybe go on a 2 or 3 month trip to Europe.