Can I collect unemployment if my new job doesn’t work out?

I was with my previous employer more than 2 years. I was layed off because they were downsizing. Since then, I have been on unemployment (for about 6 months). Now another job has presented itself. What if this new job does not come through with their promises and I decide to leave because I did not make the money I thought I would be making?

Can I still claim unemployment from my previous job even if I quit the new job? I read in one of your previous Q&A that there is a “Florida…provision that finds the employer non-charged if they terminate within 90 days”. Is this true? Does that mean I can quit for any reason and still collect unemployment from my previous employer? Just as long as I quit prior to the 30 days?

Please help because I do not want to put my unemployment at risk for this “vague” or uncertain pay job. But I am desperate for a job too and this is my only option at the time.

Hi,

DO NOT, ever count on the fact that an employer may be non-charged for benefits as a replacement for a reason as to why you will be allowed to quit and get benefits. Big mistake. Most employers don’t even know what they might be non-charged for .. therefore they protest everything. If I knew right now .. where I referenced that .. I’d remove it.

If you quit a subsequent job and don’t like it, the most likely scenario is that you will be found to have voluntarily quit without good cause.

It is always the most recent work that decides whether you will get benefits back .. even if another employment allowed benefits at the beginning of the claim.

While you are on unemployment you must take jobs that are offered that your state considers to be “suitable work”.

Finding out what a state considers “suitable work” is the problem.

They consider things like prior training and experience, pay, distance, health and safety what similar jobs in your labor market are paying .. how long you have been collecting unemployment (some states even consider any offered work suitable after “certain periods of time”).

My point .. I guess, is if you have doubts before you take a job .. that is the time to clear up your doubts and if you believe it is “unsuitable” make sure the reason for your belief will satisfy any possible refusal of suitable work issue.

Not knowing what you are getting into when you take a job .. is a lousy excuse to quit .. unless you can prove that the employer was dishonest with you at the time of hire about the job in some substantial way ..

Proving good cause for quitting requires proactive behavior on the employee’s part .. just like discharging for misconduct requires proactive behavior on the employer’s part .. if a party wants to win.

It’s the burden of being the moving party.

Remove your desperation for a job from the picture. Take a very objective view of the offered employment. Does it suit you? If it does and the employer is forthcoming with all the details that satisfy your doubts .. it’s probably suitable.