Offered my dream job by a company that furloughed but hired back employees during the pandemic.

Anonymous

January 5,2022 at 6:00AM UTC

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Offered my dream job by a company that furloughed but hired back employees during the pandemic.

If you were offered your dream job but had to move during the pandemic would you do it? I need to make a decision soon and during any other time, I would move in a heart beat. My worry is that the company furloughed staff during the height of the pandemic. If I quit my job and move to another city, I run the risk of being furloughed in the future. If I forgo the opportunity, I might be not get another chance with that company. Would you take the risk?

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AnonymousJanuary 5,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
There are many many "Dream jobs" with amazing companies in a lifetime. So don't make that a deciding factor.
The chance of being furloughed in the future exists everywhere. So, while I am glad you did not have to deal with that during the pandemic, layoffs are a fact if life where ever you go.
I don't live my life in fear of what may happen in the future. I make my decisions based on what I know to be true today and what makes my heart skip a beat. There are so many things that are out of our control but you get one life.
AnonymousJanuary 5,2022 at 9:04PM UTC
Thank you and while I agree about not living in fear, there's already confirmed writing on this industry's wall. Positions are being furloughed again as of last week. When I applied for the position, it was a long process, the variant wasn't a factor.
Anything can happen, even in my current company but adding the expense of moving when things are uncertain isn't a chance I'm willing to take. You helped me answer my question and it's not the right job at this time.
AnonymousJanuary 7,2022 at 2:46PM UTC
This happened to me right before the pandemic started and it was my dream job too. When it hit only a few months after I started, they laid me off immediately and then went around publicly patting themselves on the back for not laying anyone off during the pandemic. So just bald face lying. I would not trust any company that furloughed and rehired. Dream job or not.
AnonymousJanuary 7,2022 at 9:09PM UTC
Thank you, Anonymous. I appreciate your feedback. First of all, I'm sorry this happened to you, especially when it was your dream job!
Sadly, your cautionary tale is exactly why I was worried. If they furloughed before what would stop them from again while things are getting worse with the variant. I'm watching other companies in that industry starting to furlough employees and I feel it's only time for them to do so as well. I hope you were able to find another job that recognizes your value!
AnonymousJanuary 7,2022 at 11:55PM UTC
You’re very kind to say, thank you and I definitely landed on my feet :).
I hear you completely. Going through all that, having left a company I loved and where I was valued, all I could think was “a happy bird in my hand is better than the two I don’t know in the bush.” Good luck.
Delete AccountJanuary 7,2022 at 6:32PM UTC
Weigh your risks and be honest about your risk tolerance. I moved in the middle of the pandemic cross country and all ended up well but there are no guarantees in life whether there is a pandemic or not. If you have an emergency fund that can be a cushion if it doesn't work out.
AnonymousJanuary 8,2022 at 5:43PM UTC
Thank you, Kris. I'm glad things worked out for you! If I had more savings, I'd be more willing to take the leap. I didn't realize I was still in the running for the position when I took a trip in November.
We had to use our days or lose them so a vacation was in order. As I mentioned, it's been a long process and I was shocked to be offered the job when I returned.
I would need to relocate to an expensive city and while I have a nest egg, I would rather have more as a back-up plan. The company furloughed for more than year and that's my apprehension. Now that the variant is prominent in that city, things are slowly shutting down again.
Without giving away the company, the industry depends on tourism. If that's restricted or postponed so are the jobs. I've taken a lot of risks in my past even moving overseas for position. I'm trusting my gut and it feels like too big of a risk at this time. I appreciated your advice.
MarissaJanuary 17,2022 at 3:48PM UTC
I was also furloughed during the pandemic and theycompany I worked for is again hiring. My previous supervisor had let me know about a position opening but after discussing the position, I decided I don't think I can trust the company any longer. I was heartbroken when they let me go but in the end, they did what they needed to do to survive. This wasn't my dream job, so that may change my position but the question you have to ask yourself is are you willing to take the risk. I am sure this position is available at other organizations, why not network and explore your past job at a new company if you cannot trust them anymore. This is the time to make transition again if you can!
AnonymousJanuary 17,2022 at 7:34PM UTC
Thank you, Marissa. I appreciate your advice. I decided to pass out on the offer as while I understand why the company had to furlough in the past, I couldn't take the risk. The unfortunate situation is that I've worked in that role in other companies but I wanted to move into that industry. Sadly, it's not the time to transition into that sector due to the entertainment furloughs. I was hoping that 2022 would provide a better opportunity but I guess I'm staying in my current field until I can justify giving up a paycheck for a chance. During the pandemic, I bought a house so before it would have been just giving up an apartment without the same financial implications. If I was furloughed, I still need to make mortgage payments. Wishing you all the best for a brighter 2022!