A widow and a job loss
Q: I became a widow several years ago. My husband handled all of the finances. I started a new job about two months ago, and then was just told my job is being eliminated. I am so overwhelmed, and nervous about … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole advises on how to respond to company layoffs
Q: I am worried about my job. My company is reducing staff. I think we are in an industry that is shrinking. Without revealing too much, it is an industry which includes equipment for the home. During the pandemic, we … Continued
Unemployment benefits after a move to a new state
Q: I lost my job a few months ago, in the fall of 2021. I have been looking for a new job for several weeks. Winter is not my friend. I want to move to another state with warmer weather … Continued
Post Zoom termination, reader asks some reasonable questions
Q: I was recently terminated and am unclear of the reason. When I asked why during my very abrupt Zoom termination meeting, I was told “we think it is best to part ways.” What does that mean? Am I eligible … Continued
Offer rescinded, now what?
Q: I am in between jobs. I left my last job in May and accepted a job starting in June. The company rescinded the offer because of “changing business conditions.” Now I am without a job. I am looking for … Continued
Furlough vs. layoff — I’m confused!
Q: I have been furloughed recently, because my company has been hurt by this pandemic. What is the difference between a furlough and a layoff? Should I be looking for a new job? My manager is not even sure what … Continued
Re-opening a Business During the Summer
Q: I hope to re-open my business over the summer, based on CDC recommendations and Governor Baker’s guidance. I looked at the Common Mistakes when valuing a company. In March, I furloughed most of my employees. I am concerned that … Continued
Employment of relatives – what’s typical?
Q: I referred my sister to an open position at my company. I am a manager and all I hear is that we can’t recruit talent because of the unemployment rate. My sister is smart and capable! HR quickly replied … Continued
Can you file for unemployment benefits after signing a release?
Q: I recently signed a severance agreement. The title of the document was “agreement and release.” I was given six weeks of severance in exchange for signing the release. My question to you is about collecting unemployment compensation during this … Continued
Job Doc Chat with Pattie Hunt Sinacole On Monday November 30th
This week on the Job Doc Chat, Pattie answered questions about how to change jobs after a long employment period, how to explain absences from the job market and how to make a clean, attractive resume. She also answered questions … Continued