Thinking about project work from the place that let you go? There is a lot to consider beyond the cash.
Would you take a paying project from the place that put you in the unemployment line?
Sometimes it’s the seamless move that keeps stress at bay and money coming in consistently, but there is a lot to consider, including how you will honestly handle your emotions.
With layoffs in just about every industry, it’s not surprising to see so many workers taking projects from former employers. A recent article on WSJ.com gives some good advice for how to handle these kind of opportunities. From the article, here’s what to think about:
- Weigh cash needs against the prospect of a permanent job
- Gauge your emotions
- Determine impact on severance
- Negotiate your duties and fee
- Understand the new office politics
- Be reasonable about extra work — but only to a point
What’s good about this advice is that it’s both practical and takes into account the psychological factors involved in undertaking what could be a very awkward situation. It’s tough to be let go, but if you go back without the benefits and perks you had, there could be lingering resentment toward people you have to work with and your managers. This is what is meant by understanding the “new office politics.” From the same article:
The relationship with your former colleagues will likely change. Employees may resent that they aren’t getting raises but that the company is paying you for project work. You’ll want to make sure staffers see the value of your work, so you’ll probably have to work even harder than them to prove your worth.
If you’re struggling in dealing with a layoff, look here:
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[Image by texas mustang via Flickr cc 2.0]
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