#Is now a good time to be looking for another job?

Well, at least someone’s kid will listen to me because mine won’t — and if your son won’t listen to you then make him read this response: Your mother is right. It’s fine to look for another job, but the timing isn’t great and you certainly shouldn’t quit before finding a new job. And don’t waste money paying for a career coach. At this point, you have all of the resources needed to help with any career questions and find a new job. Tap into your network, contact the career office at college, reach out to alumni, do some research, read — including my column — and listen to your mother.

Prior to the pandemic, I had a busy small business with 10 employees. When I reopened, more than half of my staff resigned, stating that they felt unsafe, or to go back to school. However, they are still collecting unemployment even though I sent back my NY Department of Labor responses explaining that I have work for them. I don’t think it’s fair that they are able to collect unemployment off my account. How is this possible?

Typically, if an unemployed individual turns down a job offer, they may no longer be eligible for unemployment benefits, unless they had good cause to turn down the job. Turning down a job offer because of a general fear of COVID-19 is not considered good cause. There are, however, specific COVID-19 related scenarios that do allow employees to turn down a job and continue receiving benefits, such as taking care of a family member diagnosed with COVID or if the person is the primary caregiver and schools or childcare facilities are closed due to COVID. For a full and more detailed list, visit Labor.NY.Gov.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. E-mail your questions to [email protected]. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande and at GoToGreg.com, dedicated to helping New Yorkers get back to work.