Daycare Job/unemloyment issue...what Would You Do in My Shoes?

If you do not want to risk losing unemployment for turning down a job offered to you, the simplest answer here is to simply stop pursuing the job. If they don't offer it to you, then you cannot turn it down. If you show up for the interview then they may offer it to you. How about not showing up for the interview?

Now, I don't know everything about the unemployment benefits...but common sense tells me they would find out you turned down a job offer only IF you told them you applied there and they contacted that place. Are you planning to tell them you applied there for a job? Perhaps this is where you need to change what you are doing.

I don't know much about unemployment, so I can't answer that. But, I would think you should be able to chose to take a job or not, especially if it is not the right fit for you, and still get unemployment (?). I guess I would contact whoever you are dealing with and ask?? I would definitely contact the center and let them know you are not interested.

I have worked in centers in the past and brought my son with me while I worked. A few of them did not provide the best care. I still feel guilty about that and he remembers it (he was preschool age then and is almost 20 now). I did leave one center that was really bad after only a few months (it actually was forced to close after I reported them to licensing a few times). I just wanted to say you are making the right decision to not work at a place that you would not feel comfortable leaving your child at.

S.

Hi Melissa,

I've been in your shoes and COMPLETELY understand! I also second what the last two posters said.

The state doesn't need to know about this center unless you tell them. Everytime you submit an application online is proof that you looking for employment. Keep all of the "receipts" of applying online. They will only know if you really trying if they run an audit. That is why it is always smart to keep a record of everything.

I would not include this daycare or any other in your record keeping if it doesn't feel right. I WOULD call the daycare that is offering you an interview/position and tell them that you do not want to waste their time and that you may have another lead that would better fit you. That way you do not burn a bridge you may need later, and you never know who is related to whom and what may be said about you if you completely disrespect them. You need to be professional.

You should really look at being a nanny. The pay is usually better than a daycare and you only watch a couple of kids in their home. Try www.care.com to advertise yourself for free. Also look at local papers and put up creative and professional flyers that offer your experience.

If you find yourself close to being out of unemployment benefits and haven't found the right fit, consider calling this daycare to see if they may still be interested in you.

GOOD LUCK! I know how hard it is to do right by your child and make it all work out.

Melissa,

I can't speak for WI, but I collected Unemployment in MN. You can turn down a job if that position pays less than what other comparable positions in the area pay, taking into account your education and experience. Does WI have such a clause?

I see where you are up against a wall. If you absolutely can't go any time without a job or Unemployment benefits, than to be honest, I would take the job for now, and continue to look for something better. I would not be thrilled at having my son be at a so-so center, but if it was just for a couple of months and I would be there at the same time, I could stomach it.

Lastly, have you considered being a private nanny? Many families will consider letting the nanny bring her own child with...