On the crossroads

[pushok]

I need your advice.
Here is my situation: I'm currently employed full-time in a very very small construction company and this company is struggling big time. I haven't had any salary delays yet, however, we struggle to pay our bills and there are no solid projects in the near future (2 months). We have a few in development, but nothing solid yet and no revenue sources either. To be honest, I'm bored at work and feel rather unmotivated.
On the other hand, I'm a new real estate agent and am developing and establishing my business. It's harder to do when you are working full-time and even harder when I'm stuck at work with nothing to do, no ability to make phone calls because my office is next to my boss and he can hear EVERYTHING. I'm in no financial position to quit and I do need the money. I am better off to be laid off so I can get some government assistance while I'm not working. I was thinking of negotiating fewer hours so I can focus on real estate. I'm not sure how smart of an idea that is. Any thoughts?

Thanks to all of you - much appreciated.

[mainstreetcm]

If the company is really hurting, asking for a cut in hours might actually be a welcome surprise for them -- as they have probably already considered a reduction in workforce the stay afloat.

It is also a risky move, because once your boss see's that you are willingly able to take time off he/she might push it to the point where you are actually hurting financially. Put yourself in his/her shoes. Why cut someone else's hours when you willingly took a reduction in hours before. "Whats another 5 hours a week going to do?"

It's a double edged sword for sure.

[pushok]

Originally Posted by mainstreetcm

If the company is really hurting, asking for a cut in hours might actually be a welcome surprise for them -- as they have probably already considered a reduction in workforce the stay afloat.

It is also a risky move, because once your boss see's that you are willingly able to take time off he/she might push it to the point where you are actually hurting financially. Put yourself in his/her shoes. Why cut someone else's hours when you willingly took a reduction in hours before. "Whats another 5 hours a week going to do?"

It's a double edged sword for sure.

There is a fine line, you are right. I was hoping to save time on commuting and working fewer hours and in the mean time I could do my real estate business.

[Manomanman]

If they lay you off, you'll have an income stream to start your business.

This won't be the case if your hours get cut.

As sad as it is to say this, I vote to get laid off.

My friend had the EXACT same thing happen, and he found a decent sales job during his unemployment.

[mainstreetcm]

Originally Posted by Manomanman

If they lay you off, you'll have an income stream to start your business.

This won't be the case if your hours get cut.

As sad as it is to say this, I vote to get laid off.

My friend had the EXACT same thing happen, and he found a decent sales job during his unemployment.

This can be a good idea depending on what state you live in. I know in California, unemployment benefits pay much more than they do here in Colorado. To the OP, BEFORE taking up this idea call your states unemployment office.