@iShop123 wrote:
I've been working throughout this whole fiasco. Why? Because there are a lot of people making the choice not to, and that leaves space for me to make new contacts (thanks, guys!) That's their decision. Since we know that the greatest risk factor (other than pre-existing comorbidities) is a BMI>40, with the second factor being over 80, my household decided to work while we can.
I posted in another thread that it can be risky to try to game enhanced unemployment.
Putting aside people not wanting to work for health fears (high risk people or those who live with someone high risk), a healthy person right now who can work, but is refusing to so they can collect more in enhanced unemployment may find it harder to get back in to the work force later. This might backfire and you could find yourself without any income later. I do expect more Congressional stimulus, but it's not 100% guaranteed.
Permanent job losses are stacking up. July saw a brief plateau, but last week's August unemployment report showed a big spike back up. This has been the big fear. After reopening, businesses are finding they cannot stay afloat in the new environment...and they're permanently laying people off.
Do be careful out there! I know everyone has their own unique circumstances, so it's impossible to say what is right/best, but if the job market collapses, the short-term gains you may have from staying on unemployment may be eclipsed by longer-term lack of work/income.