Ethical Dilemma (Kind of)

[CaliforniaChief]

Hey all.

I am going to have surgery in the not-too-distant future and will be out about three weeks. So normally, I'd go on disability for the three weeks or so and then get back at it.

Here's the issue. My first job is salaried, and they'll continue to pay and not deduct vacation, so no issue there. My second job is hourly, and they would be the one through whom I'll collect disability. Further, I've decided to quit my second job as my first one is taking priority and taking care of my needs.

So the original plan was to work up until the surgery, take the disability pay, and then quit a few weeks later. But now I am wondering if I'm planning on quitting the 2nd job anyways, should I just quit the 2nd job before the surgery?

[Prison Bitch]

What does the law say?

[Bugeater]

**** it, stick it to them and quit. They'd stick it to you if they could.

[CaliforniaChief]

I'm pretty sure I can take the disability and then leave. I just want to leave the 2nd job the right way (I really respect them) and don't want to burn bridges there.

[Prison Bitch]

If its legal take the money. They'd lay you off if it was beneficial to them

[Iowanian]

I think if you do that and quit, you've burned the bridge.

It will obviously piss them off.

[ClevelandBronco]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Hey all.

I am going to have surgery in the not-too-distant future and will be out about three weeks. So normally, I'd go on disability for the three weeks or so and then get back at it.

Here's the issue. My first job is salaried, and they'll continue to pay and not deduct vacation, so no issue there. My second job is hourly, and they would be the one through whom I'll collect disability. Further, I've decided to quit my second job as my first one is taking priority and taking care of my needs.

So the original plan was to work up until the surgery, take the disability pay, and then quit a few weeks later. But now I am wondering if I'm planning on quitting the 2nd job anyways, should I just quit the 2nd job before the surgery?

The disability insurance is indirect pay that you might otherwise have earned in cash. You've been earning that benefit the entire time you've worked there. You're entitled to use it as you see fit.

[Vegas_Dave]

Since when is what is "legal"the RIGHT thing to do? Be honorable, you intend to quit, don't milk the system just because you can.

[CrazyPhuD]

Well here's my take. I assume you're still living in CA and the disability you're talking about is CA SDI. Well that doesn't come out of your employers pocket that comes from the state and it's a tax that they've been taking out of your pay check all the time you've been working in CA.

It's not optional and you've been forced to pay for it as a tax so personally I'd tell the state to go **** itself and take the SDI. You're not hurting your second employer you're getting back taxes you already paid in.

If it was unemployment that's a bit different but SDI? **** the state.

[BourbonMan]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

I'm pretty sure I can take the disability and then leave. I just want to leave the 2nd job the right way (I really respect them) and don't want to burn bridges there.

I made that mistake once...won't ever do that again...if you know what I mean.

[Lex Luthor]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

I'm pretty sure I can take the disability and then leave. I just want to leave the 2nd job the right way (I really respect them) and don't want to burn bridges there.

I think you just answered your own question.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

**** it, stick it to them and quit. They'd stick it to you if they could.

I agree. Most employers these days will do anything they can to make a buck, even if it's at your expense. Look at your work as your business and treat them the way they would treat you.

[Bump]

Of course take the money! They would most likely drop you like a bad habit if they had the chance, there's no ethical dilemma there.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts

I agree. Most employers these days will do anything they can to make a buck, even if it's at your expense. Look at your work as your business and treat them the way they would treat you.

Understand when I say treat them as they would you, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are the bad guy. Maybe they're a small, ethical business that truly cares for their employees. If that's the case, don't stick it to them.

That said, it sounds like it's your tax money and not theirs. If that's the case, **** California. They take everything from you guys they can. Get it back.

[CrazyPhuD]

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts

Understand when I say treat them as they would you, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are the bad guy. Maybe they're a small, ethical business that truly cares for their employees. If that's the case, don't stick it to them.

That said, it sounds like it's your tax money and not theirs. If that's the case, **** California. They take everything from you guys they can. Get it back.

Provided it is SDI and 99% of the time it is....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Califor...lity_Insurance

The costs of the program are covered by contributions to the State Fund in the form of SDI tax paid by employees, optionally by employers. Employee contributions to the state fund are deductible as state taxes.

The feds call it what it is, not an insurance program but a tax...tell the state to suck it.