Short gap in between jobs

I have a quick question regarding job change. I have recently received a good offer for a new job while I'm employed at my current position. So I am thinking whether it is ok to quit my current job in 2 weeks, take a week off (unemployed), and then join the new position.

This gap of 1 week - would that be detrimental in any way to my record? Any kind of tax implications/disadvantages? All I could think of is gap in health insurance coverage, but I believe there is a coverage that extends to a few days after you quit (?) Need to confirm that with HR though. I'm in New Jersey and I work in telecom if that makes a difference.

The other option is to join the new job right away, but I would like to take a week off to clear my mind for a fresh start. I've never done this before, so any advice will be appreciated

Thanks guys.

I've done this every time I have switched jobs. Generally I find it hard to take time off shortly after starting a new job so this is an opportunity to get some downtime before you begin learning the ropes somewhere new. As long as you have insurance coverage during your time off, there is no reason not to do it.

Find out exactly when your insurance commences at your new job. Some have waiting periods.

Typically you don't list the exact day you list the month. If you are asked the exact day, a week off can easily be explained.

Even if you were asked in a future job interview ...... "i took a week off in between jobs"...... I interview people from time to time and I never even thought to ask if the gap was less than 3 weeks.

Perfectly reasonable hiatus IMO. You don't want to miss work in the first few months for personal stuff you could have got taken care off had you took the week.

Originally Posted by Oscar

Find out exactly when your insurance commences at your new job. Some have waiting periods.

This ^^, but you can take COBRA if need be.

Take at least that one week off. Getting time off from a new job is troublesome at best, not allowed at worst. This could be your last time off for 6 months or more (depending on new employer's rules). Take what you can afford to.

I did check with my new employer about the health insurance, it kicks in day 1, and current coverage is valid till end of month, so I'm good there! Won't need CORBA.

Thanks for the responses, i appreciate it.

I took 3 months off since I got laid off with a good severance package. I had to pay COBRA but it was totally worth it to unwind for that long after working at a place for twelve years, and hating it for the last 4.

This did not at all affect my ability to find employment when I was ready. Most people were jealous.

wow I wouldn't know what the hell to do those 10 hours a day for 3 months lol.

I would take a week more, but these guys want me to join right away

How much do you usually pay for CORBA? Is it a standard amount for the same coverage, you just pay what the company has been paying on your behalf? Or can you customize what you want?

Not sure but it was $377/month for me. I more than made it up by getting paid twice when I took another job. I had 6 months severance. I played Sky Rim for a good bit of it.

I sure wish I could have done that. I had to work 80 hrs a week the minute I quit to bring my clients over to my new firm. If you can take a week or two I would, a small gap like that would not even show on a resume (work time is quoted in months). Do check on your new insurance eligibility and if you need cobra...

As for tax implications I don't know of any other than getting two W-2's for this year. Assuming you'll make more at your new job, you may pay more

Originally Posted by indeed330

wow I wouldn't know what the hell to do those 10 hours a day for 3 months lol.

I would take a week more, but these guys want me to join right away

How much do you usually pay for CORBA? Is it a standard amount for the same coverage, you just pay what the company has been paying on your behalf? Or can you customize what you want?

COBRA is the full cost of the insurance to your previous employer, and often comes with an administrative fee on top of that. Not knowing your coverage, I can't tell you a price. If you have family health and dental, it could easily top $1,000 a month, depending on provider, coverage, etc., etc., etc.