I was let go from my company because of cut backs (non performance based) in late February. I have yet to find another job. I still am receiving severance pay until April 15th (full pay). The other day my ex-employer called and was interested in bringing me back, well the pay they offered me was roughly 25% less than what I was making. I would be working worse hours and have less duties. They also stated that my severance would end the day I started working with them again. I would then get my new lower wage. Seems like they are trying to re-hire me for cheaper before I start receiving unemployment, and if I don't go back they won't have to pay me unemployment. I feel like I have no power at all, and that I am totally at the mercy of them! The only good thing is that I get my vacation days back and can continue to get insurance. So here are some questions I have about this: - If I do not take their offer can I receive unemployment? (I would start collecting in middle April) - Should I be entitled to my full severance no matter if I go back to them? - Should I wait as long as I can to start in order to receive more of my severance? Any thoughts on this at all would be appreciated, I am trying to get all the input I can. Thanks