You have been unhappy at your current job for months, and your employer’s demand that you put all personal plans aside and work the entire weekend on a last-minute project was the final insult. Your duties and responsibilities had never coincided with the original job posting, and the rosy corporate culture picture painted at your interview never materialized. Therefore, you finally took the step that you had pondered for months, and you quit your job.
While you may have planned well for your departure, there are still some important points to consider, and the following are five of the most important things you should know when you quit your job.
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   You May Not be Eligible for Unemployment Benefits
Illinois unemployment law requires that you have an “acceptable reason for separation.” If you were laid off or were discharged for reasons other than misconduct and have earned sufficient income for 18 months before your departure, you are probably eligible for benefits.
Since you voluntarily quit, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) may initially find that you did not have an acceptable reason for separation. You will then have to schedule an interview with an IDES adjudicator and present your case. If the adjudicator rules against you, you can appeal.
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   You Will Need to Address Health Insurance Issues
You have probably heard of COBRA continuation insurance benefits. Generally, if you have quit your job, you can be eligible for up to 18 months of coverage through your company’s health plan. A couple of caveats here:
- COBRA continuation insurance can be very expensive.
- You must pay the entire cost of the premium, and the burden is on you to make the payment arrangements.
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   You May Not Get a Satisfactory Job Reference
Do not automatically expect to receive a good job reference, especially if you left your job under less-than-ideal circumstances. While a large employer may merely confirm your employment dates when asked for a reference, some companies may divulge that you are ineligible for rehire. Smaller companies sometimes reveal more damaging information.
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   You Will Probably Not Receive Severance Pay
If you are asked to resign from your job, you can sometimes negotiate a severance package. Since you quit, any employer-paid severance is unlikely.
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   You Might Have to Wait for Your Final Paycheck
The Illinois statute says, “Every employer shall pay the final compensation of separated employees in full, at the time of separation, if possible, but in no case later than the next regularly scheduled payday for such employee.” That means that while some employers could settle with you on the day you quit, most will send you your final payment according to the regular payroll schedule.
Contact Us Today
Quitting a position can be a stressful experience, and proving that you quit for an acceptable reason can be tricky. If you have any questions about issues related to your separation, The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline can review your case and advise if an Illinois employment attorney can help. Schedule a free initial consultation by filling out the online form or calling 312- 558-1454.
