Originally Posted by
bryris
I am expecting to receive a furlough notice from TSA here before long and honestly am welcoming it. I want to go back to school in the spring to finish up a professional certification and need 1.5 to 2 years of time to get it done.
Two questions come to mind:
1. Is voluntary furlough still an option with the company? If so, how does this work? Can I set the dates that I want to leave and come back?
I have a tough time believing that anyone at TSA would be this accommodating. I'd just as soon let someone junior to me keep their job b/c I want to get out for a little while. However, I WILL want to come back after the certification is complete and would like my seniority back.
2. Any ideas (I know its just a guess) how long a furlough would likely last? Maybe it'll last a couple years anyway. That would be very convenient.
Do you expect to be in the next group of furloughs? If so, then just ask to take a leave of absence to start school etc. When furloughed, you would get unemployment benefits. That would be useful as you go back to school and satisfy your unemployment benefits requirements. When an airline starts to furlough, it is open ended. They don't know for how long or how deep, so no point in trying to negotiate. However, get certified and become an airline pilot accountant, etc. They seem to do well with my fellow UPS pilots and if competent, will get alot of business (just like some pilot mortgage brokers (even now doing OK)
Anyway, good luck!