How do I decline eloquently??

[bohorquez]

I have someone that emailed me about a possible job opportunity, problem is that it's 6 Month Contract to Hire position.  The first 6 months would be W2 employment - no benefits.  

I need the insurance for my son, so I won't be able to do it.  What should be my reply?

Bridget

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Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)

[Christine Itterly]

Bridget,

I would say something along the lines of

thank the person for thinking of you, and although you appreciate the offer, at this time you would have to decline due to insurance issues.  Normally, I wouldn't mention why, but this just might open up the lines of communication, and they may be able to offer the insurance to you, depending on how badly they need/want someone right now.  

My company, on occasion has done this for some employees all though, there was some type of trade off to it.  (I'm not sure what though).

In any case, if you don't want to mention why, just say that your not in a position to change jobs right now.

[bohorquez]

I'm wondering if it would be worth it to seek the insurance apart.  They are willing to entertain my salary requirements.  I asked for 45,000 (that's a little more then double what I'm getting now - 33,000).  

What do you think?  I just don't want to do it then it turns out it's not the job for me then I'm outta luck you know.

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Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)

[claudiamag]

Um, perhaps I'm not reading this correctly but 45,000 is not double what you are getting now (33,000).

Anyway, 45,000 is a great salary.  It would be something to consider if you could afford to buy the insurance separately.  

If it turns out that this is not the job for you then you would just seek out the next opportunity.  That would be the same whether the job included benefits or not, wouldn't it?

Also, have their been many other offers since you started looking?  If so, then perhaps you can hold out for a job that meets all the requirements.  If not, then this might be a good way to get in the door and then when the job turned permanent you would get the additional benefits.  This is a temp to perm job, right?

Good luck with whatever you decide - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

[mathwhizchick]

Bridget, if you get insurance separately, will 45,000 be enough of a raise?  It's my understanding that getting insurance individually is a bit pricey, and it may eat up a big chunk of the 12,000 difference.  If you decide to go that route, you may want to ask for more moolah.

There is also the issue of pre-existing conditions when you change companies (usually).

Just some things that you may want to consider as well.

Good luck!!

[gennysmom]

Bridget:

I am not familiar with COBRA law, but can't you extend COBRA for 6 months if you leave you current job?  Or is COBRA not available for employees who voluntarily leave a job?

-Stacey

[chris68]

Stacy, I'm not certain either on COBRA but I think the latter part of your statement is accurate.  

Chris68
Peer Moderator

[keeker]

COBRA- you are able to keep it no matter how or why you leave the company.  It  lasts for 18 months. The drawback is it's expensive! The cost is 102% of the cost of the insurance.
Eample: The company was paying for a portion($100.) of the employees coverage and she was paying the extra cost to have her family on her coverage. ($250.) per pay check. When she leaves and takes the Cobra option she now has to pay $600 a month.  + a 2% processing fee.
There are lots of rules that govern how long you have to decide if you want COBRA, how much time you have to pay it & everything else you can think of.

Is some sort of State Well -Child service an option to help with the sons health needs?

Keeker

[bohorquez]

No Claudia you were reading right, I just can't add HAHA!

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Bridget
Wife to Eduardo (12/4/99), Mommy to Aaron (10/26/01)