In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, professionals of all ages and industries are dealing with unprecedented circumstances. For some, it means relocating to a home office, while others are losing their jobs outright. Those who are furloughed are somewhere in-between, stuck in employment purgatory without any relief or closure.

If you’re wondering where you stand and crave insight from a career coach, take a look at the following guide.

What Does It Mean to Be Furloughed?

If your boss announces you are furloughed, it may have nothing to do with your performance on the job. In fact, it doesn’t really mean you were fired or laid off. The formal definition is an extended unpaid leave—while your business has shuttered, your job may still be waiting when things open up again. In other cases, your department may have significantly downsized, keeping only a few employees and furloughing all the rest. 

While you may take comfort in the fact that you weren’t fired, being furloughed can be even more frustrating. Since you technically still have a job, you may be apprehensive to file for unemployment, or look for a new employer.

What Are Your Rights?

As a furloughed worker, you may still be able to receive unemployment benefits, which may keep you afloat until your job returns. As long as your income reduction was due to your employer’s decision, and not your performance or demotion, you may be able to file a claim.

Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone, unlike when a single company furloughs employees due to its own financial struggles. That means you're probably eligible for additional unemployment benefits through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or Cares Act.

You might also be glad to know that, as a furloughed worker, you still get to take advantage of the benefits your job promised, such as health insurance. If your company gets rid of their benefits, you can use COBRA or the Affordable Care Act to fill the gap in your coverage.

If unemployment benefits aren’t covering your necessities, you can always search for a new job while being furloughed. However, it’s important to note that the new income might cancel out your need for unemployment.

If you were recently furloughed and aren’t sure where to go next, turn to Margaret M. Enloe, Esq. As a career and life coach, she’s been helping people throughout New York City for years. As the city adapts to COVID-19 and ways in which it is emerging from stay-at-home practices, so do her services.  But, the same goals remain—to help clients leave with more confidence and less stress than they arrived with. To schedule a socially distant appointment today, call (646) 872-3674, and visit her website to learn more about her skills as a career advisor.