Work for Free?
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Work for Free?
Topic Author: Allison Kropff
Posted: 10:27 AM Jun 17, 2009
Replies Posted: 2 comments
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Would you work for free? It may have taken many of you only a second to decide, "No way!" But with the economy the way it is, people losing jobs every day and companies filing for bankruptcy all the time, would you consider it longer than that second?

Here's why I pose the question: British Airways asked its 40,000 employees to take one to four weeks of unpaid leave - or work during that time without pay. Last month, the company posted a record annual loss of $656 dollars. A spokesman for one of the biggest unions in Britain says workers cannot afford to work for free for a month. He also pointed out that yes, it is a request, but very few people would work for free, but some may take unpaid leave.

So what would you do? If your company asked you to work for free for a month, or take unpaid leave for a month, would you do it? Which would you choose? Would it make a difference if it meant you got to keep your job as opposed to being laid off? Could you and your family afford it? Could you afford not to?

I've talked to some co-workers and the answers have been mixed. We're looking forward to hearing what you would do.

 

See you in the morning,

Allison

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Posted by: Sherry Location: Tellico Plains, TN
Absolutely. I would, and I have worked for free many times. For someone struggling to find a job sometimes it's a great way to get your foot in the door, or to build a resume and get a letter of reference. Volunteerism is a wonderul way to show a potential employer how motivated you are, as well as some of your great skills. Sometimes it's not just what you know, but what you do that makes the difference.

Posted by: El Sobo Location: Knoxville
I've heard from many in Human Resources tell me that if you are out of work, consider volunteering. It will help fill those spaces in between jobs, not to mention expand your network for later. Not quite the same as your question, but in the same vein.