Earlier today, I reached out to HR at my previous employer to request an increase in my severance pay, which they agreed to. During the conversation, HR informed me that I need not be concerned about future employment checks, as potential employers typically only inquire about my start and end dates and whether I was employed there. However, she also mentioned if they ask about rehire, that she does not answer that. Additionally, HR mentioned that I am eligible to apply for unemployment benefits after my severance pay runs out, and that my claim would not be contested.
Recently, I accepted a contract-to-hire job offer which is set to begin on Monday. However, given HR's advice that I could apply for unemployment benefits, I am now considering doing so instead of taking this job, and focusing my efforts on studying for the CPA and finding a better job opportunity.
In this scenario, I am unsure whether it would be best for me to take the contract-to-hire job or to pursue unemployment benefits and study for my CPA because I am in the accounting field?