[Aloysius]

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Short term if you get fired then you will be able to collect unemployment benefits pretty much right away (I think).

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here but if you are fired the employer has to show proof as to why you are ineligible for benefits. I'm not sure how hard that is to do though, but I bet its not worth the trouble.

I'm not sure about the long term here. Getting fired never looks good and you definitely lose out on any chance of getting a good reference from your current employer. On the same note though due to lawsuits and such if you do get fired its highly unlucky your old employer will tell any new employers the reasons for your termination.

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I don't believe you "automatically" qualify for benefits. I think the unemployment board calls your employer (usually HR) and if it was either a "mutally agreed upon" termination, or termination not based on gross negligence, then you qualify (here in CA).

Oh - I also remember another thing from my friend's situation - HR told her explicitly that they are directed not to provide references (I think more and more corporations are going this way, especially for lower-level employees (non-execs), possible sue-age). So as far as a reference from being fired (a negative one) I'm pretty sure they can't tell your next employer - "we canned that dude".

I think they would just ocnfirm "yes, Asofel worked here from x to x date" and be done with it.