[MonkeyMama]

I think it's smart.

My spouse worked in tech when the tech bubble burst. It seemed like everyone we knew faced lay offs. My spouse was the only one I know of who was offered a 4-day work week and some mandatory vacations. Sure beat being out of work for a year!

Granted, it was extra nice, because we moved shortly after. So he was able to come home for 3-day weekends and such. But I am pretty sure he worked a reduced schedule for about 18 months before eventual layoff. He was first to go because of our move and his clear intentions to find a more local job. I don't think he would have been laid off otherwise. Things eventually bounced back a bit. No one else in his small office was laid off, to my recollection.

He collected unemployment for quite a few months after that. He was certainly eligible. They treated all their employees as full-time, with the mandatory time off.

Of course, depends on the situation. We didn't rely on his income at all. But even if we did, like I said, was certainly preferable to a complete layoff.