Hi guys, much thanks for this supportive community, appreciate your response in advance.

I came to Switzerland last year (EU national, B-permit) and I will have finished my fixed term, 12 month-contract by April. Due to deteriorating mental-health issues (toxic stressful and unsupportive academic environment at one of the universities in Zurich) I will not extend my contract and meanwhile I am looking for more suitable job I am planning to report to RAV to be able to pay my bills.

1. If I dont want to extend my contract with my current employer, would I get penalised by RAV officers? Does not-extending count as quitting? My doctor can provide evidence that current job situation provides me with mental health issues, I have spoken to him and he is aware of my situation).

2. Is it always mandatory to apply to 10-12 jobs? I am a postdoctoral researcher in life sciences and due to specific set of skills its really hard to find a suitable position. Would less be also fine due to the nature of my profession?

Many thanks and hope you all doing better than me

1. A doctors note should be ok, but only the RAV can tell you for sure
2. Only your RAV officer can tell you.

Assume you will penalized and be considered quitting. But RAV can answer that one most likely better. If its a health issue you may have to resort to IV. But also assume the doctor has to declare you unfit to work.

My doctor informed me several times that I could quit and he would inform RAV via a note that it was due to my health and there would be no penalty - he seemed very sure of it. I was fortunate to find another job before I had to do this, but I guess you only know once you are there and it isn't so black and white.

Regarding applications for a job, I do not know of specific numbers, but I do know that you have to make serious efforts, even if the job is not a perfect fit and in the right location. RAV isn't a vacation / fund for bills while you do something you prefer to be doing, that is what savings are for.

All the best for your future!

You may need to consider work in other fields if your area of expertise is too specialist.



The RAV's job is to get you off their books. The RAV usually work according to fixed rules which you either follow or get penalised accordingly. They and they alone will decide what is acceptable.

In any event, make sure you are not on sick leave when applying for unemployment benefits - you are only eligible if you can work.

From the UNIA union website (Google translate):

"Do you plan to quit because of health problems related to your job? Then see a doctor before you quit. If your doctor can confirm in writing that you have to resign because your work is making you ill, you will be exempted from the days off. But do not terminate your job without notice, as you are entitled to a wage replacement if you are unable to work during the notice period. In the case of termination without notice, days of suspension can be pronounced, namely due to premature unemployment. But even with a doctor's certificate, you are obliged to start looking for a job immediately after your termination. You must keep your application documents and present them at the RAV, otherwise there will be suspension days due to excessive work efforts."

https://www.unia.ch/de/arbeitslosenk...s/was-tun-wenn