Let go unexpectedly and trying to make ends meet.

Anonymous

February 10,2024 at 3:36PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Let go unexpectedly and trying to make ends meet. I live in an expensive city and each month, my paychecks went to rent and living expenses. Even so, I was able to save a month's rent so I had that covered this month plus utilities. I'm worried about next month and if I pay the minimum on my credit card, I might be able to pay the rent if I'm approved for UI after filing and awaiting a response.

I've looked into ending my lease but the penalty and moving expenses is higher than the two months I have left. Right now, it's a place to store my belongings and not have to fully move until I find at least something to pay for the moving expenses and then storage.

It took a few weeks to submit a UI claim as I couldn't get reach anyone and there's still an issue with my online account. Everything is set set up with online and automated so when the online portal is the issue, I couldn't submit online. Fortunately, I found a work-around method to submit a claim so that request is being processed.

One step forward but I still haven't been able to reach anyone in UI tech support to fix the online issue so even if I'm approved, I can't set up deposit details. I've tried now for three weeks from morning-last call of the day and haven't reached anyone at that number and disconnects after connecting saying no one is available to take my call. I'm trying to look for a job and I'm spending all day on trying to get this sorted without success which is impacting job searching.

I brought a suitcase home and am staying with my family in a small town to save money and I'm grateful to have their support. Even if I received UI, it doesn't pay my rent so I've been looking into a part-time position to help supplement but it can only be 10 hours due to UI restrictions. I can't find anyone willing for that short period of time here as there are limited options and a lot of retirees have PT at those stores.

I'm starting to think to that even a part-time position might be better than collecting UI and hopefully that affords additional hours. Does anyone have any advice?

I apologize for the long description but I wanted to provide an overview of what I'm facing and welcome the community's advice. I'd appreciate it as I feel like I'm barely treading water!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

8 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

8 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousFebruary 10,2024 at 5:44PM UTC
I’m sorry to hear that and hope that the right new opportunity comes soon. One thing I noticed, as I travel frequently for business, is that a lot of my Lyft/uber drivers were professionals in between jobs. I assumed they were doing that to make ends meet but also to network since they often pick up experienced professionals. Just a thought if you have a reliable car.
AnonymousFebruary 11,2024 at 1:48PM UTC
Drive for meal or grocery delivery, look on Upwork and other gig economy options!
AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 12:15PM UTC
Although Lyft / Uber / grocery delivery sound like a lower class "job": I have a friend who was between jobs and started driving for grocery deliveries. He makes "decent" money. But, the contacts he is making are invaluable. One out of town client will pay him beyond the regular deliveries a separate "retainer" for him to interact with their local loved one twice a week and report back the loved one's status to the out-of-towner. Another delivery led to an ongoing relationship with a small local airport. Any of these relationships could result in a permanent job. Just a thought!
AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 2:17PM UTC
I had issues with my unemployment, same thing it hangs up if no one is available to take the call.
I just called over and over and over until I got thru. It normally took about 3-4 hours. But I was able to finally after 6 weeks get mine sorted. I read your post and understand what you are going thru. It is stressful but someone tells me it only takes one yes so I am trying to stay positive.
Maggie StoneFebruary 12,2024 at 2:46PM UTC
I am so sorry you are going through this. I agree with the comments about working for a delivery service. I would also consider temporary work or consider any skills or talents you have that you can turn into a side hustle. Could be anything from personal care to tutoring.
AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 6:02PM UTC
I suspect you might live in California as the UI system here is terribly broken.
Check with your local council person and see if they or their offices can help you get connected to someone within the UI offices. Their goal is to support their constituents and they should have some contacts. Sign up for some temp services and yes if you get some PT work that could surely help though UI may stop paying you if you show income. I would print some resumes and also post on places like linkedin, nextdoor and others that you are available for errands, dog sitting etc. anything to bring in some cash. If you have a car or scooter you could do delivery work or try places like instacart and others that need food sorting help. Something casual might be a temp fix.
AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 10:46PM UTC
Thank you all, I appreciate your advice! Unfortunately, I don't have a car and I've been trying to get some PT work without any success yet. I'll keep trying that route. I've had a few interviews but I'm told I have too much experience and everything seems to be coming to a head now and I'd welcome any type of temporary work. Trying to keep positive will figuring out what's next.
Felicia McGintyFebruary 14,2024 at 3:14AM UTC
I’m sorry this is happening to you. It may be wise to focus on the job search over the unemployment. Sending prayers and good wishes your way.