Do I qualify for unemployment?

24 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 4:47PM UTC

   You could potentially qualify if you left for "good cause". Stress from work wouldn't qualify, but an abusive supervisor might fall under good cause. I quit a job after 2 weeks because the job responsibilities were not even close to what I interviewed for. They completely switched the role on me. I was interviewed so unemployment could understand what happened and received my benefits. You have nothing to lose by applying.

2. J McGovernJanuary 2,2025 at 2:28PM UTC

   I had a similar experience many years ago, and my employer did not contest it. As you said, there is nothing to lose by applying.

   To the OP: Congratulations on not staying in a toxic environment and pursuing teaching certification.. Good luck to you.

3. AnonymousJanuary 2,2025 at 3:21PM UTC

   I can't believe I'm still surprised that all these situations people share in this forum have actually happened to so many others!

4. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 5:15PM UTC

   Factors depend on the state you're in and circumstances. If ever you question, it's good to call. Generally speaking, folks are ineligible for unemployment if they resign, but it's always good to check. Contact your state unemployment office. I'd read details online first. Highlight the reasons why you felt forced to leave. Since it's been 6 months, I do not know about retroactive reporting, etc., but start the conversation. There's no bad feelings here. Take care of yourself and your family.

   Your feelings are valid. It's good to express them. You are not alone. Many mid-aged folks are experiencing the same thing. Take care of your needs and focus on making a living. Prepare to pivot. For what it's worth, I recommend "Defining Your Life" book series by Burnett and Evans. Very helpful.

   Good luck!

5. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 5:33PM UTC

   First of all you are not a loser in life. Teachers are so important to our future! In my state you cannot get unemployment if you quit a job but call your local unemployment office or apply for it online. No reason not to try. You could also apply to state positions in higher ed. Many need adjunct faculty. So a part time gig so to speak to supplement your income. Hang in there!

6. AnonymousJanuary 1,2025 at 7:52PM UTC

   Do your research. No one on social media will be able to advise you better than your state's EDD

7. Jana MaclellanJanuary 2,2025 at 1:08PM UTC

   In most cases, no you would not qualify for unemployment. Congrats on working towards your certification for teaching and hope that you get the position you want. I don't know what state you are in, but once you are a teacher and signed back up for retirement, you can buy back those years. You might not financially be able to now, but that is an option. In the mean time, sign up for food stamps, wic, or any other aid that you can to help with costs. Good luck.

8. AnonymousJanuary 2,2025 at 3:12PM UTC

   First and foremost: You're big time not a loser. Shit happens.

   Second: Try calling your unemployment office or stopping by in person. It doesn't sound super likely that you qualify, but in my limited experience, they're helpful and willing to explain the details of the extremely confusing criteria and process with you.

   Third: What are the chances you can find something part-time/contracting in your previous field? It sounds like you had experience, and my bet is that if you were burned out you were working pretty hard. Is it worth seeing if you can supplement a bit by contracting in your previous field?

   Good luck. Keep your head up!

9. AnonymousJanuary 2,2025 at 5:09PM UTC

   I don't think so, but it also depends on what state you live in. You can check if you qualify for part-time un-employment or county food assistance. Do not let yourself feel like a looser, you did what you had to do, for you. It is not healthy to be stressed out, trust me. I left a job in my early forties for all the reasons.

10. Sheila PhieldsJanuary 3,2025 at 2:02PM UTC

    Give it a shot. You have nothing to lose. I’m a decade older and hold a B.S. I’ve quit 2 jobs in the past 3 years due to stress and burnout. I applied for UI both times and got it.

11. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 2:29PM UTC

    Find your local food banks pronto.

12. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 2:40PM UTC

    hi. I've been in your situation. No, you cannot collect unemployment but yes, you CAN get thru. I took an 80K/year pay cut 3.5 years ago due to horrific new CEO -- many others at my level also left-- but couldn't find much "good paying" work. I started selling stuff on Facebook marketplace. I shopped faithfully at the Dollar Tree. We sold a vehicle that still had payments. We started living in a war economy here. and i learned ALOT about making do. you and your teen child MUST stop spending, and make this a team work approach. I'll bet my life that there's still alot of spending going on at your house-- that is not absolutely NECESSARY. Don't tell me you "have" to spend with a teen; one of our daughters won a multi-county beauty contest in a $6 thrift store formal gown--I actually like very much that you are pivoting your career- that takes courage and it sounds like your plan is going to work out-- but you will need to live sacrificially for a bit longer.

13. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 10:32PM UTC

    Wise words!!!

14. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 3:37PM UTC

    I’m not sure how it works in your state but in my state you can apply for unemployment and get it if you can prove the work situation was intolerable. Definitely apply and if you’re former. Company declines do an appeal and there will be.a hearing. You may get lucky and the company will just pass you through. Bring all your evidence to the hearing. It is worth it. Plus it is a bad look for the company.

15. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 5:52PM UTC

    You can apply and if declined then take your documentation into the UI offices and file a grievance.

16. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 7:04PM UTC

    Sorry to hear this situation. You are not a loser, keep your head up and you will soon be back on your feet.

    It seems like financially you will have to get a second job to support your income for at least 6 months before you get a full time teaching position. Can you pick up a part time job such as food delivery until you get that job?
    Also, how old is your teenager? If they are above 16, they can start taking on a part time job outside of school hours to help subsidize the income as well.

    Get support from your community and social worker, they will be able to help guide you with some options.

    Reach out to friends and family, Maybe you can offer services such as babysitting, house cleaning etc. at the time being to make some extra income. It’s not the ideal situation but you need all hands on deck to generate more income.

    Lastly, if you live in an expensive area, consider to relocate until you are in better financial position.

    In short, save money and earn more money every way possible until you are financially stable again.

17. Elise PilkingtonJanuary 4,2025 at 1:29PM UTC

    I think to have received unemployment from the job you left you'd have needed the employer to agree not to dispute your claim. At least in my state, if they wanted to fight it, all they would have to do is show that you left voluntarily.

    You might need to pick up a second job in retail or something like that. I'd think night or weekend hours would be available, even if that's the only time you can work. Obviously, you want to remain available for the substitute teaching jobs that come your way.

18. RobinJanuary 11,2025 at 7:32PM UTC

    Many employers don't bother. When they do and how up on the unemployment hearing call, they are by and large wholly unprepared when a for Mr employee has evidence of poor treatment, hostile work environment etc. I've been on both sides of these hearings and have always been prepared and sent in information early for the judge to ponder prior to the hearing.

19. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

    This is an incredibly unhelpful and judgmental comment. You have no idea what her experience was like, and voluntarily leaving her job may have been the best option for her at the time.

    Her response to her experience is valid and the only thing lacking emotional intelligence is your comment - but it also appears you lack the understanding of what EQ even is. This forum is meant to support women in the workplace, your comment does nothing to contribute to meaningful discourse.

20. misskelleypJanuary 4,2025 at 7:35PM UTC

    If you're actually working you cannot file for unemployment. However I would suggest you contact the unemployment office in your state (I know that's a challenge) and explain the situation and see what they say. Each state may have slightly different rules, so you won't know until you ask. The websites aren't usually set up to answer more complex questions.

21. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 8:39PM UTC

    Try to make a case based on bullying. Since you resigned due to bullying, try to make a case under duress. Also because you were not fired or laid off it is going to be tough to claim unemployment compensation. Also you waited too long.. on another note if you are were receiving an annuity, you would most likely not be entitled to unemployment compensation..

22. RobinJanuary 11,2025 at 7:29PM UTC

    Maybe, maybe not on the annuity. They my consider it but sans the penalty. I won a similar unemployment case when I had been piaid a severance so waited 3 months to apply and the administrative judge was so disgusted with the company, he ruled the severance was for my silence, not my income. Small victories in life…

23. TomJanuary 5,2025 at 10:28AM UTC

    I think you should apply for unemployment asap. States have different qualification rules, but you may have an argument for constructive discharge which means the following: ...occurs when an employee resigns from their job due to intolerable working conditions created by their employer.

    Good luck and remember to watch our for burn out in teaching; it is another profession that has high rates of burn out.

24. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 5:16PM UTC

    Definitely apply. You rather them tell you no than you assume that it is no.

    Not sure how you feel about a second job. Whole Foods, Amazon, Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc are companies that offer flexible/gig type jobs.

    Also, I don’t know how old your teenaged child is but if over 16, they can get a job! Even if it is for a few hours, that can pay for the phone bill.

    By the way, you’re NOT a loser. You’re a human trying to make it out here. We all have problems and are trying to make it work.