Currently, working in a job that has caused so much stress that it’s affecting me physically.

22 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 2:56PM UTC

   Stress is not a qualifying factor to receive unemployment.

2. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 3:00PM UTC

   unemployment in most cases is if they let you go.

3. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 3:01PM UTC

   Not unemployment but you might qualify for short term disability if you can find a doctor to recommend it. It can't be you saying you're stressed. You must have a doctor assess it. If you find one, thet can recommend a 3 month leave to address your condition.

4. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 1:18AM UTC

   Without knowing what the company's policy is, do not care for this advice whatsoever.

5. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 3:10PM UTC

   You would if you can get HR to fire you. Stress has no impact on unemployment. You cannot elect to go on unemployment at will. That's not how it works.

6. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 3:24PM UTC

   no

7. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 3:58PM UTC

   Not sure why you think you may qualify, ask your local unemployment office, but I'm confident it's a no. That is too subjective to navigate. Maybe this role is too much for you and you need to rethink what you can handle. Everyone handles stress differently and different skill sets can handle things differently.

8. Vanessa SpeightJanuary 4,2025 at 7:08PM UTC

   I have been in leadership roles for many years and stress will qualify you for a leave of absence, short term disability and/or FMLA depending on what your physician says. Most cases these days, a physician will provide documentation for almost anything.

9. AnonymousJanuary 4,2025 at 10:18PM UTC

   This is good to know, however, how would companies that interview view this as a reason for leaving a job & how would this affect the employee for having this noted in their file - would this be accessible to a company if they are calling for reference?

10. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 12:28AM UTC

    I would ask your doctor for assistance and you will need documentation to get FMLA. Unemployment benefits are given for involuntary dismissal, not voluntary. Do your best to get medical assistance and also consider a therapist through your company’s EAP program. It may help you navigate this stressful time in your life.

11. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 2:07AM UTC

    She's been there 10 months. She would not qualify for FMLA.

12. TomJanuary 5,2025 at 10:37AM UTC

    States have different rules and qualifications for Unemployment. You may want to call the state where you are employed to ask how the process works. Once you have an idea of the process, then you will be the best judged as to whether you should apply for unemployment.

    I think you should probably apply anyway because the worst the state can say is, "No, you don't qualify." Most states have the unemployment application process on-line so it's a small investment of time for a potential big reward.

13. TriciaJanuary 5,2025 at 1:19PM UTC

    HR would approve to pay out unemployment. If you quit, they may not approve it based on your circumstances.

    Plus since you haven’t been there for even a year, you will get some of the unemployment but probably not all of it. Meaning unemployment will not pay out as long as if you had been there a couple of years.

    At least give them your 2 weeks notice and try talking to them about applying for unemployment. It might help get you some money for a bit. Each state is different depending on which one you live in.

    Good luck and hopefully things get better for you.

14. Naomi Is KingJanuary 5,2025 at 7:55PM UTC

    Depending on how many hours you've already worked within thie 10 months, you may qualify for stress leave...but backing that up with an official diagnosis from a Dr. only strengthens your claim. Always always always keep a paper trail of ANY and all communications to HR and your immediate supervisor and Bc: yourself of the communication. Depending on your documented efforts, if you don't qualify for stress leave, FMLA or WorkersComp, if you decide to leave, you MAY qualify for unemployment depending on the circumstances. Keep in mind, you may be denied for Unemployment initially but that's what appeals are for. Getting in front of an appeals Judge or simply providing your documentation can win you an appeal. But always keep a paper trail to cover your butt. Good luck to you.

15. Naomi Is KingJanuary 5,2025 at 7:58PM UTC

    Nit picking on a sentence without a period is petty and ridiculous when you comment anonymously.

16. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 10:37PM UTC

    I quit my job due to a toxic environment created by manager. HR was fully aware. I received unemployment after explaining the situation, but make sure you document everything as it is. Nothing more nothing less. Good luck!

17. Sanobar SheikhJanuary 6,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

    The same happen with me but now I am struggling to even pay my rent. I am looking for a job and I am apply everywhere but it's hard to get any. Can someone please help me

18. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 1:23PM UTC

    Can you try short term disability for now? I just took STD for 7 weeks because I was spiraling.

19. Kim RaperJanuary 6,2025 at 2:17PM UTC

    I would verify your status as far as your states' Unemployment rules - Voluntary Quit is a disqualifier in a lot of instances so be absolutely certain of your rights before doing anything. Sadly, HR does not in general work for the employee. They are there to protect the Company and ensure all is done correctly. ITs a bonus if you have a supportive HR rep. That being said, start with verifying your rights, make sure everything is documented, doctor notes (if applicable) and look into Short Term Disability as an option as well before leaving.

20. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 2:39PM UTC

    I left a job in 2022 after 5 months due to stress. I had reached out to HR about the stress and they did nothing to relieve. I had documentation that I had seen a psychiatrist and therapist. I was able to collect unemployment after going through an appeal. What helped was the letter from my psychiatrist and therapist. Qualifying for unemployment is based on base weeks worked during a certain period. It isn’t necessarily the current job. In NJ, where I live, It’s the first four calendar quarters (set of 3 months) before you filed your claim. For example if you filed Jan 2025, the base period is Oct 1, 2023 - Sept 2024. Also, if you don’t have enough base weeks worked during that period , there are other time frames unemployment uses to calculate benefits.

21. Maggie SoldanoJanuary 7,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

    I would consult with your physician. You may be eligible for FMLA to address your health issues. And I wouldn’t advise asking HR about unemployment. Do your own research on that based on the laws in your state. (Remember HR is there to protect the company, and may see your ask as a risk vs a request for help.) In this market, it’s usually better to make do until you can find your next role. Best of luck!!

22. Ayur careMarch 6,2025 at 12:08PM UTC
    If your job is causing you so much stress that it is affecting your health, particularly your testosterone levels, it is worth looking into. Chronic stress can lower testosterone, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and other health issues. Oral testosterone treatment can help restore balance, boost energy, and restore overall well being. https://www.rethinktestosterone.com/blog/stress-and-testosterone