Weird question- Unemployment (Long, sorry!)

kelseymw · August 2010

I've been searching for a job since weeks before we moved. I thought I had something secured through a contact at my previous job and (long story short) things fell through after we moved. I've been spending at least 2 hours a day searching through online postings and local business websites for any openings and I've sent in resumes to no avail.

I was technically an employee of my previous job (just using up my vacation days) until the beginning of August so I was still getting a paycheck and because our pay is a week behind, I still have one more coming... but now that it's ending panic is setting in. We moved here in the first place because H left the military and was going back to school, so we lost his income. He is a disabled veteran and will receive a small income that way, but those benefits take for ever to kick in so we aren't expecting them for a while.

I feel so much pressure to find a job and bring money in to our household. I don't want to fail at this and force H to go back to work and give up on school (again). I thought about applying as a waitress or something just to make money but H says to spend a few more weeks looking for a full-time position. We both feel bad about me starting a random job and then leaving it after an employer puts time/money in to hiring me... although I guess I could spend a while there if I never do find a job.

Anyway- The point: I filed for unemployment last week and I feel awful about it. I am trying to remind myself that it is there for a reason and I am not taking advantage of it because I am genuinely searching for a job.

Has anyone been on unemployment before? Any insight/advice? What is a "work search activity"? I have to keep this log updated but I am not sure if it means just jobs I apply for or what other "activities" qualify.

You can PM or email me if you feel more comfortable talking that way- Kelseymw at gmail dot com. TIA!

ETA: Clarification and spelling

Leigha12 · August 2010

I was on unemployment for a few months last year (sadly right after our wedding). I got laid off from my regular job in March. Luckily I only went about 2 weeks before finding a temp job, but I got laid off from that in June a week before our wedding. So when we got back from the honeymoon, I applied. I was on it for about 2 months, I think, maybe a little less. The job activities are job applications mainly (or phone calls to potential employers). You have to do 5 a week, and anyone actively looking does way more than that. Just keep a list of all the people you applied with. Also, for the first 3 months (or is it 6?) you don't have to take a job that pays less then 75% (I think that number is right) than what you made at your last job. Unemployment is there to keep you afloat until you find something else. Don't feel bad using it unless you stop looking for a job. So many people are hurting in this economy. It's there to help. Oh, and sign up for workintexas.org to help look for jobs if you haven't already.

BTBLG · August 2010

I think the first reply was very well said. I have never been on unemployment but have been in situations where I really needed to and didn't because people made me feel bad about it. I look back now and realize the only reason unemployment has such a negative connotation attached to it is because so many people abuse it. Truly, it is a wonderful program designed to help people who need it. But like so many other assistant programs, there are those that go and take advantage of it and give it a bad rap. You sound like someone who could really use this kind of assistance, at least for now, and the people that really matter and care about you will understand this.My point is, don't feel awful! Anyone could so easily be in your place, especially in this economy. I also think it's great that you are doing everything in your power to keep your husband in school. Kudos! Good luck with the job and keep us updated!

TX-Bride · August 2010

Don't feel bad. I was on unemployment for over a year and finally found a job that I love, I had to move because of it, but I wasn't having luck in Austin. The way I look at is that I have paid taxes and had worked hard, because of the economy I got laid off, who deserved the assistance better than myself!!

MrsRedRaiderGirl · August 2010

kelsey - what type of job are you looking for / what is your background in?

AggieDaner · August 2010

Nothing to do with unemployment, but if you're looking for a temporary job that you can leave without guilt you should look in to substitute teaching. You pretty much work when you want, so if you just stop taking jobs nobody will care.

Good luck on the job front, hope something great pops up soon!

ssinca · August 2010

I can't remember - did you quit your last job or were you let go? sorry to be a debbie downer, but if it's the former you probably won't be approved for UE.

I feel your pain re: job search - I spent basically the entire day scouring the internet for a few months. another option for you might be to go through a temp agency.

kelseymw · August 2010

MrsRedRaiderGirl:
kelsey - what type of job are you looking for / what is your background in?

I work in PR, but I only have 15 months of experience. I graduated college in Dec 08 and finished my degree in 2 years so I worked straight through the whole time and only had one BS internship for a few months. I had a really great job before we moved but again, it's only 15 months of experience. A lot of positions I've looked at still consider me entry level and most designate that as an internship.

AggieDaner:
Nothing to do with unemployment, but if you're looking for a temporary job that you can leave without guilt you should look in to substitute teaching. You pretty much work when you want, so if you just stop taking jobs nobody will care.

That is a great idea!! I am going to look in to that!

ssinca:
I can't remember - did you quit your last job or were you let go? sorry to be a debbie downer, but if it's the former you probably won't be approved for UE.

I was approved. I did quit but it was because my husband had military orders.

Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!

ssinca · August 2010

kelseymw:

I was approved. I did quit but it was because my husband had military orders.

ah, ok.

if it makes you feel any better, you actually paid into UE with your last job(s) - it's automatically deducted from your paychecks. so technically, the gov't is just giving you your money back. don't feel guilty.

Weird question- Unemployment (Long, sorry!)

Re: Weird question- Unemployment (Long, sorry!)

Choose Another Board

Search Boards