ugh the whole system is so frustrating!! why should we have to stay in toxic jobs just to qualify for benefits we paid into?? makes no sense

I totally understand your frustration - toxic work environments are awful and it feels like you're trapped between staying miserable or losing benefits. Here's what I learned when I was in a similar spot: NYS Department of Labor does allow you to quit and still get unemployment if you can prove "good cause." This includes things like harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties/pay, or a hostile work environment. The key is having solid documentation - save emails, write down incidents with dates/times, get witness contact info if possible. You don't need to get yourself fired (which is risky). Instead, consider filing complaints with HR first (creates a paper trail), then if things don't improve, you may be able to quit for good cause. Document your attempts to resolve the situation too. It's worth consulting with an employment lawyer for a free consultation if the situation is really bad.

Just wanted to say I filed unemployment after being laid off and my old boss actually reached out a few months later when they had an opening. The unemployment claim had zero impact on our relationship. If anything, it showed I was being responsible about my finances during the gap.

Emma, you're overthinking this! Filing for unemployment when you're laid off is exactly what the system is designed for. Your employer already pays unemployment insurance taxes as part of doing business - think of it like any other insurance policy they carry. When you file a legitimate claim after being laid off, you're not "doing anything" to your employer, you're just accessing benefits you're entitled to. In fact, most employers in retail expect their laid-off employees to file for unemployment benefits during slow periods. It sounds like your manager understood the situation was temporary due to budget constraints, so they'll likely view your filing as completely normal and reasonable. Don't let worry about your employer's feelings prevent you from getting the financial support you need right now.

wait so you can actually get unemployment for quitting?? I thought you had to be fired or laid off. this changes everything for me lol

I went through something similar last year - my supervisor was creating a toxic environment and I ended up quitting and getting approved for unemployment. A few things that helped my case: I kept a detailed log of incidents with dates/times/witnesses, I sent an email to my manager's boss documenting the issues (even though nothing came of it), and I made sure to file my claim immediately after quitting. The key is showing you had "good cause" and that a reasonable person would have quit under those circumstances. Also, when you file, be very specific about the hostile work environment in your reason for separation - don't just say "quit due to manager" but explain the pattern of verbal abuse and unprofessional treatment. Good luck!

The NYS Department of Labor is just completely overwhelmed right now. My cousin's been waiting 3 months for his appeal to be processed. They're probably understaffed and dealing with a backlog from all the layoffs happening in different industries.

I'm in a similar situation - filed in late October and still waiting. What helped me was contacting my state assembly member's office. They have staff that can actually reach someone at the Department of Labor on your behalf. I called my assemblyperson's district office, explained the situation, and they said they'd make an inquiry. Within a week I got a call back saying there was an issue with my employer's response that was holding things up. Still waiting for resolution but at least now I know what the problem is. Try looking up who represents your district and give their office a call - it's a free service they provide to constituents.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a nightmare, why can't they just make it easier to fix simple mistakes without having to jump through hoops

I went through something similar when I first filed my claim. Don't panic - mistakes happen and the system is designed to handle corrections. Here's what worked for me: first, document exactly what information you got wrong and what the correct details should be. Then try the secure messaging system through my.ny.gov first - it's often faster than calling. If you don't get a response within a week, then try calling early in the morning (like 8 AM) when the phone lines are less busy. Whatever you do, don't file a second claim - that will definitely cause more problems than it solves. The key is being honest and proactive about the corrections.