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Also consider that some unemployment allows for innovation and entrepreneurship. People starting new businesses often leave their jobs temporarily, creating unemployment statistics but potentially creating many more jobs in the future. Creative destruction in the economy requires some labor mobility.
this is why economics is confusing lol... seems like everything that sounds bad is actually good somehow
I know it feels overwhelming but honestly the job search requirement isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. It can be applications, contacting employers directly, networking events, even some online job search activities count. The point is showing you're making a genuine effort to find work.
Pro tip: if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone (and you probably will), there's a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an actual agent. I used them when my claim got stuck and couldn't get through myself. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me weeks of frustration.
Just to clarify - for work search activities, you need to apply for actual job openings that match your qualifications. Research projects don't count unless you're applying to be hired as a researcher by a company. But definitely report any payments you receive as income on your weekly certification.
honestly the whole system is kind of a mess though. like yes unemployment exists to help people but good luck actually getting help when you need it. i was on unemployment for 6 months during covid and it was a nightmare trying to get anyone at NYS Department of Labor to answer questions
To add to what others said - unemployment also helps prevent people from taking jobs way below their skill level just to survive. This keeps wages more stable across the economy. Without it, desperate job seekers would drive down wages for everyone. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to actively search for work though, so it's not just free money - you have responsibilities while receiving benefits.
Hassan Khoury
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to discuss your specific situation, there's a service called Claimyr that can help you actually reach a live agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Sometimes talking to an actual person at NYS Department of Labor before you quit can help you understand exactly what documentation you'd need.
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Victoria Stark
•never heard of that but might be worth trying since calling the regular number is impossible
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Sarah Ali
Just want to add that even if you have good cause, there might be a waiting period before benefits start. And if you worked for your employer for less than a certain amount of time the rules might be different. The whole system is designed to make it as hard as possible honestly.
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