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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.
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.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about this stuff directly, I used a service called claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks about my own termination situation and they got me connected within a few hours. Really helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed for my case.
Whatever you do, don't try to game the system. NYS Department of Labor has seen every trick in the book and they WILL find out if you deliberately got yourself fired. Better to focus on building a case for constructive dismissal if the work environment is truly toxic - document harassment, unsafe conditions, or unreasonable demands that make the job impossible to perform.
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.
Jacob Smithson
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.
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Isabella Brown
this is why economics is confusing lol... seems like everything that sounds bad is actually good somehow
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Carmen Diaz
•It is confusing! But think of it like this - if there were literally zero job openings anywhere, that would mean the economy isn't growing or changing at all, which would be worse for everyone long-term.
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