I'm in almost the exact same situation! Been unemployed for about 6 weeks and looking at a UX/UI design bootcamp that runs evenings and weekends. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring - it sounds like Washington ESD is actually pretty supportive of education that clearly leads to better job prospects. The digital marketing program you're considering sounds perfect since it's such a growing field. I'm planning to call Washington ESD this week to discuss my bootcamp plans, and based on what people are saying about that Claimyr service, I might give that a try to avoid the hold times. It's encouraging to see so many success stories from people who've done this. Thanks for starting this thread - it's exactly the information I needed!

This is such a timely thread for me! I've been on unemployment for about 7 weeks now and have been going back and forth about enrolling in a nursing assistant program at my local community college. The program is 10 weeks long and runs Monday through Thursday evenings from 6-9 PM, so I'd still be available during normal business hours for interviews and work. Healthcare is always in demand around here, and CNAs are especially needed. Reading through everyone's experiences has really helped ease my concerns - it sounds like Washington ESD is generally supportive when they can see the training directly relates to getting back to work. I think I'm going to take the plunge and enroll, making sure to report it right away on my weekly claim. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is so helpful!

One important thing to remember is that if you win and they rule in your favor, sometimes the employer can also appeal the decision to the Commissioner's Review Office. So even winning at the OAH level doesn't always mean the case is finished. However, the good news is that ESD will typically begin paying benefits after an OAH decision in your favor, even if the employer appeals. But be aware you could potentially have to repay them if the employer wins at a higher appeal level.

I just went through this exact same process about 6 weeks ago! The waiting period after the hearing is honestly the worst part because you just have no idea which way it's going to go. But based on what you're describing - having documented emails about safety concerns that were ignored - you actually sound like you have a really strong case. That's exactly the kind of "good cause" evidence that tends to win appeals for voluntary quits. A few things that might help while you wait: 1) Keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the decision (you won't get paid yet but it keeps your claim active), 2) The decision will show up in eServices usually a day or two before the paper copy arrives in the mail, and 3) Try not to read too much into how the hearing "felt" - I thought mine went terribly but I actually won! The timeline is usually 2-3 weeks like others mentioned. Hang in there and try to stay positive - documented safety concerns are one of the strongest reasons for a successful voluntary quit appeal.

This has been such an incredibly comprehensive and helpful discussion! As another military retiree (Navy, 20 years) who's been nervously sitting on the sidelines about filing for unemployment after my recent layoff, reading through all these real experiences has been exactly what I needed. It's clear that Washington state really does understand our situation as veterans - from the specific RCW statute mentioned to having dedicated dropdown options in their application system. What strikes me most is how this community has provided more clarity and reassurance than hours of trying to navigate official websites and phone systems. I'm particularly grateful for the practical tips about having documentation ready and the reassurance that our military retirement pay truly is treated as separate from employment income. After 20 years of service and now facing civilian job loss, it's comforting to know that both benefits we've earned remain intact. Planning to file my claim this week - thank you all for your service and for creating such a supportive resource for fellow veterans!

This thread has been absolutely amazing to read through! I'm a retired Army veteran (22 years of service) and just got laid off from my government contracting job last Friday. I've been incredibly anxious about filing for unemployment because I wasn't sure how my $2,650/month military retirement pay would affect my eligibility. Reading through everyone's experiences and the specific legal references (especially that RCW 50.20.050 statute) has completely put my mind at ease. It's incredible how much more helpful this community discussion has been compared to spending hours trying to navigate the Washington ESD website. The fact that they actually have a specific dropdown menu for military retirement pay shows they really do understand our situation as veterans. I'm planning to file my claim this weekend now that I know my retirement pay won't interfere with my unemployment benefits. Thank you all for your service and for taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences - this kind of veteran-to-veteran support is invaluable when dealing with these complex government systems!

I'm also new to this community and just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences here! As someone who has my first WorkSource appointment coming up in a few weeks, this thread has been absolutely invaluable. I went from being terrified about the meeting to actually feeling prepared and even excited about the potential resources and support available. The range of positive experiences across different Washington offices - from Everett to Tacoma to Spokane - really shows that WorkSource is genuinely focused on helping people succeed rather than looking for reasons to deny benefits. The specific tips about bringing organized documentation, preparing a career summary, and asking about networking groups and certification programs have given me such a clear roadmap for making the most of my appointment. What really stands out to me is how many people mentioned discovering resources they never knew existed - hidden job markets, rapid hiring events, industry-specific training programs, and direct employer partnerships. It's clear that going in with the right questions and an open mind can unlock opportunities that aren't readily apparent. Paolo, I hope your appointment goes amazingly well! This community has created such a supportive environment for people navigating unemployment, and your original question sparked a conversation that's going to help so many of us feel more confident and prepared. Thank you for being brave enough to ask what we were all wondering about!

I'm also relatively new to this community and wanted to share my recent WorkSource experience since everyone has been so helpful here! I had my appointment at the Spokane Valley office just two weeks ago after being laid off from my construction job, and I honestly can't believe how much this thread prepared me for success. Like so many others have mentioned, I went in expecting some kind of interrogation but instead found a specialist who was genuinely invested in helping me transition my skills. We spent about an hour identifying how my project coordination and safety management experience could translate to roles in facilities management and operations - connections I never would have made on my own. The documentation advice from this thread was spot-on. I brought a simple folder with my job search logs and a few application screenshots, which was exactly what they needed to see. But what really impressed me was their knowledge of the local job market. They had insights about which employers were actively hiring and even helped me tailor my resume for specific companies they work with regularly. I also got enrolled in a free OSHA certification renewal program through their training partnerships, which I had no idea was available. The whole experience felt more like having a career coach than a compliance check. To anyone still feeling nervous about their first appointment - this community's advice is absolutely on point. Go in prepared but relaxed, and be ready to discover resources you didn't know existed!

As someone who went through a similar situation at 63, I can tell you that timing is everything. I initially planned to retire voluntarily but ended up waiting when I heard rumors about restructuring at my company. Sure enough, they offered voluntary buyouts first, then did layoffs six months later. Those who took the buyouts weren't eligible for UI, but those of us who got laid off were able to collect benefits while job searching. The key is being genuinely available for work - I had to prove I was actively looking and willing to take suitable employment. It's worth noting that "suitable work" standards do relax somewhat after you've been unemployed for a while, but initially they expect you to seek work similar to your previous position.

I went through something very similar when I was 61 at Microsoft. The key thing I learned is that Washington ESD really scrutinizes retirement cases, but they're actually pretty reasonable if you can show genuine need to work. In my case, I had planned to retire but my spouse's medical bills made it financially impossible. When I explained this to the ESD representative (took forever to reach someone), they approved my claim because I could demonstrate I was involuntarily continuing to work due to circumstances beyond my control. The job search requirements through WorkSourceWA are definitely real - you have to log at least 3 job search activities per week and they do audit them. But honestly, at our age and experience level, networking and targeting specific opportunities is more effective than mass applying anyway. One tip: if you do end up in this situation, emphasize any skills that are still in high demand. Your Boeing engineering background probably translates well to aerospace consulting, project management, or even technical writing roles that might be less stressful but still utilize your expertise.