As someone new to navigating unemployment benefits, I really appreciate seeing all the different perspectives here! From what I'm reading, it sounds like you have solid grounds to decline this position based on the undisclosed travel requirements, especially with your childcare situation as a single parent. One thing that stands out to me is how important documentation seems to be - saving that original job posting, keeping records of the phone screening, and being professional in your withdrawal. It's reassuring to see examples from others like @Cynthia Love who went through adjudication successfully and @Manny Lark who withdrew without issues. I'd lean toward withdrawing your application professionally rather than waiting for an offer, since it sounds like this job fundamentally isn't what was advertised. The extensive travel requirement being sprung on you during the screening feels like a classic bait-and-switch situation. Good luck with your job search!

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to share what I've learned from a similar situation. I recently had to navigate declining a job that turned out to have undisclosed requirements (in my case, mandatory weekend work that wasn't mentioned anywhere in the posting). What really helped me was calling ESD directly to get clarification on what constitutes "suitable work." They confirmed that when job requirements are materially different from what's advertised - especially major things like extensive travel, schedule changes, or location requirements - you're generally protected from benefit loss when declining. The key seems to be documentation. I kept screenshots of the original posting, wrote down details from my interview, and sent a professional withdrawal email explaining the discrepancy. ESD never questioned my decision, and I continued receiving benefits without any issues. Your situation with the extensive travel requirement sounds even more clear-cut than mine was, especially since you have childcare considerations as a single parent. I'd recommend withdrawing professionally via email, citing the undisclosed travel requirements and how they differ from the advertised position. This creates a paper trail showing you acted in good faith while protecting your legitimate interests.

I'm going through something very similar right now with my seasonal hospitality job that ended last month. Like you, I got zero communication about why my claims were disqualified or what the adjudication issue even was. It's absolutely maddening! Reading through this thread has been so helpful though - especially learning that employer reporting errors are apparently super common. I had no idea that employers could just incorrectly report that you quit instead of being laid off and cause all this chaos. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service to actually get through to someone. It's ridiculous that we have to pay a third party service just to talk to ESD about our own benefits, but if it works it's worth it. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this broken system!

This whole thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - seasonal job ended, claims showing disqualified with adjudication in progress, and absolutely zero communication from ESD about what's actually happening. It's beyond frustrating when you're counting on that money to pay bills! @Ava Martinez I'm so glad you were able to get through and figure out it was an employer reporting error. That seems to be way more common than it should be. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service since the regular phone lines are useless. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to pay a third party just to get basic information about our own benefits, but if it works it's worth every penny. For anyone else reading this - the advice about continuing to file weekly claims even when they show disqualified is crucial! I almost stopped filing thinking it was pointless, but now I know that would have just created more delays. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and helping each other navigate this broken system!

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I want to add is that it's worth checking if Washington ESD has any specific guidance for DoorDash drivers on their website. I know some states have updated their policies for gig workers since the pandemic. Also, has anyone tried calling the WorkSource centers directly? Sometimes they can provide clearer guidance than the main ESD phone line, and they help with the job search requirements too.

Another thing to keep in mind is timing - when you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will look at your "base period" which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Since you worked at a restaurant for 8 months before starting DoorDash, make sure those restaurant wages fall within your base period when you apply. If you wait too long to file, those qualifying wages might fall outside the base period and you could lose eligibility entirely. I'd recommend filing sooner rather than later if you're considering it, especially since you can always withdraw your claim if your DoorDash income picks up significantly.

I'm in week 2 of adjudication for a similar school attendance flag - took an evening certification course that doesn't interfere with work availability at all. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and terrifying! The range from 10 days to 6+ weeks is wild. I've been religiously filing my weekly claims and just uploaded my course schedule showing it's only 2 evenings per week from 7-9pm. For those who've been through this - did ESD actually call you during the process or did your case just suddenly change status online? I'm paranoid about missing a call since my phone has been acting up lately. Also considering the Claimyr option after seeing the success stories here, especially since I'm already at the 2 week mark with no communication from ESD at all.

I'm in week 3 of adjudication hell and this thread is both reassuring and terrifying! Mine got flagged because I'm taking a weekend photography workshop (literally just Saturdays 10am-2pm for 6 weeks). The fact that something so minimal can trigger weeks of review is insane. What's really frustrating is the complete lack of transparency. At least when you're waiting for a medical appointment you get an estimated timeframe, but ESD just says "additional processing time needed" which could mean anything from 2 days to 2 months apparently. I've been following everyone's advice here - continuing weekly claims, uploaded my workshop schedule showing it's only weekends, and checking eServices obsessively. Seriously considering Claimyr at this point since the success stories here make it sound like the only way to actually reach a human. The regular phone line is completely useless - I've tried calling probably 50+ times and either get busy signals or sit on hold for hours before getting disconnected. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and timelines. It helps to know others have made it through this process, even if the wait times are all over the place!

Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after trying for 2 days) and they confirmed I don't qualify for standby since I don't have a definite return date with my previous employer. The agent suggested I try to complete my job search activities online while traveling - applying for jobs through my phone or laptop will still count. She also mentioned that if I absolutely cannot complete the required activities during my trip, I should answer honestly on my weekly claim and understand I might not receive benefits for that week, but can resume normally when I return. Thanks everyone for your help!

Great update! That's exactly what I was hoping you'd find out. One more tip - when you're doing job applications from Florida, try to apply for positions that are remote or hybrid if possible. That way if a potential employer wants to schedule an interview while you're away, you can still participate via video call. Also, some WorkSource workshops are offered online now which can help meet your job search activity requirements. Have an amazing time at your sister's wedding and don't stress too much about this - sounds like you have a solid plan!