Can I switch job search fields from caregiving to veterinary work after 7-year gap with ESD?

this happened to me but different fields. u need to request a commissioner review of ur job search requirements. it took like 3 weeks but they evntually updated my eservices acct to allow diff field. the key is to emphasize that you dont have current certifications in caregiving field, and also that u have previous experience in the vet field even tho its older

Thank you for the response! Did you just call the regular ESD number to request this commissioner review? And did you have to stop filing weekly claims while waiting for their decision?

What you're dealing with is ESD's 'suitable work' requirement. Since caregiving was your most recent work, they automatically categorize that as your primary occupation. However, you have a valid case for changing your job search parameters.\n\nYou need to request a formal review by submitting form ESD-TPR-11 (Training Program Request) along with a detailed explanation of:\n1. Your lack of formal caregiving credentials\n2. Your previous veterinary experience (include dates and references if possible)\n3. Any steps you're taking to refresh your veterinary skills after the gap\n\nDuring this review process, continue filing weekly claims and conducting job searches in BOTH fields to stay safe. Mark that you're meeting requirements while this gets sorted out.

This is incredibly helpful! I didn't know about the ESD-TPR-11 form. Does submitting this automatically trigger a review, or do I need to follow up with a call to make sure it gets processed? I'm worried about it sitting in someone's inbox unnoticed.

The ESD system is so broken!! They pulled this same thing with me when I tried to switch fields. I was told I HAD to look for warehouse jobs even though I wanted to go into customer service. I applied to 24 WAREHOUSE JOBS and got ZERO interviews because I didn't have forklift experience. Such a waste of time!!!

Did you ever get it resolved? I'm worried the same thing will happen to me with all these veterinary applications if they decide they're not valid searches.

I successfully changed my job search field with ESD last year after being laid off from seasonal construction work. The key was getting on the phone with an actual adjudicator who could note my file, not just the frontline customer service reps.\n\nI wasted 2 weeks trying to get through on the regular ESD line with no luck. Then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an ESD agent within 30 minutes instead of fighting busy signals all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nThe adjudicator was actually understanding once I explained my situation clearly. They temporarily approved my alternate job search while they processed the formal change request. Definitely worth the time to get this sorted properly rather than risking your benefits with non-compliant job searches.

Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to get through on the phone for days with no luck. I'll check out that service - at this point I'm desperate to talk to an actual person who can help me understand my options.

The official WorkSource policy actually supports your case. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Your most recent work experience does NOT permanently define your job search requirements if that work was:\n - Temporary in nature\n - Unpaid/volunteer\n - Not utilizing your primary skills/training\n\n2. Since your caregiving was unpaid family care (not professional), you have a strong case.\n\n3. Complete the Job Search Modification Request (form ESD-840-040) rather than the Training Program form mentioned above.\n\n4. In section 4 of the form, specifically cite RCW 50.20.100(3) which allows for consideration of prior experience when determining suitable work.\n\nContinue applying for jobs in both fields until you receive written confirmation of the change. Document everything carefully, especially any ESD communications.

That law citation is GOLD!! Wish I'd known that when fighting my case. The ESD people act like they can make up whatever rules they want!!

Good catch on the correct form! You're right that the Job Search Modification Request is more appropriate than the Training Program form I mentioned.

hey just wondering did u try applying for vet assistant jobs already? I had kinda similar situation where ESD said I had to look for retail jobs but I started applying in healthcare anyway (wat I wanted) and nobody from ESD ever questioned it when I listed those job searches on my weekly claims. Maybe they're not checking as closely as they say??

I've been too nervous to try that! I keep hearing horror stories about people getting hit with overpayment notices months later when ESD reviews their job search logs. Have you been on unemployment long? I wonder if they only check randomly or at certain points.

This is risky advice. While ESD doesn't verify every single job search activity immediately, they conduct random audits and can request verification up to a year later. If they determine your job searches weren't in your approved field, you could face disqualification and repayment of benefits. Always better to get the formal modification.

oh i forgot to say! while ur waiting for them to decide, make sure ur still doing the 3 job search activities every week but do a MIX. like maybe 1 caregiver job application and 2 vet ones or some weeks do a vet job app plus attend a WorkSource workshop (those count too and then u dont have to apply for jobs u dont want

That's genius! I didn't think about using the WorkSource workshops to fulfill some of the requirements. That would definitely reduce the number of caregiver applications I'd need to submit. THANK YOU!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! I was in marketing for 10 years, then did gig delivery work for 8 months before filing. Now they're saying I have to look for delivery jobs which pays way less than marketing. I filed my review paperwork 3 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. Did you get this resolved? What ended up working for you?

For your specific situation, you should reference RCW 50.20.100(1) which states that suitable work must be reasonably comparable to your normal wage level. If delivery work represents a substantial pay reduction from your marketing career, that strengthens your case for a modification.

UPDATE: I wanted to share what worked for me in case anyone else runs into this! I used Claimyr to get through to ESD (took about 20 mins vs the days I wasted trying on my own). The agent explained that since my caregiving was unpaid family care, it's not considered my

CONGRATS!!! The system actually worked for once!! 🎉

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this! I'm going to try the same approach with my situation. It's so helpful to hear from someone who actually got it resolved successfully.