How to overcome unemployment - Washington ESD claim approved but still struggling

Thanks for the advice! I didn't know WorkSourceWA had resume help. Do I need to schedule that separately or is it automatic?

You need to schedule it through your WorkSourceWA account. Look for the 'Career Services' section when you log in to do your weekly job search activities.

That sounds exhausting though. How do you avoid burnout when you're applying to that many jobs?

It is exhausting, but being unemployed long-term is more exhausting mentally and financially. I varied my approach - some days focused on applications, others on networking or skill building.

I've never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about some questions.

Yes it's legitimate! I was skeptical at first too but it actually worked. They basically call for you and get you connected to an agent without having to sit on hold for hours.

Wait, does this cost money? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford extra services right now.

I understand the frustration, but defeatist thinking won't help your situation. There are legitimate jobs out there, you just have to be strategic about finding them.

easy for you to say. bet you haven't been looking for 8 months straight while dealing with washington esd bureaucracy

I'm in marketing/communications. Seems like every job wants 5+ years experience for 'entry level' positions.

Marketing is tough right now. Have you considered pivoting to related fields like customer service or sales while you build more experience?

I've thought about it but I'm worried about taking a big pay cut and then having trouble getting back into marketing later.

That's actually a great idea! I didn't know libraries offered those services.

Most people don't! Call your local branch and ask about career services. Some even have partnerships with WorkSourceWA for additional resources.

The anxiety is real! I started having panic attacks about money. What's helped me is setting small daily goals instead of thinking about the big picture all the time.

Structure is really important when you're unemployed. Try to maintain regular hours for job searching so it doesn't take over your entire life.

Also don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are free mental health resources available, and unemployment can definitely trigger depression and anxiety.

Temp agencies can be great! I got my current permanent job through a temp placement. The key is finding reputable agencies that specialize in your field.

Just make sure you understand how it affects your unemployment benefits. You might still be able to claim partial benefits if the temp work isn't full-time.

Good point about the partial benefits. I should probably call Washington ESD to clarify that before I accept any temp work.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already stretching my unemployment check as far as it will go.

I'd rather spend a little to get accurate information than risk losing my benefits by making the wrong assumption. But I understand everyone's financial situation is different.

That's really smart! Do you have a template you could share? I feel like I'm applying to jobs randomly without any real strategy.

I don't have a template to share but it's pretty simple - just columns for date, company, position, how I found it, application method, and follow-up dates. The key is being consistent about updating it.

I'm only 3 months in so I still have time, but good to know. Are extended benefits automatic or do you have to apply?

You have to apply and they're not always available - it depends on the state's unemployment rate. Best to plan like your benefits will end at 26 weeks.

There are also retraining programs through WorkSourceWA that can extend your benefits while you learn new skills. Worth looking into if your current field isn't hiring.

I've been thinking about that but worried about gas costs eating into my paycheck. How do you make the math work on a longer commute?

You have to factor in the total compensation package, not just hourly wage. Sometimes a job farther away pays enough more to make up for the commute costs.

How do you network when you've been out of work for months though? I feel like I've lost touch with my professional contacts.

start with linkedin - reconnect with old colleagues, join industry groups, comment on posts. also attend virtual industry events or webinars. networking doesn't have to be in person

This is hard advice to follow but probably true. The longer you're unemployed, the harder it gets to explain the gap to employers.

Yeah I'm starting to worry about that employment gap. At what point does it become a real problem?

I'd say after 6 months it starts to become harder to explain, but everyone's situation is different especially with the economic challenges we've had recently.

I've heard of informational interviews but never tried them. How do you approach someone without seeming like you're just asking for a job?

Be genuine about wanting to learn about their career path or industry insights. Most people are happy to share their experience if you're respectful of their time and genuinely interested.

That's actually the exact problem I'm having! My job search activities aren't showing up properly in my Washington ESD account even though I'm logging them in WorkSourceWA.

Yes! That's a common technical glitch that requires an actual person to fix on their end. Definitely worth getting it resolved before it affects your benefits.

This is good advice but easier said than done when you're worried about paying rent. How do you balance being selective with being realistic about your situation?

You're right that it's a balance. I guess I'd say avoid obviously toxic situations but be open to opportunities that might not be perfect but could lead somewhere better.

Also remember that you can always keep looking for something better even after you start a new job. Taking something imperfect doesn't mean you're stuck there forever.

You're definitely not alone in feeling that way. Some days I feel like I'm failing at being unemployed, which is ridiculous but that's where my brain goes.

That feeling is so normal. Unemployment affects your self-worth in ways that are hard to explain to people who haven't been through it. You're not doing anything wrong - the job market is just challenging right now.

Thanks for saying that. It helps to know other people understand the emotional side of this whole process.

I needed to hear this today. I've been so focused on not having a job yet that I haven't acknowledged the progress I have made. Thank you for the perspective.

You're welcome! Job searching is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrating the small victories helps you stay motivated for the long haul.