Is technology creating unemployment in Washington ESD claims?

I've heard about those programs but haven't looked into them yet. Do you know if they're connected to the job search requirements for UI benefits?

Yes, participating in approved training programs can sometimes count toward your job search activities. Check with your local WorkSource office for details.

Retail has been hit hard by automation. Have you considered looking into warehouse or logistics work? Those sectors are growing even with technology because of e-commerce demand.

yeah but those jobs are also getting automated with robots and stuff. feels like we're fighting a losing battle

Easy to say when you're on the winning side of tech. What about people who can't afford to go back to school or learn coding at 50?

That's exactly my point - we need better support systems for these transitions. Washington ESD could do more to connect people with relevant training programs.

Speaking of Washington ESD, I've been trying to get through to them about my claim status for weeks. The phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone?

Is this legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my adjudication but I'm worried about scams.

It's legitimate - they don't ask for personal info, just your phone number so they can call you back when they get through. Check out claimyr.com for more details.

I used them too when my claim got stuck in limbo. Worked exactly as advertised and finally got my issues resolved.

There's definitely truth to that. Some economists are proposing policies like automation taxes to fund retraining programs, but we're not there yet politically.

Meanwhile people are struggling to pay rent while waiting for their UI claims to process. The system is broken.

Have you looked into online courses for those programs? Many are free or low-cost, and completing them could strengthen your applications.

I've started some but it's hard to focus when you're worried about making ends meet. The unemployment stress is real.

but what about the people who are suffering RIGHT NOW? telling someone their job loss is part of historical progress doesn't pay their bills

You're absolutely right - that's why we need better safety nets and transition support. The pace of change is faster now than in previous revolutions.

Those warehouse jobs are brutal though. And they'll probably automate those management roles too eventually.

True, but at least it's work in the meantime. Better than sitting on unemployment if you can handle the physical demands.

Exactly. There's huge demand for skilled trades, healthcare support, and tech roles but not enough people with the right training.

Healthcare is one area where human workers are still essential. Technology assists but can't replace the human element entirely.

That's a common problem with the job search requirements. If you can get through to an agent, they can sometimes help you understand what counts as suitable work in your situation.

Getting through is the hard part. I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

The companies that invest in their workers tend to do better long-term. It's short-sighted to just dump experienced employees.

Agreed. But shareholders often pressure for immediate cost savings over long-term thinking.

That shouldn't cause delays if you were laid off through no fault of your own. The adjudication might be about something else entirely.

Maybe. I just want to know what's happening with my claim but can't get anyone on the phone.

That's exactly the situation where Claimyr helped me. They got me connected to an agent who explained the delay and helped resolve it within a few days.

That's a fair point. We might need new approaches like universal basic income or expanded retraining programs to handle systemic changes.

UBI sounds nice but who's going to pay for it? We can barely fund the current system properly.

Easy advice but hard reality when you're 45 with a mortgage and kids. Not everyone can just pivot careers.

I understand it's difficult. That's why we need better support systems during these transitions. Washington ESD could do more to connect people with relevant opportunities.

This is why I'm glad I started learning new skills even before I lost my job. Saw the writing on the wall in my industry.

That's smart planning. Unfortunately not everyone has that foresight or opportunity.

That's somewhat reassuring. How did you finally get it resolved?

Used that Claimyr service to get through to an agent. Took about 20 minutes on the phone to sort everything out once I could actually talk to someone.

There are some federal programs for trade adjustment assistance, but they're limited and not well-publicized. More funding and awareness would help.

I've never even heard of those programs. Shows how inadequate the outreach is.

What advice would you give to workers facing potential automation in their jobs?

Start learning adjacent skills now. Don't wait until the layoffs happen. Also, document your experience - institutional knowledge is valuable even in automated environments.

Agreed. This affects all of us eventually. We need policy solutions, not just personal adaptation strategies.

At least we have unemployment benefits to help during transitions. Imagine dealing with this without any safety net at all.

Good to hear! How long did it take to get through to someone?

I tried calling for weeks with no luck. Finally used Claimyr and got connected within an hour. Worth it to end the stress and uncertainty.