Washington ESD unemployment benefits for overqualified workers - why is educated unemployment a peculiar problem?

Exactly! And if I take a minimum wage job, I'll lose my UI benefits anyway because I'll be working full time for less than my benefit amount.

Wait, that's not how it works. You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report your earnings correctly on your weekly claim.

Thank you! Do you know where I can find documentation about what counts as 'suitable work' for my situation?

Check the Washington ESD handbook section on suitable work definitions. It considers factors like your previous wages, job skills, and local job market conditions.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks! How does Claimyr work exactly?

It basically calls the Washington ESD phone lines for you and gets you connected to an actual person. Saved me hours of busy signals and hold time.

That sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

Isn't that kind of dishonest though? What if Washington ESD finds out I'm not disclosing my full qualifications?

It's not dishonest, it's strategic. You're not lying, you're just highlighting relevant experience. Washington ESD cares that you're making good faith efforts to find work.

Preach! I've been told I'm overqualified for everything but underqualified for the few jobs in my field that are hiring.

The system wasn't designed for professional workers. It's built around blue-collar job cycles where you can easily move between similar positions.

I didn't know networking counted! I've been doing tons of LinkedIn outreach but only logging formal applications.

Absolutely! Professional job searches involve more than just applying online. Keep detailed records of all your networking activities.

Higher education often means more specialized skills and higher salary expectations. There are fewer positions available at that level, and employers worry about retention.

Plus we can't just take any job because it might actually pay less than unemployment benefits when you factor in childcare, commuting costs, etc.

EXACTLY! They act like we're being snobby when really we're being practical about our financial obligations.

Have you had any luck explaining this to Washington ESD when they question your job search activities?

I finally got through to someone who understood after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. The agent confirmed I should focus on roles that match my background.

This is huge! I live in a smaller city and there might be 2-3 jobs in my field posted per month. How am I supposed to apply to 3 jobs per week?

You can expand your search to remote work and positions in nearby metro areas. Document that you're willing to relocate or work remotely.

8 months?! That's encouraging and terrifying at the same time. What finally worked for you?

networking through my old university alumni network. most professional jobs never get posted publicly

Oh great, another layer to this mess. I'm only 35 but I'm already worrying about this.

The double whammy of being overqualified AND over 40 is brutal. But don't give up - the right opportunity will come along.

That's a good point about federal positions. USAJOBS might be worth exploring more seriously.

Federal applications take forever though. Make sure you're still maintaining your regular job search activities for your weekly claims.

This hits hard. I keep wondering if I should have just stopped at my bachelor's degree.

Don't think like that! Your education is valuable, the job market is just weird right now. Hang in there.

Does contract work affect unemployment benefits? I'm worried about the income reporting requirements.

You just report the income on your weekly claim. As long as it's part-time or temporary, you can usually still collect partial benefits.

That's so reassuring to hear! I've been second-guessing my whole job search strategy.

How long did it take to get through with Claimyr? I've been meaning to try it.

Got connected within about 15 minutes. Way better than the hours I spent on hold before.

I've been using a spreadsheet but maybe I should be more detailed about the types of positions I'm targeting.

Yes! Include salary ranges, required qualifications, and why each position matches your background. Shows you're being strategic, not picky.

I hadn't thought about freelancing. Do you know if that affects the job search requirements for weekly claims?

You still need to keep looking for permanent work, but freelancing can supplement your income and keep your skills sharp.

That's a really good point. It makes sense from their perspective too - they want people in stable, long-term employment.

Exactly! Taking a huge step backward just creates more instability in the long run.

Good idea! I should probably be more proactive about connecting with industry recruiters.

LinkedIn is great for finding recruiters in your field. Most of them are pretty responsive if you have solid qualifications.

Thank you so much for the encouragement! This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring.

Agreed! It's nice to know others are dealing with the same challenges. We're not alone in this.