What are the effects of unemployment - long term Washington ESD claim impact?

Thank you for validating what I'm feeling. Some days I feel like I'm losing my professional skills and wondering if I'll ever find work again.

I felt the same way during my 6-month stretch on UI. The key is to treat job searching like a job itself and maintain your skills through online courses or volunteering.

Yes! The social aspect is so awkward. I avoid certain social situations now because I'm embarrassed about my situation.

Same here. I stopped going to networking events because I felt like such a failure. It becomes a vicious cycle.

I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work for getting through the phone lines? I've wasted so many hours trying to call Washington ESD.

It worked for me when I needed to check on an adjudication issue. Way better than spending half my day redialing the same number.

Interesting, I might try this. I've been trying to reach someone about my job search requirements for weeks.

That's terrifying to think about reduced lifetime earnings. I'm already worried about the gap in my resume.

The good news is that many employers are more understanding about employment gaps now, especially post-2020. Focus on what you've learned and how you've grown during this time.

The sleep thing is real! I stay up too late because I dread waking up to another day of job searching.

Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule anyway. It helps with mental health and you'll interview better when you're well-rested.

easier said than done but you're probably right. maybe i should set alarms for bedtime too lol

Yes, I've had to make so many compromises. Canceled subscriptions, stopped eating out, even sold some belongings. It's humbling in the worst way.

same boat, had to sell my car and take the bus everywhere now. makes job searching even harder

Look into local food banks and assistance programs. There's no shame in using available resources while you get back on your feet.

This hits hard. I feel like I've become a burden to my friends and family. Everyone's patience has limits.

I lost a few friendships during my unemployment. Some people just don't understand what it's like unless they've been through it.

True friends will stick by you during tough times. This experience might show you who really cares about you as a person, not just your employment status.

I can relate to all of this. I used to be so disciplined with my schedule and now I struggle to be productive even with job searching.

yeah the weight gain is real! stress eating plus no routine equals disaster for my health

I finally started treating job searching like a 9-5 job with scheduled breaks. It helped restore some structure to my days.

I might actually try this. I've been stressed about whether I'm doing my job search requirements correctly and can't get anyone on the phone to clarify.

I was skeptical about paying for something like this but honestly, the stress relief was worth it when I finally got answers about my adjudication.

What kind of steps can I take to mitigate the long-term effects while I'm still unemployed?

Keep your skills sharp through online learning, maintain professional networks, volunteer in your field if possible, and document any freelance or project work you do during this time.

Also consider this time as an opportunity to pivot your career if you weren't happy in your previous role. Sometimes unemployment forces beneficial changes.

The rejection emails are the worst part of my day. Sometimes I don't even want to check my email anymore.

Try to reframe rejections as part of the process rather than personal failures. Every no gets you closer to a yes.

i know you're right but it's hard to stay positive after hundreds of applications and barely any interviews

I'm single but I can see how this would strain a marriage. The guilt of not contributing financially must be overwhelming.

My relationship didn't survive my unemployment period. The financial stress and my depression were too much for us to handle together.

I'm sorry to hear that. It definitely tests relationships in ways you don't expect. Open communication is crucial.

That's encouraging to hear! How did you figure out what you wanted to do instead?

I used the time to take online courses, shadow professionals in different fields, and really think about what energized me versus what drained me in my previous jobs.

I'm trying to look at this as an opportunity too, but some days it's hard to see past the immediate financial stress.

This is so true! I feel judged at family gatherings and social events. People don't understand how competitive the job market is right now.

yeah people act like jobs grow on trees. if it was that easy we'd all be working already

Try to surround yourself with supportive people who understand the current job market realities. Not everyone will get it, but the right people will.

I've been considering therapy but I can't really afford it right now. Did you find any free or low-cost mental health resources?

Many communities have sliding scale mental health services. Also check if your local library has free stress management or job search support groups.

Washington State has some mental health resources for people experiencing financial hardship. It's worth calling 211 to get connected to local services.

Yes! I used to introduce myself by my job title and now I stumble over how to describe myself. It's like I've lost part of my identity.

This forced me to think about who I am beyond my job, which was actually really valuable. I discovered interests and values I had forgotten about.

that's a good point, maybe there's some silver lining to all this self-reflection

How quickly were you able to get through to someone? I've literally spent entire days trying to call Washington ESD with no luck.

They got me connected within a few hours. Way better than the endless busy signals and hold times I was dealing with before.

This is my biggest fear. I'm worried that the longer I'm unemployed, the less employable I become. It feels like a downward spiral.

The key is to stay active and visible during your unemployment. Volunteer, take courses, do freelance work if possible. Show that you're growing and learning, not stagnating.

Exactly. And be prepared to address the gap honestly in interviews. Most employers understand that the job market has been challenging.

Same here. This thread has been more helpful than I expected. It's comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with these challenges.

That's what community is for. We've all been there in different ways and supporting each other through difficult times is so important.

agreed, this has been really helpful. sometimes you just need to know you're not alone in feeling this way