What if i can't find a job before unemployment runs out - Washington ESD options?

I understand your worry - it's a really stressful situation. In Washington, regular unemployment benefits are typically limited to 26 weeks, but there can be extensions during high unemployment periods. You should check with Washington ESD about Extended Benefits (EB) program availability. Also, make sure you're using all the resources at WorkSourceWA - they have career counselors who might help you expand your job search strategy.

Have you considered expanding your search beyond just accounting? I know it's not ideal but maybe bookkeeping, administrative assistant roles, or even temp agencies could provide some income while you keep looking for your ideal position.

Getting through to Washington ESD by phone to ask about extensions can be really frustrating with their call volume. I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get connected to ESD agents without waiting on hold for hours. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak with someone about your options before your benefits run out.

you might want to look into other assistance programs too while you're job searching. SNAP benefits, WIC if you qualify, utility assistance programs. Don't wait until your UI runs out completely to explore other safety nets.

Make sure you're documenting EVERYTHING in your job search activities. If extensions become available, they'll want to see that you've been actively searching. Keep detailed records beyond just the minimum requirements.

Have you tried reaching out to staffing agencies? A lot of them specialize in accounting and finance roles. Even if it starts as temp work, many assignments turn permanent.

this is exactly why the system is broken. 26 weeks isn't enough time in this job market, especially for specialized fields. I've been looking for work in tech for 5 months now and it's brutal out there.

Are you open to remote work? The accounting field has a lot more remote opportunities now than it used to. Might expand your options significantly.

Just went through this same situation last year. Extended Benefits weren't available when my regular UI ran out, but I was able to get some financial assistance through local nonprofits while I kept job searching. Don't give up - it took me 8 months total but I finally found something.

Have you considered freelance bookkeeping or tax prep work? Tax season is coming up and a lot of small firms hire temporary help. It's not steady but could provide some income while you job hunt.

Following up on my earlier comment about Claimyr - I used them when I needed to check on my claim status during adjudication and it saved me so much time and frustration. Really helped me get straight answers about my benefits timeline instead of guessing.

Don't forget to check if your local college or community college has any job placement services. Sometimes they help community members, not just students.

Are you networking at all? I know it's awkward but reaching out to former colleagues or joining professional associations might open up opportunities that aren't posted publicly.

Make sure you're also looking at government jobs - city, county, state positions. They often take longer to hire but the benefits are usually good and they're required to post openings publicly.

Have you tried looking at non-profit organizations? They often need accounting help and might be more flexible with requirements than corporate positions.

this might sound crazy but have you thought about gig work to supplement while you're looking? Like driving for uber or doing deliveries? It's not career work but it's something while you job hunt.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my benefit calculation. Really convenient compared to the usual calling nightmare. Worth it just for the peace of mind of actually being able to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Don't give up hope! I know it's scary but 8 weeks is still time to find something. Keep applying, keep networking, and explore all your options. You've got this!

One more thought - have you looked into any retraining programs through WorkSource? Sometimes they have funding for additional certifications or skills training that could make you more marketable.

Just wanted to say you're not alone in this. There are so many of us dealing with the same fear about benefits running out. Keep us posted on how things go!

Have you considered looking into QuickBooks certification or other accounting software certifications? Many are available online and relatively affordable. With so many businesses switching to cloud-based accounting, having current certifications in popular software might help you stand out. Plus, if you're doing this while still receiving benefits, it shows continued professional development in your job search activities.