Unemployment issue: opinions requested

[prolesunited]

I lost my F-T job in April and have exhausted my severance and vacation so I am now eligible for unemployment. The issue is that I have a part-time job, which pays just a little less than the benefits that I am eligible to collect. They subtract dollar-for-dollar every cent I earn and it's based on gross, so I could actually end up with less than my allowable benefits after taxes are taken out of my paycheck.

It isn't a set pool of money, but a set time period, meaning whether I collect the full amount or just a fraction, it will end after 26 weeks.

On top of that, I will likely have to have surgery within the next month. I see someone at the University of Chicago Hospitals next week to determine exactly what and how extensive the procedure will be. Since I don't work enough hours, my PT job is not covered by FMLA.

So, do I quit the P-T job now so I don't have to explain it to the unemployment office later, which could jeopardize my benefits?

I also am concerned that when I'm searching for a job that it's better to have some job rather than no job. But then again, wouldn't it be understandable if you needed a medical leave? Or, would that count against me as being less employable?

I already have some ideas on what I want to do, but I thought it couldn't hurt to get different perspectives. Maybe you've been through this before or have a creative way to handle it.

As an aside, I have always have worked two, sometimes three, jobs since I've been 23. Not working at all is a terrifying, ego-deflating prospect.

So, what would you do in this situation?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. If you are having surgery, it might be better for your doc

to certify you for state disability depending on recovery time involved.

on edit: I am suggesting state disability rather than unemployment since you need to be ABLE to work and looking for work in order to collect unemployment in most states

[prolesunited]

7. The time frame for disability is 12 months or impending death

Neither of which thankfully applies, and I would be able to look for work and be able to work from home, granted in a more limited capacity.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

9. That's social security..not state disability

Usually state disability is for temporary disability NOT MORE than a year

[DrGonzoLives]

2. I would quit

1. Health is more important.
2. You might just get fired anyway, and that looks worse than being unemployed.
3. You might get state disability assistance if you are jobless.
4. More Playstation 2 time.

[SOteric]

3. I know these things vary from state to state,

but for at least a couple of decades, our state has been able to pull all your employement records, including part-time work, as is reported to your social security. With that in mind, it may be too late to quit your part-time job at this point. I dunno. :shrug:

I guess my next question is how are you set for things for the period during which you may have surgery and recovery time? Do you have some savings? The National Bank of Mom & Dad? A special friend who may be inclined to help with things?

Is temporary disability an option for you?

[prolesunited]

8. I have adequate savings

I am just trying to explore my options and maximize my opportunities.

[Beware the Beast Man]

4. You can get another job; you don't get another body.

It sounds as if you have a very strong work ethic. I would be more concerned for your health at the moment. :thumbsup:

[DS1]

5. I thought you had to be laid off to get unemployment

At least I think that's how it works in MA, if you walk off your job then you made the decision, etc

[prolesunited]

6. I was laid off my full-time, primary job

Actually, my position was cut, so there is no hope for return.

The woman at the office said they couldn't force me to take any job if it meant a substantial cut in pay or hours. So, I don't think they can force me to keep my P-T job.

[pmbryant]

10. Oh this sounds like a very nerve-wracking situation.

I'm hoping for the best for you, proles, both economically and physically. I sure hope the surgery is nothing too serious.

My opinion, for what it's worth, which may not be much, is to keep the PT job. The regular income from that is worth far more than limited weeks of unemployment, I believe. Plus, if you do end up having to leave the PT job later, you can preserve eligibility for unemployment for the time when it may be the only income you have.

As you mention, keeping the PT job also will provide numerous psychological benefits, and help keep morale up for the job search, which is absolutely crucial.

All the best, proles.

:grouphug:

Peter