Unemployment Insurance

Here's the story I have never in my professional career filed for unemployment until a couple of weeks.  I thought the process went relatively smooth and easy.  I received my letter that I was eligible for the maximum payout which would be reduced if I worked and earned more than 25% of my eligible amount. 

I did start a retail job PT on July 1 and I just needed that to keep me busy. 

Fast forward to this weekend when I realized I had a voice mail message to call the Texas Workforce Commission.  So it turns out the employer I worked for on a contract position has stated I have not made myself available for work nor notified me. 

The gentleman who asked me some questions was very kind.  I answered his questions honestly and provided him with the dates of the e-mails and correspondence I have had with this organization.  He then provided me with what the employer responded and I just started to tear up. 

I feel like no matter what I just can't catch a break.  He was very sympathetic and told me a final decision had not been made and he would be providing my statement to the claim adjustor who would make a decision.  While it gave me some comfort I was still upset and the man was very kind 

So here I am about to pay my rent for this month and my bills, working a PT job that may reduce my UI benefits but extend them longer and wondering when will I get a job offer.  Everyone I meet with tells me how skilled and how knowledgeable I am.  

In order to receive UI benefits I have to do a job search for three jobs a week.  I do far more than that each week, just this morning I have applied for six jobs.  There were not random but I feel a greater urgency to land that job I need even more so if I am denied UI benefits.  Fortunately, this week I was able to pick up two more shifts at my PT job and I took them because I have no clue when and if I will get UI benefits. 

I never imagined I would find myself in this type of situation.  Do I have regrets - no not really, while I am discouraged and worried I have been in a happier and better place than when I was employed and deal with retaliation and a hostile environment.