Week 4 - Officially on the Dole

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 - I just spotted my first electronic deposit from the Unemployment Office.  Guess that makes me officially on State assistance.  Part of me says it's about time I see some benefit come out of all the money I've paid into the system over the years while the other half of my says this is utterly embarrassing and why the heck am I blogging about this?  I guess I can live with myself knowing that I'm using it as intended...  a simple crutch as I get over this small challenge and I'll soon be paying back into the system so that those who have made it a career path can do so. that those who are in need of State benefits can continue to live with dignity.  (You saw what I did there?  Yea, as my mindset shifts towards self employment there is less need for the charade.. not that it really is that.. but obviously I've been behaving a little better than usual knowing that potential future employers are hopefully scouring my social media).

Now where was I?  Dang, this is starting to read like a Deadpool fan fiction article.  (Note to self.. add copywriter to list of skills).

This week the State sent me a request to attend an "Enhanced Re-Employment Services Orientation". I looked up this program because the letter wasn't very descriptive and according to the State Website..

The Enhanced Re-employment Services program identifies customers who are likely to exhaust their unemployment benefits before returning to the same or similar employment.

Wow, aren't we positive.  Hmm...  wonder if the state is hiring copywriters?

I really hope they've dealt with others that share my mindset.  I have two lines of questioning that I'm going to push on them... 1) Do they have any assistance programs for finding work and relocating out of the state?  2) Do they consider self-employment and entrepreneurship a "job" and do they have any programs that can assist in that venture?

I really hope so, teaching me "how to dress for success" or formatting a resume isn't really going to help me a whole lot here.

Week 3 - It Really Wasn't THAT Bad!

Tuesday, June 6, 2016 - I had a few private messages saying that my last post was a bit of a pitty party.  Well.. I guess it wasn't as positive as I was hoping but in light of everything I think I'm doing a pretty good job at maintaining my composure.

I think this week will truly mark the end of the initial phase of this process.  The "vacation hearing" is over and done with and the state paid my my unemployment compensation retroactively.  I at least now have a little understanding why this was even the case.  It was a matter of a few questions left blank from my former personal department... I'm sure just a clerical oversight.  (That didn't sound too passive aggressive, did it?  Yea.. I know.. I'm doing my best.)

Lots of deep breaths and sitting out in the sun trying to relax this week.  Home-life is somewhat stressful, mostly because I'm just not used spending this much time with my significant other.  Mind you we're not having any "problems" per se, just getting used to this new dynamic.  She'd normally have her daily routine while I'm at work and I'm still settling into one.  But it's all good.

Now that the unemployment money is definitely flowing and I have a solid written budget, we're no longer in panic mode.  The fun food is back on the grocery list and occasional casual dining and ordering out is back on our schedule.

Week Two - Life Support Disconnected.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - Okay, maybe the title of this post is a bit dramatic, but it's just what I feel like has happened.  Today is my last day of company paid health benefits and it's a bit frightening.  My fiance seems to believe there's some free State programs available but I'm not optimistic.  From what I gather they have minimum asset requirements (I own a home, so that disqualifies me) and they determine income as your last two years averaged.

I did get my COBRA offer in the mail... it's no secret that its kind of ridiculous to think many people can afford that while being laid off and while ObamaCare is an option, the affordable plans are really only to protect you from major medical expenses over $10k.  Certainly an option if I go the self-employed route but at this point with or without it any catastrophe would wipe out the finances quickly.

Other than that, I'm still pondering my direction.  Mostly doing a lot of networking with both potential employers and entrepreneurs.

Of note I did learn something new.  Had no idea that "Adult Internship" was a thing.  Stumbled upon the website of BoomerDen.com and thought it was quite interesting.  Certainly something I may explore.

For those of you playing at home, I have not received my first check from unemployment yet.  I do think that is mainly because I was released mid-week.

Week One - Dazed And Overwhelmed

Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 - Rounding off the first week things are still a blur.  Random paperwork arrives in the mail mostly from the Department of Labor that's basically their website in hardcopy format.  I have to say I'm impressed at how quickly they react, haven't seen anything from my healthcare provider or 401K firm.

My true course of action is still a bit unclear.  My instincts are to "get er done" and aggressively find new employment but the zen side of me is urging a more laid back approach.  Self employment is really what I want but the whole healthcare aspect is presenting a giant initial hurdle.  If this wasn't a single income household this would be a totally different situation and more akin to winning the lotto.  Fighting that resentment will be a bit of a challenge but one I can overcome.

There are still quite a few administrative tasks that need to be done before I can fully concentrate on the income replacement aspect.  I also need a good block of undistracted time to sort out my path.

I am proud of myself for handling this first week with grace.  No regrets on any decisions I've made so far.