by Craig Bradley

Created on: August 30, 2008

For the first time in my life and a half-dozen careers I was let go, fired. At first I didn't even consider applying for unemployment compensation. In my mind I didn't make my admissions plan at the college and I was let go for cause. I sat down to construct a budget based on plundering my future by raiding my IRA rollover. I was bummed! I ran through various scenarios including putting my life on eBay and calculated how many months I was dumpster dining. So I picked up the phone to voice my concern to my friend John.

Before I completed my story about being fired John said "you know you 'sales guys' are eligible for unemployment compensation." Having held management positions earlier in my career I said, "you're wrong." But John was persistent and reiterated his assertion. Grumbling, I relented and agreed to do some checking. I'm pleased to say he was right. I never felt so good about being proved wrong.

I went to the state unemployment office website and prepared my claim. After about ten minutes the process was moving forward. It did take some work to get the claim approved an a few letters passed between and the adjudicator at the unemployment office. I'm glad to say that I never had to pickup the phone to speak with my former employer. The steps to approving my claim were a little involved. However remaining calm and visualizing a successful outcome-not dipping into the IRA-kept me on track.

The documentation required to complete my claim was simple, thankfully I kept all my pay stubs and W-2. In my case I had to provide documentation for my last year of income, details about the position I head and circumstances surrounding why I left my position. Or, in the case of my last job, why I was let go. In addition there were some questions about my the effort I had put forth at my former employer. Despite falling short on the number of students I had enrolled, I had put in the effort. I provided the adjudicator with copies of reports which documented how many calls I made a day compared with other reps, appointments I had set and interviews I had conducted. In the end my claim for unemployment was approved! It did take some time about four weeks from the beginning of the process until I received my first check.

My recommendation is that you don't rely on what you 'know' when it comes to unemployment compensation. Challenge your own assumptions and you too might be pleasantly surprised. Its given me a little breathing room and a way to supplement 'putting my life on eBay' while I conduct my job search. I hope this helps and hopefully you'll find your dream job soon.

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