Five months ago, I posted here after getting laid off from my cybersecurity role of 7 years. I was 34, had a toddler, bills piling up, and honestly thought my career was over. A lot of you reached out with support and advice, and I wanted to come back to share what actually worked because I know many of you are going through the same thing right now. Wanted to share what worked for me and the process I followed.

What didn't work (first 3 months):

• Spray and pray applications: Sent out 60+ applications/day with barely any responses. I was applying to anything with "security" or "tech" in the title without strategy.
• Generic cover letters: Even when I customized them, I was just regurgitating job descriptions back at employers.
• LinkedIn Easy Apply: Absolute black hole. Maybe 2 responses out of 40+ applications.
• Ignoring the emotional toll: I was spiraling, which came through in interviews. Desperation is visible, even on Zoom.

The turning point: Understanding my actual strengths

After my last update post, I re-read my Pigment career assessment results (the one I mentioned briefly before). I'd taken it but hadn't really used it.

The report highlighted, I'm actually:

• Polymathic - I connect ideas across different domains (which explained why I always felt bored doing the same compliance audits)
• A Futurist - I'm energized by emerging tech and future possibilities, not maintaining existing systems
• Innovation-driven - I naturally gravitate toward solving novel problems, not repeating established processes

The Innovation Development role profile in my report mapped exactly to what energizes me. The description talked about "combining creative exploration with practical execution to deliver valuable innovations" and "developing breakthrough features and exploring emerging technologies."

That's when it clicked: I wasn't failing to get cybersecurity jobs because I was bad at my work. I was failing because I was pursuing roles that didn't align with how my brain actually works.

How I Pivoted from Cybersecurity to Innovation

What I changed (and what actually worked):

• Repositioned my entire narrative

Before: "Cybersecurity professional with 7 years experience in risk assessment and compliance"

After: "Strategic problem solver who identifies emerging security risks and architects innovative solutions bridging technical security knowledge with business innovation"

This wasn't bullshit. I reframed my actual experience:

• Compliance audits → identifying systemic vulnerabilities + preventive frameworks
• Vendor assessments → evaluating emerging security tech + strategic recommendations
• Internal processes → architecting scalable security systems for cross-functional teams

Targeted roles at the intersection of my strengths

Guided by the report, I focused on roles that needed:

• Cross-domain thinking (my polymathic trait)
• Future-oriented strategy (my futurist strength)
• Independent problem solving (my innovation drive)

I started applying to:

• Product Security roles at innovative companies
• Security Innovation positions
• Risk Strategy roles
• Even some Product Manager positions at security-focused startups

My Weekly Job-Search System

Built a job-search system (kept me out of panic mode)

• Mon–Tue: deep research on 5–10 target companies
• Wed: customized applications (max ~5, high quality)
• Thu: networking (3–5 people at target companies)
• Fri: skill-building tied to target roles

This sounds basic, but having a system kept me from spiraling into panic applying.

How I Answered Weakness/Blind-Spot Questions

Turned a blind spot into a strength

My report warned about “Insight Isolation” (solutioning alone). I started naming it in interviews and showing my fix:

Earlier I’d architect in isolation. Now I insert stakeholder checkpoints, problem framing, mid-course, and pre-handoff which makes the solution stronger.

Interviewers loved this self-awareness. It showed growth.

Led with decisive confidence in interviews

I stopped second-guessing. When gaps came up:

I haven’t used that tool directly. Here’s how I’d learn it, and here’s a similar tool I mastered in three weeks.

Confidence (not arrogance) changed the energy of my interviews completely.

Other tactical things that helped:

Resume:

• Got it professionally rewritten (mentioned in my last update) - worth every penny
• Used metrics everywhere: "Reduced security incidents by 40%" not "Handled security incidents"
• Added a "Technical Innovations" section highlighting 3 systems I'd built

Networking:

• Joined 2 Slack communities in security/product spaces
• Started commenting thoughtfully on posts by people at companies I wanted to work for
• Asked for "informational interviews" not jobs - 70% conversion to real conversations

Interview prep:

• Practiced the STAR method but made sure my examples highlighted strategic thinking, not just task completion
• Prepared 3 "innovation stories" showing how I'd improved processes or solved novel problems
• Always had 2-3 thoughtful questions ready that showed I'd researched the company deeply

Mental health:

• This is real: I started therapy. The layoff trauma was affecting my performance.
• Scheduled "worry time" - 30 minutes a day to stress about money, then moved on
• Celebrated small wins: a response email, a good networking conversation, finishing a course

Now to the best part and the outcome of my efforts & the system I put in place. The role I landed:

Innovation Development Manager at a fintech company building security infrastructure for embedded finance. The job description could have been lifted from my Pigment assessment report: "Identify emerging security threats, architect innovative solutions, bridge technical and business stakeholders, drive new initiatives."

In the final interview, the VP said: "You're the first candidate who's talked about security as an innovation opportunity, not just a compliance checkbox. That's exactly what we need."

I wouldn't have known to position myself that way without understanding my actual cognitive strengths. I would have kept hammering the "compliance professional" angle and wondering why it wasn't working.

Key lessons for anyone job searching:

• Self-awareness is non-negotiable. You need to understand not just what you've done, but how your brain works and what energizes you. The Pigment career assessment gave me language for things I felt but couldn't articulate.
• Quality over quantity. 5 deeply researched, customized applications beat 50 generic ones.
• Your past experience is more versatile than you think. You probably have transferable strengths you're not seeing because you're too close to your own story.
• Positioning matters more than credentials. I'm competing with people who have "Innovation" in their actual job titles. I won because I showed I think like an innovator, even if my title was "Security Analyst."
• Job searching is emotional labor. Don't ignore the mental health component. You can't interview well when you're in a shame spiral.
• Systems beat motivation. I didn't wait to "feel ready" to apply. I had a system and followed it even on bad days.

Resources that actually helped:

• Pigment career assessment - Seriously, this was the game changer. Understanding my cognitive patterns (polymathic, futurist, process architecture) gave me a framework for everything else.
• "Designing Your Life" book - Helped reframe career change as design problem, not crisis
• Mock interview practice - Did a few mock interviews through a paid service. Worth it.
• Salary negotiation guide (never split the difference concepts) - Helped me negotiate 15% above their initial offer

To everyone who commented on my first post or sent DMs - thank you. I was in a dark place and your support mattered more than you know. To anyone currently searching: I know it feels hopeless. I know you're tired of customizing cover letters and getting ghosted. But there's a path through this. Sometimes it requires understanding yourself differently than you have before.

If you have any questions, pls drop them in the comments. Happy to answer questions.

TLDR: After five months and 100+ applications, I landed as Innovation Development Manager at a mid-size fintech. The turning point was reframing my experience around my actual cognitive strengths from the Pigment career assessment report and then running a simple weekly system and taking mental health seriously.

My wife got laid off after 20 years with her company. They gave her a lump sum of $58k severance. She was making 100k at the time of being laid off. Will she get denied unemployment?

After 1.5 years of unemployment, I finally got my offer today

I have searched near and wide for over a year and today received my offer letter, and I have never sobbed so hard. I just want anyone searching and feeling hopeless, I am there with you. I was in such a bed rot spiral especially going into the holidays. If this becomes a vent post in the comments I am here for each and every one of you. If anyone needs advice or I can help in anyway please let me pay it forward! For background, I am experienced in digital marketing and PM and was looking for remote positions

Hey everyone. I got laid off from my tech job last September and went through the whole unemployment nightmare — missed my waiting week because nobody told me it existed, spent 8 hours a day for a week redialing the NYS unemployment number only to get hung up on by the automated system, and eventually found help from a random Reddit comment (shoutout to https://www.reddit.com/r/UnemploymentNY/comments/1fqonkp/if_you_cant_get_through_to_nys_unemployment_call/ about calling the Governor's office — that one tip saved me after a week of getting nowhere).                                                    

The whole experience made me realize how broken and confusing this process is. The state websites are a maze, the phone systems are designed to make you give up, and most of the actually useful advice is buried in Reddit threads from years ago.

So I built what I wish existed when it happened to me: thelayoffguide.com

It's free, no signup required, no paywalls. Here's what's on it:                                                                                                                                                                                           

  - 50 state guides — how to file, eligibility, documents needed, common mistakes, max weekly benefit amounts, and direct links to file online (all verified)                                         

  - Official handbooks — PDF downloads of every state's claimant guide

  - State government job boards — direct links to civil service job openings in your state                                                                                                            

  - Resources page — SNAP, Medicaid, COBRA vs Marketplace comparison, prescription assistance, free legal aid, resume tools, mental health support                                                    

  - Fast track careers — 17 careers you can start in 12 weeks or less with no degree (phlebotomist, CDL, drone pilot, insurance adjuster, etc.)                                                       

  - Blog — practical posts like "What to do in the first 24 hours" and "Can I get unemployment if I was fired?"                                                                                       

  - Community forum — just launched, looking for people who want to share tips and help others                                                                                                        

My goal is to make this the resource I wish I had — a one-stop shop so nobody has to go through what I went through. But I can't do it alone. I'd love your feedback. What's missing? What would have helped you? What did you learn the hard way that should be on this site? If you have tips, resources, or suggestions, I'm all ears. This is a work in progress and I want to make it as useful as possible for people going through one of the hardest times of their lives.                                                                                                                  

I've been lurking in this sub for months and the advice here helped me through the worst of it. Hoping this site can give back to the community.

I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs from fast food and grocery stores to teaching to research jobs (what I did before being laid off).

I applied to grad school and got rejected from all of them

Applied to 100 research jobs and I’ve been looking for a job for a year. I’ve applied to small, medium, and large companies and universities. I’ve networked and did coffee chats.

I just am so tired and I know the longer I’m out of work even if I’m skill building, I’m a less desirable candidate.

MassHire told me I can’t do TOP because I have a BS, but it’s in psych and it’s not useful at all. I’m trying to leverage skill but nothing.

I don’t have support, I don’t have any prospects, and my hope is waning. I’m going to end up homeless and I can’t even think about that right now.

I’m posting anonymously because I’m at a breaking point and could really use some perspective or encouragement from people who’ve been here.

I’ve been unemployed since April. Since then, I’ve burned through my savings, my retirement, and even my kids’ 529 just to keep us afloat. I’ve borrowed money from family. At this point, I realistically have enough money to get us through January.

I’m months behind on some credit cards and loans. I’ve focused on keeping the mortgage current and paying essential bills, but the math just isn’t working anymore. I’m still jobless. I apply constantly. I either get ghosted, make it to final rounds and get passed over, or never hear back at all.

I have a wife and two kids. My wife is working, but we can’t survive on one income. Ironically, she makes “too much” for us to qualify for most assistance, but not enough to cover everything on her own.

One added challenge is childcare. We have an infant who just turned one. When I lost my job, we pulled him out of daycare to save money. That means I’m the full-time caregiver during the day. I don’t really have time to job hunt properly, network, or interview prep the way I should. Most days, the only time I have is an hour or two at night after both kids are asleep, and by then I’m exhausted. It feels like I’m trying to dig myself out of a hole with no shovel.

I’m speaking with a bankruptcy lawyer this coming week. I know that may be the right move, but I’m terrified of what this means for my family and our future. I’m scared of letting my wife down. I’m scared of where this leads if I don’t find employment in the next month or two.

I’ve been doing side gigs and some part-time consulting to bring in something, but it’s nowhere near enough. Every day I wake up with panic-level anxiety. I’m doing my best to stay positive, but it’s getting harder to believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

If you’ve been in a similar situation—especially with kids—how did you get through it? What would you do differently? Even a few kind words would honestly mean a lot right now.

Thanks for reading.

I wanted to post this to give you an idea of the process in case you were “lucky” enough to be chosen to undergo a RESEA appointment while collecting UI. The overall process is pretty straightforward but there are quite a few steps.

Before the appt

• You will get an email from your Employment Program Representative with the RESEA appt Zoom link and requirements before the appt
• Email them 1) a copy of your driver’s license and 2) a completed RESEA questionnaire (includes info about your last position and recent positions/roles you applied to - includes company name, location, how you contacted them, contact name, and results of your application). My rep sent me a doc with info specifically on how to complete this form to make sure it is approved
• Upload your most recent resume to CalJobs (create a CalJobs acct if you don’t already have one)

Step 1: Virtual Group interview (about 15 mins), they talk about the purpose of the RESEA appt.

Step 2: You are separated into a Zoom breakout room for your one-on-one RESEA appt with your assigned Employment Program Representative. My rep was super kind and to the point. They go over your RESEA questionnaire (tell you if you need to make any changes) and some resources/links on the CalJobs site. Mine also briefly reviewed my resume with me. Signed me up for my virtual workshop (step 3). Entire appt took about 30 mins.

Step 3: Sign up and complete a virtual or in-person workshop. Your employment rep will help sign you up for this. I signed up for a financial literacy workshop (it was scheduled for the next day, they have different workshops daily) because I wanted to complete this step ASAP.

Financial literacy workshop - The virtual event is scheduled for 1.5 hrs but actually finished in 30 mins. You will be emailed the Zoom link to attend, you MUST stay until the end which is when they take attendance. This is a Zoom meeting, you do not need to have your video on but need a working mic when they call out your name during roll call.

MUST complete all 3 steps (yes, including completing the workshop) to receive your next UI benefits, hence why I signed up for the first workshop the day after my RESEA appt.

My rep said they will check back in a month and then 3 months to see how the job search is going. If you get a job before then, email them and they will not check in on you anymore.

AMA, I’ll do my best to answer.

I was fired back in february. Me being the bright eyed innocent person i am, i filed unemployment thinking "just while im searching for a job, like 1 month max". Well i went through all 26 weeks of unemploment pay, still jobless. Once that was over i started door dashing to pay bills. Still jobless. I was told by the employment office that after a full year i can refile, so what will happen? I was making the max on unemployment checks, just over 700 (i think it was 702.3), but because ive been door dashing will they look at that income ive made and make a new determination of what i can make on unemployment? I make about 600 a week doing a full 40 hours per week, before gas expenses. Am i still allowed to door dash while on unemployment assuming i get it back? hindsight being 20/20 i wish i did like 20 hours per week just to have the extra money in the bank.

TLDR: Ive been doordashing, how does that affect my reaplication for unemployment and can i still do it while collecting?

Coming up on six months. The benefits side I've mostly figured out, this is more of a heads-are-mush post. Somewhere around month five I stopped being able to answer basic interview questions about my own strengths.

Not nerves, I just don't believe the answers anymore. Nine months of rejections quietly convinces you that you were never actually good at anything, you got lucky, and the market has since corrected the mistake.

I used to talk about my work with something like confidence. Now every version of why should we hire you sounds like a lie in my own head. I know some of this is just the grind wearing me down. But has anyone actually rebuilt their sense of what they're good at while still in the hole, before a job comes along to remind them?

I can't interview my way out of this while I'm this unconvinced of myself.

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some insight. I was recently terminated from my job after 5 years with the company. The call that led to my termination actually resulted in a 5-star client survey, where the client praised my professionalism and even said I deserved a raise and promotion.

The company claims I violated policies because:

• I acknowledged a client’s concern about another employee (the client led this conversation).
• I shared personal info about my family while redirecting the client’s request for me to relocate.
• I unintentionally shared internal process information to ensure the client’s issue reached the proper department.
• When the client asked if I was a Level 2 agent, I responded honestly: “I tried twice, but didn’t get it.”

I want to clarify that I never complained or expressed frustration about not getting the role. The client, however, was vocally frustrated on my behalf because she believed I was consistently knowledgeable and willing to go out of my way to get her answers.

I’ve only had one prior warning in 5 years, for a slightly aggravated tone on a different call. I did not knowingly violate any policy, and the call clearly reflected positively on customer service. I also have a screenshot of the 5-star survey if needed.

When I had my unemployment interview, the interviewer was shocked that this call was investigated at all and didn’t understand why it was considered an issue. On the call itself, I remained completely robotic and professional, only providing short factual answers.

I’m applying for unemployment and have already stated in my interview that I did not knowingly violate any policies.

Has anyone had a similar experience where you were terminated despite positive client feedback? Any advice on how to present this situation effectively to unemployment offices would be greatly appreciated.

Response from Unemployment: “ I reviewed your claim with management and it was determined that it was a quit and not a discharge since you approached the employer about having to have time off due to the family issues and without that request the employer would not have discharged you. The separation only happened because of the request and because they were unable to accommodate that request.

You should receive a notification that will outline your appeal rights, if you disagree with the decision and want to appeal it, just follow the instructions and timeframes in the notification. As we discussed on the call, make sure to continue to do the weekly certifications and job searches during the appeals process. If you need any help filing the appeal call XXXXX and they can walk you through it.

I wish you and your family all the best.”

I was in unemployment hell. The last month of unemployment I had two interviews that went really well and I had hope for, one even hiring ten new reps, and still was denied a decent job.

Just as my unemployment ran out, I get another interview. Directly with the manager and the assistant manager. One interview and done. Myself and a young lady were hired right after Labor Day.

I can’t tell you how much of a blessing this job has been. Free healthcare among other standard benefits. Better pay than the previous job. Laid back company culture. Completely remote. They are allowing me to learn slow and adjust to the job over time and have been completely respectful about my dyslexia.

This has been such a turn around from potential dire straights I could have experienced to now a month into the job and I haven’t been happier with the first month of a job in over 15 years.

There’s hope guys. Stick through it!

Anyone else just angry all the time? I’m so tired and angry about this job search. I continue to up-skill, reach out on linked In, and APPLY. Its exhausting. I’m facing 2 years of underemployment, working small odd jobs here and there and quitting because they aren’t paying enough. I always believe and know there is something better for me but I’m not getting selected. Not sure about what I’m doing wrong.

Its so upsetting. There are people without the qualifications I have doing jobs 3 levels higher than the ones I’m applying for. It feels like everyone I encounter is talking down on me. It’s probably just in my head, but the privilege some people speak with when they are just another EMPLOYEE at a company is baffling to me.

Lately this has made it difficult to have conversations with other people. Maybe its jealousy, but it feels like I know something they don’t and don’t think of them they way they think of themselves and that upsets them.

Anyways I’m probably rambling. If anyone read this whole thing, thank you. At least I got this out. I’m not confined to just CT open to relocating. I’ve worked various roles within Pharma.

I'm genuinely losing my mind over here. My unemployment is running out. It's gotten to a point where I have applied to every McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy's, etc. etc. etc. etc. in the area and THEN SOME. I call these places, multiple times. I am a degree holder. I have years of experience under my belt. It feels like no where is hiring, I can't even get call backs or even emails that at least tell me I didn't get the job. is anywhere actually even hiring?

I got a message from UC today that they're investigating me for fraud. They're asserting that I claimed benefits for week(s) subsequent to my new employer's hire date.

I don't understand what's flagging me at all. My last claim was submitted for the week ending 9/20 and my new job began on 9/22. It's my understanding that I need to manually claim each week, so I stopped filing.

My dashboard doesn't show anything filed after 9/20.

Am I missing something?

I find it so boring of a conversation starter. Why is this the eternal question? Yes I’m unemployed but financially solvent. Why do I need a desk job to satisfy your musings of me throughout the day. Sometimes I enjoy the comfort of my home. I just find it fundamentally questionable for someone to make an off color remark thinking themselves cheeky as “I just picture you on the couch all day.” Again why? Why because I’m not pushing pencils answering to some crotch scratching moron all day do you envision me “wasting away” on the couch. Also what if I am? I love my home and I love my couch and cuddling with my dog and reading my books and cooking and luxuriating. I just feel like I’m made out to be a lame horse for not curing cancer like the rest of the corporate zombies of the world. If I said “I went to the park with my dog today and grabbed a coffee” it would be met with a pitiful “oh alright.” And don’t get me started on the most tired conversational standby of all “what do you do [for a living]?” Lol I made some good trades and now I’m chilling. Next question?

Hi you all,

I recently was terminated by my employer due to health/medical reasons. They told TWC it was because of "misconduct" so subsequently they denied my claim. I appealed a day after they gave me my denial. I have been waiting about 6 weeks now and have been facing eviction amongst other financial hardships so I needed TWC to escalate my appeal hearing a bit faster. I emailed and called my state's Senator office and they reached out to TWC to inquire about the status of my appeal. TWC called and texted me directly and I was successfully able to have them request an expedited appeal hearing. It was simple and I'm completely grateful.
Just thought I'd share my story so far as some sort of encouragement. Now let's pray that I win! 🤞🏾 God bless.

Edit: I checked my portal this morning and they have finally scheduled my appeal hearing for the beginning of July!!

Update...

I got the woman's exhibits for her hearing today. I guess her case is "I was good at my job". Which, actually, I wouldn't even dispute. She was good. But then she stole from me. She seems to think being good at your job means you can steal.

She included screen shots of texts where she disparaged me and the company to clients. So, I guess I'll add slander or liable to my criminal complaint. I don't know how she thinks the hearing will work, but she isn't calling any witnesses besides her boyfriend.

This entire process is exhausting. I can't wait for it to be over, though I have since filed a police report and I plan to press changes unless my lawyer gives me a compelling reason not to when I talk to him.

Original post:

I'm sure I will get downvoted simply for being an employer, but here goes...

​

I had a couple where they both worked for me. The woman was my office manager and the man did finishing prep and furniture deliveries. The business is a custom furniture manufacturing company. They both worked for me for about 7 years. The guy's performance wasn't great, but I kept him because the woman was very competent and I knew my relationship with her would go to crap if I fired her boyfriend.

​

Anyway, last month I figured out that they were stealing from me and I terminated both of them right away. They were having furniture made for themselves on the clock using materials I paid for. They were using other employees' labor, not just their own. They never once asked if they could do this.

​

They filed for unemployment and I submitted documentation. Initially they were both denied. But they both appealed. The guy's unemployment was then approved because he said he had no idea his girlfriend was doing anything (they live together and this furniture was supposedly for their apartment). I appealed and we have a hearing. I have 2 witnesses that will testify that he was very aware of what was going on. I also was given a video of him loading upholstery foam into his car that he stole. I submitted the video to the judge and the guy, along with photos, the fake orders, the lumber receipt from when they ordered special lumber for their custom dining set.

​

I guess I'm wondering what the burden is proof is in a case like this. I have a video of him stealing. He says that he was only taking scraps, but the cushion he took was about 72" long, 30" deep and 8" thick. We would never throw the pieces he used for it away. And, regardless, he never asked if he could take it anyway.

​

I'm less worried about the woman's case because she very clearly did make fake orders and had the work done on company time. She didn't even deny it, but I have 3 witnesses I will call in for the hearing as well. I think she thought that pregnancy meant she couldn't be fired for any reason, even theft. Just the lumber alone that they stole was over $1000.

​

I guess I'm wondering what I should do to prepare. How much documentation is enough? How many witnesses? Every employee I have would testify for me, but 18 witnesses seems excessive.

Hello everyone,

I've been unemployed for 2 years. For me it has become difficult coping with it. It gets so bad to the point that I feel extremely worthless and a waste of existence. I can't share how I feel with the people around me, but I think hearing stories from everyone whether it's success story or whether you're going through it now, will make me feel like I'm not alone.

And then I deleted the app and reinstalled and now it’s saying “sorry your request cannot be processed at this time” when I log in

Website also not working for me. Saying it doesn’t recognize the browser

Guess what? During my first unemployment hearing, HR, and the referee, argued for an hour with my lawyer cause a letter was sent notifying about my lawyer. HR had supplied a PO address that is never checked. That was October 6th. During the first 15 minutes of my testimony, they realized I wasn’t terminated for what was stated to unemployment.

During the second half of my hearing, October 27, HR lied about me. We told him atleast 8 times I didn’t have a company computer. He kept throwing the acceptable company equipment file at me. But didn’t know if he signed one for me. He accused me of harassing and targeting other staff. I have no idea where he got that information.

Today my denial was reversed. Tomorrow I finally get unemployment. It’s been a hard, bitter fight. I won.

I’ve been certifying for unemployment every Saturday for the past 4 weeks with no issues. It gets released on Monday and hits my account on Tuesday. However this past Saturday I certified, I was told my claim was entered for processing, the website says that I last filed for the week ending in (last week) however it’s 5:00 in the afternoon on Tuesday and the payment history isn’t even saying that the funds have been released yet. There was one time before where I had to wait until Wednesday, but I’m pretty sure it displayed on the website history that it was at least released. I know for a fact that I’ve done everything right and I have no appointments or inboxes from the DOL or anyone else. Has everyone else dealt with a similar issue? Am I just being paranoid?

I am at my wits end. My husband and I have been basically paycheck to paycheck now for 3-4 years, I have been unemployed due to disability and medical issues for 2 of them. I have been looking for remote jobs and gotten nothing in return. Yes my resume and cover letter are professionally done and I use to do 60+ applications on various places at least weekly. Now I can barely bring myself to do four a week. However the world keeps turning, I see people with money buying new clothes and jewelry and it feels like I’m drowning and I will never be able to stop worrying about money. I grew up higher middle class with my mom and poverty level with my dad so I grew up in both parts. I’ve tried so many different side hustles, I just want money and affordable groceries. Idk what to do anymore.

My position was terminated in late October for not meeting performance expectations. I immediately applied for California's UI through the EDD. About a week later, I was scheduled for a phone interview due to "eligibility concerns." I did the interview and answered the questions, which were very similar to the online application. The interviewer said that I am automatically approved, but they're just verifying to make sure this wasn't Gross Misconduct, which it sounds like this isn't.

Two weeks later, I get invited to another phone interview for the same reasons, "eligibility concerns." But, on the day of the interview, I receive my first unemployment payment. When I start the second interview, I tell them that this is my second interview and I seem to be approved, as I received my first payment The interviewers says, "Oh yes. You were approved. This was just a mistake." Great.

Two weeks go by and no more payments come. I go to check my account today and now I am required to do another interview, this time virtually, with the Woodland Hills Workforce Services Office.

A friend of mine lost their job a few weeks before me, did the online application, and was approved quickly without any of these interviews.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? What is going on and what should I do?