I finally have some motivation to write. Since applying for unemployment benefits on May 18th, I’ve been in a battle with unemployment to receive anything at all.
Some things I’ve learned:
- Since I didn’t work in 2019 (I was traveling all year, more or less), I didn’t have enough “work history” or wages for the past five quarters to qualify for unemployment benefits with my state. Apparently I need $12,950 in gross wages to qualify. Even though I started working in late December 2019, I only had $10,350 in gross wages. Blegh.
- I also found out that I was flagged on two “determinations”. Unemployment reps told me, repeatedly, that I needed to wait for those determinations to clear before I could apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance option.
- After waiting for a month, on June 19th I applied for the PUA (see 2 above) option. Now I’m waiting on a human in the unemployment office to enter in all my info and review my case.
- Even though I have an emergency fund and I’m doing ok with finances, this whole process of uncertainty and waiting has left me drained more than usual. As a result, I’ve been super unmotivated in June to do anything other than read, watch TV, run a bit, and relax. My mind feels blegh.
Now what?
After reading a good chunk of A Purple Life’s blog about her journey toward FIRE, I’m feeling a bit better and more creative. My writer blocked brain is starting to flow again. Finally. 🙂
I know I mentioned in my previous post that I would post my budgets during this time. I might still do that. I have no problems with sharing my finances to the world. However, I’m not sure if I should do that now or just lump it all together in a late July post. In August, supposedly, I’ll return to my normal 40 hour work weeks at my job, once we’re fully operational again.
Anyways, how has June been for you? Any major changes?