Updated: Sep 19, 2024

What to do if you can’t get unemployment or a job is the million dollar question that more and more people are asking themselves, as of 2010. The unemployment rate is the highest it’s been for more than 16 years, according to the Young Money website. If you do lose your job and have been denied unemployment, do not give up. You can take some measures to help your situation.

Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits vary from state to state. If you voluntarily quit your job without good cause, you probably won’t be able to get unemployment. Other reasons you may be denied unemployment are if you were fired for misconduct, if you did not make enough money to qualify or if you did not work long enough.

Appeal

If you have been denied unemployment, you can file an appeal and plead your case in a hearing. Each state has different requirements, but you typically must file between 10 and 30 days after your denial. If you did voluntarily quit your job, you can receive unemployment benefits if you can prove that you quit for good reason, based on the laws of your state. If the reason you were denied was misconduct at work, if you can prove this was not true, you may be able to get benefits. If not, you may qualify once a disqualification period ends, according to the Nolo website. If you were denied because you did not make enough money, check to determine whether your employer reported your earnings correctly. Bring in evidence to your hearing, such as a witness in the case of why you had to quit your job or a pay stub that proves your earnings.

Out of Work

Once you’ve been out of work for six months or more, it can be tougher to get a job. Some employers count it against you for being unemployed that long, according to an article in CNN Money. However, when unemployment is high, being out of work for six months does not look as bad to employers, Nancy Keene, an executive recruiter in Dallas, told CNN Money. When unemployment is high, it could take you a year to get a job you want. You can be out of work during high unemployment for nine months before future employers begin to consider the time as negative.

Upper Management

If you lost an upper management job, it is better not to jump at the first job offer you get if you know the job is wrong for you. You will probably not last long at the job, and this could eventually derail your career, says Keene. If you were upper management, you should look for consultant work before taking a job that is not right for you. The word “consultant” no longer screams on your resume that you could not find a job; rather, it is acceptable to sell your expertise, career coach Wendy Enelow told CNN Money.

Job Seeking Tips

While you are looking for a job, sharpen some skills that may need it, build a network of people who might be able to help you, and volunteer your time to a nonprofit organization in your community. Take some time to revitalize yourself. Being out of work for a long time can drain you, making you feel like a victim, says Enelow. Prevent that from happening by taking classes, learning a new language or spending time with your family. You need to maintain a positive outlook.

Entrepreneur

A down economy may be the time to start working for yourself, especially if you are young and unemployed, according to an article on PBS. The necessity exists, and you have less to lose. Working for yourself may be what it takes to keep your head above water.