Well, hello there and thanks for surfing my wave!
By now I’m sure ya’ll are familiar with the inner workings of the Employment Development Department (EDD), the folks that are responsible for processing and paying out your Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), right? Well, my initial cycle has expired and I needed to reapply for my first renewal, memorable experience for all, yes? Sounds simple?
I’m a very honest and impeccably law-abiding citizen who tries to do everything by the book to avoid future UIB denials, hassles and headaches with trying to cheat the system or what have you. One of the questions relates to having your own business and self-employment issues. Well, like momma always said, tell the truth – ya’ can’t get blamed for telling the truth. So I did. I’ll be upfront with you: I entered into a DBA with this website, started some accounting and did the whole thing above board so if I should (lord willing) make a dime or two off of this website, it will be properly reported both to the EDD and the IRS. You never know, if I get called on to write for some establishment or get requested for a speaking engagement, I’m fully prepared to get paid for such services and be businesslike and professional about handling it. But, here’s the main thing…I haven’t made one copper cent from any entity of this website, it’s content, affiliates or anything – nada!
Here’s the kicker – the State doesn’t believe me! So for going about it the correct way, I’m now getting called on the carpet for it and will need to have a phone interview with them the first of next month to prove that what I am doing is not driving any revenue, is work related and hasn’t deterred from any portion of what they consider my job-search.
How Insane Is That!? I finally get an interview and it’s to provide evidence that I’m actively looking for full-time employment, haven’t make any income from this (or anything), and what else do I have up my sleeve that they don’t know about?
I’m Pissed; Seething even. Will the State employee calling be deft enough to understand the concept of what it is I’m trying to do? I’m here trying to help myself and others find innovative and inventive ways of not only looking for work, but demonstrating ways in which to create other avenues of employment and I get nailed from the narrow-minded people that aren’t paid to think. They just look at filled-in bubbles and consequences for going one way or the other with them. It’s either yes or no. Started a business, self-employed? Time will tell…
At least they have the courtesy of hearing me speak my peace and state my claim. Hooray for what little justice we do have as the unemployed. Imagine our situation in some other Land? They probably don’t get money for losing a job, so what’s a person to do? I guess I’ll wait and hope that they’ll understand my plight and agree to continue with my UIB. If not, I will continue with this infectious battle of proving my case. Nobody in their right mind, given the way technology and economics are headed today, can simply sit at a computer screen hour after hour, day in and day out, regurgitating cover letters and resumes into the in-boxes of Corporate America and honestly be self-satisfied that this is the only and best way to land a job. It clearly isn’t. I’m doing that, and a whole lot more. Again, I am potentially being punished instead of thanked or complimented for starting a project that has great potential for assisting others with their pain and troubles and possibly an income for me. It hasn’t yet, but when it does, the whole world will know.
Everyone ready? Wish me luck, I’ll need it!
Why Just Look For A Job? Create One!™
TheUnemployMENTOR – email@theunemploymentor.com
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