Author: Jasper Berg, J.D.

  • Your Job Search While Unemployed

    Your Job Search While Unemployed

    One’s job search and unemployment go hand-in-hand.  People who have or are collecting unemployment benefits can reduce risk by doing the following.  

    Today’s tip is about asking applicants in Minnesota whether they are doing everything they can to protect their  benefits from an audit.

    This is my 15th unemployment tip in a running series I hope offers value to unemployed workers. Because I am very empathic to unemployed employees conducting their job searches and due to this process having an impact on benefits, I wanted to make 15 suggestions based on feedback from my Clients.

    Very likely, you have never seen an outline quite like this, with the intent of reducing a DEED audit.  Nonetheless, I hope these help:

    Unemployment Tip # 015 – Record keeping should be a priority during a job search.  Any person who has requested or received unemployment benefits is vulnerable to an audit.  If you don’t have a written record, start by writing down everything you remember.  I would rather see an Applicant try to recall a situation versus an auditor making assumptions that are untrue.  

    In no particular oder, here are my 15 bonus tips:

    After getting unemployment benefits, the next step is finding a job.  Job searches today are different from this same process some 5-10 years ago.  Twitter is a great resource for job opportunities.  If you are hesitant with creating a public profile, create a dummy profile with the intent of using it to “find” jobs.  When looking, consider hashtags like:

    • #job
    • #jobsearch
    • #careers
    • #jobs
    • #jobposts
    • #Hiring

    #14 Visit Small Businesses

    In my experience working with “small” businesses, finding employees and workers is unique.  As a result, try visiting them in-person and asking if they have opportunities available.  Do not be afraid of being dressed for the part you want.  Of course, if the answer is no, do not leave empty-handed.  Start collecting business cards from anybody and everybody.

    **I am told from my unemployed clients that this tactic has produced the best results.  

    #13 Trick Big Business

    As you already have found out, big businesses are different.  Their job submission process is different.  Sometimes, big companies make applicants answer questions in addition to submitting a resume.

    Luckily, you are smart enough in your job search that you see value in creating a bogus profile and working  through the submission process with the intent of acquiring their job questions such that you have time to think, write, and submit rock solid answers.

    #12 Job Search with Facebook Dark Posts

    Is there a company you are trying to get in front of, but are striking out?  Think like an advertiser and connect with employees of a business who have hiring power.  Next, send them to your LinkedIn account.  How?  By using a Dark Post.  Most folks are skeptical that their job search process will improve by using a dark post.  See for yourself how this might help:

    #11 Cross Reference Job Posts

    Searching for a job through an on-line website makes sense.  But, as soon as you nail down a job that you want to seek, consider visiting the job / career link for the company you are interested in.  

    hen, determine if they have an additional job submission process.  Also, try to determine if they’re posting is current or outdated.  The punch line:  a lot of good information can be found by cross referencing job boards.  This in turn will improve your job search process and reduce your unemployment anxiety.

    #10 Resume Updates

    For some jobs, a resume is not needed.  For those who depend on their resume, please keep it updated.  If you need help updating your resume, check out a resume writing service like ResumePlant.  No, I have no affiliation with them.

    Of course, there are many others out there.  For a couple hundred dollars, you can turn a year 2005 resume into an updated resume.

    #09 College and Vocational Sites

    Just because you haven’t been to school in decades doesn’t mean the career counselor or job board at the school you last attended cannot assist with your process.  Now is the time to reestablish that connection.

    #08 Third-Party Organizations

    I dislike job recruiters and temp agencies.  I see a ridiculous number of unemployment appeals as a result of temp agencies.  If this is a necessity for your job search process, be extremely cautious.

    #07 Local Newspaper

    Forget the online version.  Instead, buy a Sunday paper and check out their job section.  

    Just because other unemployed folks have suggested the newspaper business is dead doesn’t mean you cannot find something useful in their job section.  Also, do not forget the local town newspapers too.

    #06 Global Economy

    The job market has changed.  If you have a skill that is transferable on-line, by all means, do not be afraid of telecommuting.

    #05 Don’t Hand Out Your Resume

    Handing out resumes at a job fair is old school.  You can be better and smarter at your job search process.  Handing out a resume should not feel like handing in an assignment in school.

    Use your time to acquire business cards and asking questions for the type of jobs “they” need help with. Then, follow-up and tailor your resume to match their needs.

    Buy hundreds of business cards.  Add your contact information.  Because privacy is a big deal, limit your business card to your name, phone number and an e-mail address.  Next, have this on your purse at all times.  Then, hand them out to anybody you know and see.

    For goodness sakes, get out of the house once in a while.  Being unemployed is depressing.  Helping others tends to lift our spirits.  Even if you are limited to a few hours, consider giving more and expecting less.  This strategy is very effective in the long-run.

    #02 Visit the Elderly

    I know this is a strange thing to add to one’s job search process.  But, you know somebody who is older than you.  I promise, they would rather be young and in your shoes.  For me, nothing is more beneficial to my work ethic than knowing I will die someday.  Thus, visit the elderly as a reminder that one’s self that they have something others do not: time.

    Job Search Tip #01 – Track Your Process

    Finally, track your job search activities.  In my law practice, the folks who can produce

  • How Are Minnesota Executive Contracts and Pro Sports Contracts Different?

    Executive contracts in Minnesota are completely different from a professional sports contract for one gigantic reason: support from a union.

    A lot of times, executives have this idea of free agency, when in reality, the game is slightly different.  Thus, here is a birds-eye-view of an executive agreement for employees in Minnesota.

    Executives are Employees or Owners

    Generally, an executive is either an employee or an owner or both.  When tagged as an owner, it boils down to control, ownership rights and percentages.  The distinction though is separating oneself from a union like agreement.

    Professional athletes have player rights that are like or similar to other players.  Executives have individual rights exclusive to themselves.   Even though executives do not have the luxury of leaning on a union for a standard agreement, a lot can be gained by negotiating a written contract.

    As you already know, executives serving as a high-level employee want maximum value for their expertise and service.  Owners are usually seeking equity and control.   Executives seeking control are usually doing so as part of their job description versus having equity in a company.

    Of course, there are exceptions, which makes the process of negotiating a strong executive contract that much more important.

    Executive Contracts and Clauses

    Here are a few parts that every executive contract should include:

    • Terms and Limits
    • Compensation Clause
    • Time Off
    • Benefits (insurance, 401K, etc.)
    • Exit Strategy

    Very likely, prudent executive agreements negotiated with a Minnesota employer will call for much more detail.  But, this is a short list to begin the drafting process.

    Executive Contracts and Negotiations

    As you might expect, negotiation strategies are different for executives currently employed by an employer versus an opportunity with a new or different entity.  Sometimes, this means examining a past contract or non-compete agreement.

    A lot of high-level managers and executives immediately turn to their compensation clause.  But, one has to balance their compensation with long-term impacts like a nonsolicitation clause or non-compete agreement.

    The negotiating process for an executive contract is a combination of past experience, current value, and future potential.  Whereas a professional contract is usually based on other athletic contracts, an executive agreement can be more creative.

    Creativity includes money.  Whether an executive in Minnesota seeks a strong salary, stock options, ownership rights, incentives, etc., the idea is negotiating for the future. \

    Time Off, Benefits and Other Executive Clauses

    Because there is so much effort devoted to the value an executive brings to an organization, sometimes we overlook time off too.  For many, the PTO or personal time off calendar will match other employees serving in high roles.  But, this issue needs to be clarified with specificity.

    Likewise, this is the same standard for health insurance, disability benefits, and related benefit packages.

    Employees who gain more than the standard win.  Executive contracts that align with our home life are even more appealing.

    Employment Agreement Exit Strategies

    You are smart enough to know that having a backup plan or an exit strategy to an employment agreement makes top-notch sense.  Sometimes, this includes a buyout clause.

    Other times, this means seeking help from a mediator or arbitrator.

    Either way, having a procedure in place to facilitate a transition (positive or negative) can be more valuable than compensation.

  • Your Unemployment Closing Argument

    Your Unemployment Closing Argument

    The closing argument for an unemployment appeal hearing is supposed to be a summary of the laws and facts in support of a directed conclusion. 

    Unfortunately, a lot of applicants appealing benefits believe their closing argument is an opportunity to spit new information.  This is false.

    Unemployment Tip # 014 – Facts, whether in the form of testimony, documents, or otherwise needs to be shared with the unemployment law judge BEFORE the closing argument.  If an ULJ asks an applicant to give a closing argument and the applicant has more to say or offer, people involved in a hearing are encouraged to beg and plead for an opportunity to present more evidence.”

    Closing Argument: Begging and Pleading

    It is stressful representing oneself pro se, but when doing so, applicants are not literally begging and pleading for an opportunity to offer more information prior to their final statement or argument. 

    From a practical perspective, it is as easy as asking for another opportunity to give testimony share evidence.

    On the other hand, this opportunity comes near the end of a hearing.  A lot of people are not able to recognize an opportunity to advocate on their own behalf.  Whether this is due to stress, anxiety, or otherwise, the key issue is knowing what to look for as the final bell.

    Elements of a Good Closing Argument

    In my experience, I believe a good or even exceptional closing statement does the following:

    • Identifies the issues being discussed,
    • Makes note of specific unemployment laws,
    • References legal cases to support a decision in the employee’s favor,
    • Summaries the facts, and
    • Is crystal clear on the appropriate conclusion.

    In case it is not obvious, a closing argument does not need to be memorized.  Certainly, having notes and practicing beforehand (like you did in your high school speech class) is a great way to iron out bugs.  For those who do not prepare, this can make a good case look bad or a bad case look worse.

    Thus, get everything important onto the record before the closing argument takes place.

  • Hennepin County Transfer on Death Form and Photos from My Visit

    Hennepin County Transfer on Death Form and Photos from My Visit

    Completing a Transfer on Death Deed and recording it correctly is not for the faint of hearts.

    Of course, there are lots of reasons why a TODD should be avoided. Putting this stress aside, if you need help with this process, you found the right place.  

    Estate Planning Attorney

    Help with Transfer Deeds

    Contact Now

    For whatever reason, not enough people are visiting their local recording office. If this is your first visit and your intent is to file a Transfer on Death Deed in Hennepin County, I recommend getting there before the lunch hour and parking near City Hall.  Otherwise, traffic and waiting may become overwhelming.

    On the other hand, if you decide to visit the facility on your own, do not park in the adjacent east parking lot because the parking fees are ridiculous.

    Otherwise, avoid heading downtown entirely by recording documents online or by mail.  That aside, the team of people who work at the Recorder’s Office are awesome, very helpful, and extremely knowledgeable.

    With that, I hope this short post finds you well.

  • The Star Witness for an Unemployment Hearing was in the Mirror

    The Star Witness for an Unemployment Hearing was in the Mirror

    The star witness for every unemployment appeal hearing is always the applicant seeking benefits.  Unfortunately, looking into the mirror can be difficult to handle.  

    Before giving testimony that is unorganized, consider seeking help weighing the good from the bad.

    In the meantime, below are a few tips for an unemployment witness exhibiting the right credentials.

    Unemployment Lawyer

    Help with Unemployment Evidence

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    Star Witness Selection

    A lot of people pursuing an appeal for unemployment love the idea of playing Matlock.  Sorry to burst your bubble, but an unemployment hearing is hardly the place an applicant should be lining up punch lines to win over a jury.  

    First, there is no jury.  Second, the punch line needs to delivered far sooner than minutes before the phone appeal ends.

    When selecting the star witness, I like the idea of working to perfect verbal feedback offered as direct testimony.  Usually, this is the applicant.  After the applicant, there is everybody else.

    Witness Duds

    Including the employee who fighting for their benefits, a witness can quickly turn into a dud when they:

    • Fail to understand the goal of a hearing,
    • Act confuse,
    • Speak with fear,
    • Come across as overly confident,
    • Speculate,
    • Change tunes, or are
    • Aggressively adversarial with a Judge.

    Luckily, unemployment witnesses can change from dud to star with a little feedback, practice, and more practice.

    Witness Scope for an Unemployment Hearing

    How far or to what level a star witness should be prepared depends on the scope of the case.  Very often, a witness cannot speak to every fact or raised issue.  But, speaking to policies and first-hand accounts (even if limited) can be very powerful.

    Being Under Oath is a Rule

    As you might expect, people giving testimony at an unemployment hearing are under oath.  Despite this fact, many witnesses lie when they have an interest in the outcome of the case.

    For this reason, I like the idea of taking notes during a hearing when a lie is presented such that a witness or applicant can circle back and offer additional testimony to disprove a lie.

  • Your Half Sibling Might Inherit More Than You Bargained For

    Your Half Sibling Might Inherit More Than You Bargained For

    A Half sibling in Minnesota can inherit just as much as your full or whole blooded sibling.  Surprising, right?  For some, yes.  For others, like Prince’s half-siblings, not so much.  In Minnesota, we have statute 524.2-107, which says:

    Relatives of the half blood inherit the same share they would inherit if they were of the whole blood.”

    Luckily, you can work around this rule by utilizing a will or trust.  When a person dies without a will or trust, the wild wild west of “intestacy” laws kick-in.

    Half Sibling Gets No Love

    The level of love offered or shared between siblings and relatives makes no difference.  Here in MN, half is as good as whole.  Of course, the rules in other states, like Florida have a different set of rules.

    Really though, where we make our death bed does not matter either.  Instead, its where we have our assets that counts.  For those with assets in Minnesota, treating half-blood relatives as whole blooded takers can have unintended consequences.

    Half Sibling Workarounds

    Like I mentioned above, a purposely planned estate an reduce risk.  Giving away more than we expected or not as much as we hoped is hardly a plan.  

    Instead, I like addressing a half-blooded sibling by incorporating the law and expressing my specific wishes.  I like this approach because it is difficult to predict when or if the law on half relatives will change.

    Even more significant, in the history of Minnesota, the statute on half-blooded siblings has only been addressed twice with half-blooded relatives showing up about very infrequently.  In case you are looking for additional resources for assistance, check out these cases:

    • McDonnall v. Drawz
    • LamFramboise v. Day
    • Boeing v. Owsley
    • Atwater v. Russell

    Unfortunately, these case are so old, the only way to track them down is by visiting Minnesota’s law library.  Nonetheless, they are worth reading.  Nonetheless, an estate plan incorporating a half-sibling calls for exact and specifically expressed intentions.

  • A Mean Obituary Hurts Everybody and Accomplishes Nothing

    A Mean Obituary Hurts Everybody and Accomplishes Nothing

    Did you see the mean obituary floating around on the internet from a Minnesota family?

    Until now, I had not seen anything like it.  At first, I found the obit amusing because it was so unusual.  After 24 hours, I have come to my senses.

    Writing a Mean Obituary is Bad Judgment

    Writing an obituary is hard.  Using an obituary to send an ugly message is bad judgment on many fronts.  Here are a few reasons:

    1. The act of dying is a teaching moment.  Likewise, caring for our dead is a teaching moment too.
    2. Obituary notices are viewed as a legal notices to the general public.  Future generations need a clean slate.
    3. Writing a hurtful obituary breaches the Golden Rule
    4. Wishing another person damnation violates simple Christianity teachings
    5. Bearing a false statement (even in an obit) breaks the 10 Commandments

    Should You Criticise the Drafter?

    Of course writing a mean obituary is an easy trap to fall into.  Usually, these types of notices are written a few days after a person’s death.  Death inspires emotion, good and bad.  Unfortunately, an unclear mind led to bigger problems.

    To prevent this issue, I like the idea of using this example to inspire others to draft their own obituaries.  I get it, it sounds morbid.  But really, it is an opportunty to reflect and set future goals.  If it helps, call it a Legacy Letter.

    Either way, it is a sure way to avoid a mean obituary and reduce stress for our family.

    Elements of a Happy Obituary

    Writing a happy obituary means shooting for a Grimmy Award.  For those wishing to take on this exercise, here are a few tips:

    • Use a youthful picture,
    • Include a name, maiden nam, and nick name,
    • Identify a birthday and date of death,
    • Reference children by their first name,
    • Limit grandchildren to a number.
    • Embed a catch phrase used by the deceased,
    • Express talents and joys,
    • Describe what the deceased gave to others,
    • Include a reference to their military service, and
    • Make reference to a final resting place
  • Hope for Unemployed Law Students Taking the Bar Exam

    Hope for Unemployed Law Students Taking the Bar Exam

    Taking the bar exam as an unemployed law student can be overwhelming when students are just trying to pass their test.   In my years, I have spoken with hundreds of law students experiencing this same process.

    Generally speaking, everybody has a different approach.  Today, I want to share a quick outline of a more effective strategy.

    Meet Mr. and Mrs. Bar Exam

    Bar Exam

    First, I like the idea of framing the bar exam as an achievable goal that will help students turn into future lawyers.  In other words, if passing the state law exam is my goal, I immediately create a wall, which will hurt if I run into it at full speed.  If the only reason to retain information is to dump it onto an exam, that student and exam taker will lose.   

    Instead, I like the idea of framing the bar exam as an opportunity to prepare myself for future clients.  The bar exam is no longer a thing, it is a person.  As a result, allow me to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Bar Exam.  They have children.  They have a business. They owe taxes.  They have a complex living arrangement.  They fell on the ice.  They are the victims of a crime.  They entered into an unconscionable contract.  And, they need your help.

    If you study each law exam topic as if you will need it to advise future clients, then every detail matters and my hope for you is that you will retain every detail.  The Bar Exam family need you, right now, to exhibit 100% effort so their legal issue can get resolved.

    Bar Exam and Your Calendar

    Second, the idea of circling the bar exam test dates on a calendar is an absolute joke.  Serving Mr. and Mrs. Bar Exam is a process that requires methodical planning.  The end date isn’t as important as the process of retaining information and serving the issues that get asked.

    Own the present.

    Historical Records Help You Serve Mr. and Mrs. Bar Exam

    This next point is going to blow your mind.  You live in an apartment down the road from your school, right?  Do you recall the first time your toilet plugged and you were fearful of toilet water hitting the floor?  For a brief second, that was scary, right?

    Well, the second time it happened it wasn’t as scary because you quickly realized how to overcome the issue, after all, it wasn’t your fault the landlord hadn’t replaced your apartment’s toilet parts in over 15 years.  In other words, your past experience helped you address a same or similar problem.

    Practicing law is problem-solving.  Past legal problems help lawyers serve present legal problems.  There are many ways to gain experience.  Two effective way include:

    • Time, and
    • Reading.

    Luckily, you have time to read.  I encourage all law students preparing themselves for a bar exam to read and work through practice problems.  I like the idea of using practice multiple choice questions because a student can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.  One source of exam questions can come from here.

    Thus, the more you practice problems you work through, the better prepared you will be when Mr. and Mrs. Bar Exam ask for your help.

    Unemployed Law Student Taking the Bar Exam

    Of course, all of this is only worth your time and effort if you pass the exam.  Being unemployed is scary.  Being unemployed and failing the Exam is even scarier.  For me, the fear of failing was just as compelling as the strategy I addressed above.

    If that doesn’t work, then perhaps the Chinese Bamboo Tree is your saving grace.  Either way, I believe you are going to be successful at serving Mr. and Mrs. Bar Exam.

    If during this process you are audited by an employment agency or are offered a non-compete contract, please reach out.  In the meantime, keep working hard.

  • Unemployment Rate Trick Questions

    Unemployment Rate Trick Questions

    The news about the unemployment rate shouldn’t impact an appeal, but it does.  In case you missed it, supposedly the unemployment rate dropped to another low rate, like it had in other years. For many of my Clients, this does nothing to help with an appeal.  In fact, it can make matters worse.

    Each year seams to create different application question or other issues of significance. This is usually based on cases heard by Minnesota’s Court of Appeals. As a result, every applicant should be on guard for trick questions that ultimately impact their eligibility for unemployment benefits.

    Below, I will address these tricks and the pink elephant.

    Impacts On Unemployment Appeals

    No, the unemployment rate does not impact DEED or unemployment law judges on how they should decide a claim. Instead, it is a term of art.

    The term “unemployed” is an economic principle that means a person wants a job, but they do not have a job.  People who do not want a job are not considered unemployed.

    When the rate of unemployed workers gets to high, our government (Minnesota and Federal) have the opportunity to extend benefits. We saw this in 2007, 2008, and again during the Covid Pandemic.

    In other words, instead of getting unemployment for 26 weeks, people can sometimes receive benefits for 52 weeks (or more).  When this happens, it can cause lots of audits, appeals, and overpayment issues.

    Unemployment Rate Stress

    The unemployment rate cannot impact whether you apply for a job. Instead, the rate of our unemployed tells us more about wage negotiations. This is true for both a high unemployment rate versus a low rate.

    In other words, refrain from allowing your job search process to be impacted by UI stats expressed in the news. For those that allow this to seep into their process, this can be detrimental and raise eligibility and job search issues.

    Yes, being unemployed stinks.  But, a new job or a job to help us land a more ideal job is right around the corner. This means that we sometimes need to seek out a job versus a new career. The new career can come later.

    Unemployment Trickery

    Let’s address the pink elephant in the unemployment office. Every time an Applicant communicates with a representative at the unemployment office (phone person, work force center, judge, etc.), they risk their benefits.  Why would this be?

    Minnesota has a long list of eligibility conditions.  These conditions are tricky. Many of these conditions are found at Minnesota rule 268.085. Others are found elsewhere.

    For example, imagine talking with the unemployment office and being asked about a job search, which eventually leads to “how many jobs have you applied for?”

    Before applicants answer questions embedded or hidden, view all communications as an extension of your application, I like the idea of b

  • Problems With Estates: Truths and Fiction

    Problems With Estates: Truths and Fiction

    Problems with estates vary from garden variety to huge conflicts.  Even for a perfectly planned estate, a problem can arise.  In my experience, an estate plan generally fails because of poor communication or capacity.

    Luckily, proactive families have an opportunity to reduce conflict. Consider this.

    Problems with Estates: First Truth

    The first truth is as follows.  Problems and risks can rarely be reduced to zero. 

    When I think about an estate, I like the idea of finding people I trust to manage my affairs when I am in need.

    Whether this includes family members or paid professionals, I want to make this easy for my family.

    Second Truth of an Estate

    Money and children can be a common stress, but people are the real problem.  Lying, cheating, and stealing are bad.  Greed, envy and pride are equally bad. 

    I believe the strongest response to an irrational family member or friend or whomever is having a plan that was created as a plan of mercy.

    Of course, this isn’t always possible, but it certainly helps.  Even more significant, problems with estates can be reduced with fancy legal clauses like eliminating a person from a plan if they decide to pursue a claim in bad faith or attaching attorney fees.  Perhaps punitive on their face, but effective.

    Third Truth and Types of Issues

    When I meet with a person or family, I like the idea of understanding the goal of seeking help or advisement from an attorney. 

    During the course of the estate planning process, here are a few problems most folks want to avoid:

    • Can my will or trust get contested?
    • Was my trust properly funded?
    • Were documents signed under duress or without a sound mind?
    • Fiduciary conflicts and errors.
    • Failed steps by a personal representative.
    • Business or cabin assets fell apart.
    • Beneficiaries were forgotten or omitted.
    • An abuse of power exhibited by a family member.
    • Ownership issues with a beneficiary form.
    • Non-traditional family dynamics.
    • And or other stresses/issues.

    Again, every person and family has a different dynamic. The idea behind human planning is to reduce a conflict.

  • Today’s News on Brain Injuries Struck Me Hard

    Today’s News on Brain Injuries Struck Me Hard

    Brain injuries are scary for a lot of reasons, but this week especially.  Like you, I lost control of my emotions after I read a news article today about a newborn hit in the head by a softball.

    Yesterday, I read about a soccer icon in his seventies who suffered a brain hemorrhage.  A week before that, I read bout a professional baseball player in his thirties who suffered a brain injury so severe, he was called a walking miracle.

    As I reflect on these events, all I can think about is the impact a brain issue might have on my family too.

    Even though it is my job to help people plan for the unexpected, these stories still hit home.  Whether these were random events or purposely presented by a higher power, it is a reminder how vulnerable we really are.

  • Unemployment Stress: Tip #013

    Unemployment Stress: Tip #013

    The process of seeking and appealing for benefits is stressful.  Applicants can reduce stress by rescheduling their appeal hearing for a time that works best for them.  

    Far too many applicants forget they have rights.  Applicants needing help with stress or other mental health matters should consider seeking advisement.

    Unemployment Lawyer

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    For applicants trying to acquire medical documentation of anxiety, depression, or other impairments, re-scheduling a hearing can be a great option.

    Applicants have rights regarding when and how their hearing will be scheduled.  As simple as it might be, reduce unemployment stress by finding a court date and time that accommodates you being at your best.

    Unemployment Tip # 013 – I believe applicants can reduce stress by rescheduling their appeal hearing for a time that works best for them.  Far to many applicants forget they are allowed one opportunity to reschedule a phone call with a judge (assuming specific rules are followed).  If meeting with a judge interferes with a family conflict, try to reschedule.  If you work best after the lunch hour, reschedule.  As simple as it might be, reduce unemployment stress by finding a court date and time that accommodates you being at your best.”

    Unemployment Stress

    Other times, stress is far more significant than finding a different court date and time.  

    The financial burden of getting denied unemployment benefits can be revived by having a plan.  Even better, an Applicant will have a game plan and a back-up plan.

    Generally, a game plan is their legal strategy of acquiring benefits.  After all, a boss and employer are unique to the Applicant.  Verbalizing the storyline that led to a discharge requires careful planning.

    Usually, a storyline starts with the date of a discharge and works backwards.  Sometimes, this comes as a surprise because people like the idea of starting from the beginning, as if their first day of work and why they were hired.  

    Starting from the beginning when talking with a unemployment law judge generally makes the conference more stressful than it needs to be.  Thus, reduce unemployment stress by creating a game plan designed to show why and how one is eligible for benefits.