Unemployment Compensation question

[serena51]

Here is a scenario, please advise as to what can be done about this situation, thank you.

I was laid off in June, collected unemployment for one month then was offered a job which was 100% commission, thinking I was doing the right thing I took the job and informed unemployment, at which time the UC benefits ceased. This line of work is nothing like what I have ever done, as I am a financial person and not a salesman. Since I have taken the job I have only made approximately $300 a week, compared to even what I was making on unemployment it doesn't compare. We are a family of 6 and are not able to pay our bills based on the $300 a week I am currently earning with the sales job. My question is can I quit this sales job and file for some type of grievance with unemployment based on the fact that a) it's not my line of work b) I'm not making enough money for us to survive? What are my chances of winning a grievance like this? I've been looking for another job when I can, but with working over 50 hours a week, it doesn't allow much time to search for anything else. On a side note I was laid off in PA, and am now working in NJ, not sure if that makes a difference. Please advise. Thank you.

 

[theretoo]

not sure how unemployment works in either state you mentioned, but where i am, an unemployment claim can be re-opened. i would suggest calling the unemployment office and explaining the situation to them to see what they might say about it

 

[deckflu]

Tread lightly

Serena, tread lightly on this.

I'm in somewhat the same situation but in Ca.

I was in outside commission sales and laid off in March. Collected one week of UI and like you thought I'd do the right thing and take another sales job. First three months had a $2300 base plus commission and then the following three months would be $325 + commission. During this time, I made perhaps $300 in commissions. Could not survive and quit based on substantial decrease in income from previous earnings (made 15k first three mos of 09). The EDD denied my claim saying there wasn't a substantial loss. I'm in the process of appealing now.