I may be losing my job soon. Can I go to school? Advice welcome.

[It'sWDW4me]

I've been at my current job for just about 4 years (mid-June) and 2009 was horrible - 2 major (160 people in Jan '09 & 55 in May '09) and 2 minor (10 or so late last year & 12 last month) rounds of layoffs. Unfortunately, I'm almost positive that my head's on that chopping block now and that I'll be joining the ranks of the unemployed in the very near future. I'm seeing the "signs" - i.e. my boss wants to see how I do what I do so that she can "help" me if I'm sick (I used 3 sick days over the last year and a half) or on vacation (I'm in accounting and always plan my vaca's around key times of the month/quarter/year).

So I've spent the last week and a half stressing, freaking, crying (I've been trying for years to get my entire family to Disney. We have a trip planned for August that I will probably now have to back out of ), and planning. The planning is now taking over. I'm thinking I'd like to go back to school. I don't have that little piece of paper stating that I'm certified (my friends can attest that I'm certifiable though ) and I'm thinking that may help in getting another job.

However, my question is, can I still collect unemployment in PA if I go to school after I lose my job? If not, that plan's out the window and I'm back to freaking out. Is there anyone in PA who is collecting unemployment and going to school? Were you able to get scholarships/grants/loans?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Some thoughts:

• Don't try to control what you cannot control. You cannot influence their decision all that much outside of doing your job and doing it well.
• Three sick days in 18 months could be considered a quite a bit depending on if they are all at once or taken over the course of those 18 months. I realize everyone gets sick and people should stay home if they are contagious, but companies each have their own standards.
• You shouldn't be waiting to expand your education when you're about to get let go. You should be doing this all the time. Taking classes, courses, skill set exams, etc.
• In regards to unemployment, I cannot state specifics with PA, but most states require that you are actively looking for new employment while collecting unemployment. There is nothing stating you cannot also attend college at the same time, but you must be looking.
• Loans are usually available but there are no just general, everyone who is unemployed gets a grant type college program. Unreimbursed college expenses are tax deductible up to certain income brackets and amounts.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

bump

 

[AshleyW]

I don't know how it works in PA (sorry), but I know that in Iowa, you can get unemployment if you go back to school. The program/classes just have to be approved in advance by the Iowa Workforce Development. I'd imagine it's probably similar in PA, you'd just have to check with Workforce Development.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I also believe that there is federal help for education of unemployed Americans available right now...