Unemployment and Grad School

My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: New York...

Hello,

I have been working for a company for 2+ years. When I joined the firm I was already participating in my first graduate class for an MBA. Over the past 2+ years, I have been able to leave everyday at 5:30. Classes are weekdays at 5:50. I have paid over 20K in cash on this program while incurring another 23K in student loans. The employer even contributed 10K themselves. I am set to take my last three classes to graduate with a 4.0 by the end of November.

My employer recently altered my work load that needs me to be available as late as 7PM every weekday depending on certain situations (on top of my regular 8:30-5:30 schedule). I have spoken to the Vice-President of the Department as well as the head of the department about the conflicting schedule. They have decided to not alter my responsibilities, and are making me chose between graduating and work.

Would I be qualified for unemployment benefits on good cause to quit?? I am very much available to work the hours of 8am-5:30pm everyday. I have so much time, money, and debt invested from this program... I couldn't take on another 12K of debt and be forced from even attending my program. I can't walk away without a degree after paying 20K cash and taking on 23K debt....

Not in my state you wouldn't. Your school schedule is not your employer's problem. You are free to call the NY unemployment office and see if their mileage varies.

Just what is entailed with this?

Quote:

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Quoting dash1s

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My employer recently altered my work load

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In the simplest of terms, quitting to attend school is disqualifying, and while you think it's "good cause," court cases say otherwise.

However, the "work load" aspect may be what you can rest your hat on. Are they making you do more with no extra pay? Is the nature of the work different than what you currently do?

You're on the right track by pointing out the scheduling conflict, but it's not too late to shift gears. If the changes are substantial, you don't have to agree to it and foreit your rights to UI benefits. You need to start telling your employer that what they are asking you to do is out the scope of your current job, and you're not going to accept the change. Basically, people that say, "that's not my job," get UI.

Quitting as a convenience to not being available for work, is not a reason for UI. Further, The act of going to school is usually a disqualifies in itself as it limits your employment ability.