When you asked your boss about being paid for working past the 31st, what did she say?
When you asked your boss about being paid for working past the 31st, what did she say?
She said I would be paid hourly "as needed".
Then you'll be paid for working any days past the 31st, and if you fail to show up, you will endanger your UI eligibility.
As far as your vacation pay, that must be paid out regardless, it's considered earned as a wage. Your sick time, however, is forfeit.
I'm just not understanding my employment status after the 31st. Am I an employee with benefits or am I a independent contractor since she said she was only willing to pay my wages until the 31st? So does that mean I'm discharged after the 31st but can come back on a hourly basis as needed? What if I didn't want to train the employee after my discharge date, is that consider quitting?
You should be an employee after the 31st, probably without benefits. If she classifies you as an IC after the 31st, she is probably breaking the law.
As another responder has already advised you, if you refuse to work after the 31st, you jeopardize your entitlement to UI benefits.