>So here is my plan:

Classes will have already started as of September 5th, I am working up until that point. I can’t claim benefits before that point. I can’t be enrolled before I’m “approved” for re-training and accompanying extension on my unemployment benefits or I risk losing all benefits (this happened to me before, so I know they’ll do it).

I can’t go to school this semester, but I can apply at any time after receiving benefits to go back to school. This will extend my benefits by an additional 18 weeks at that point, past the usual 6 month allowance. Hopefully with this extension I will be able to complete the required classes and obtain my Associates in Computer programming. If all else fails (they don’t offer the right classes in that semester) I can do the “adult retraining” which is basic retraining in math, English, and various other academic classes. I’d be fine with that, not exactly happy as I’d still have to go back the next semester to get classes not offered in Spring.

This gives me the time in-between to find a basic job (clothing, video games, and music stores at the mall so far) that doesn’t pay much, and has flexible hours.

I can earn up to 1/3rd of my unemployment benefits without it changing my check. If I earn more, they start adjusting it. I’m planning on 15 to 20 hours depending on how much it pays. Worse case scenario I can always apply back at Walmart, though I’d rather not.

So I have about a month and a half to find a very low responsibility job to make a little extra money for fun, and emergencies while using my unemployment to barely pay all my bills.

I had hoped to go back to school sooner, but the timing of this is impeccable, and though I may lose out on some positions in the area because I’m not looking for full time right now… it’s better because I will have the chance to do what I’ve been going to school for: programming.

So that’s the plan. In the meanwhile I’ll enjoy my semester off, try not to spend too much money, and make the best of what fate has handed me. =]