Quit because my job location and schedule has changed

by Michelle
(California)

I work in California.
Last week my manager informed me that as of the 1st of next month I am to change work locations and my hours will be switched from 8a-5p to 10a-7p. I work in my current location solely due to my childcare issues. My manager and director both know this, and were OK with it a couple months ago. Now, this seems to be an issue and they want me to relocated to another office about 45 minutes from where I currently work. The issue is that I have very limited child care available. I have a family member who wacthes my children now. If I were to change locations I would need to either put my kids in regular child care which would be VERY costly (compared to the deal I get with my family member), OR commute to drop off my kids at their current child care (about 18 miles from my home), then commute to work (about 45 miles from the child care). I would then need to do the same to pick them up one I am OFF AT 7PM!

This is just not feasible for me and my family. It would mean taking my son out of his pre-school & child care, and my newborn daughter as well, out of their surroundings in which they are comfortable.

After speaking with my manager and Director about my situation, they both stated the new schedule & location are non-negotiable. They stated the 2-week period they gave me before the "move" is ample time to get my situation in order.


After doing research on child care, pre-school and travel time for the new schedule, I will be practically spending more money than I bring in. This would cause not only a financial burden on my family but on my children because of the huge change they would have to go through.

Does this situation give me 'just cause' for quitting my job and can I still collect unemployment?


Hi Michelle,

Have you read the determination guide yet?

I'm going to suggest some sections to read.

Here's the link to Voluntary quits. (opens in new window)

I think you should first take a look at ..

VQ 5 (c) "voluntary (moving party)
VQ 150 Travel, Time, Distance and cost factors (C) is relevant to you)
VQ 155 Domestic circumstances
VQ 440 (F) Transfer

I'm sure I have the same question the EDD will have .. Why is the employer transferring you and changing your hours?

Let me know what you think after you apply this information to your situation.

I would also say that you have made an attempt to preserve the employment when you discussed this with the employer and they stated that the change is non-negotiable.