I’m currently preparing for an unemployment appeal hearing in Washington regarding my separation from my previous job. I accepted a PEP (separation agreement) after being placed on a final written warning, and I’m worried that my case will be seen as a simple voluntary quit without considering the serious circumstances that led to my departure. I started my job in May 2022 after being recruited for the position. However, from November to December 2023, my husband suffered a severe medical crisis, and I became his sole caregiver. This involved taking him to numerous appointments, coordinating his care, and managing crises when he was disconnected from reality. I took FMLA leave during this time but returned to work afterward. Despite my efforts to balance work and caregiving, my husband's ongoing medical issues took a toll on my physical and emotional health. I was under significant stress and was seeing a therapist throughout this period. In August 2025, I received my first written warning for performance issues, which I discussed with HR, explaining my situation and my commitment to improving. I continued to work hard until I received a final written warning in March 2026, at which point I was offered a PEP due to my manager's belief that my strengths didn’t align with the role. I accepted the PEP on April 3, and my employment ended on April 17. I moved to Michigan shortly after and started a new job in July. I know that accepting the PEP makes this a voluntary separation issue, but I’m hoping to argue that my circumstances qualify as good cause under Washington law. I have documentation to support my case, including the PEP, written warnings, and a statement from my therapist. I’m seeking advice on several points: how the acceptance of the PEP affects the good-cause analysis, whether my FMLA leave and caregiving responsibilities support my argument, how to present these circumstances at the hearing, and how to address my previous statement of being 'laid off.' Additionally, I want to know what questions I should be prepared for from the OAH judge. I’m not looking for validation; I just want to understand my position and how to present my facts accurately.
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