Jesse Tyler Ferguson, a renowned actor, shared his experiences about the early phases of his career on his podcast, Dinner’s on Me. He mentioned starting his career in theater and doing Shakespeare in the Park, but faced financial instability when he moved to Broadway and his career hit a standstill. Struggling to survive, he had to take on a variety of small jobs.

He further elaborated on the difficulty of choosing between his passion and necessity, stating that at times, unemployment benefits were higher than the pay he received for off-Broadway shows. Ferguson had to question whether he should choose roles that would help him grow artistically or whether he should focus on making ends meet.

Ferguson made his Broadway debut in On the Town in 1998. His breakout role came in 2009 when he was cast as Mitchell Pritchett on Modern Family, a show that lasted for 11 seasons and earned him five Emmy nominations. He returned to Broadway in 2023 in Take Me Out, which garnered him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

Navigating the rough seas of unemployment and financial instability like Ferguson can often be daunting. For individuals who are laid off, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) offers comprehensive support. They provide unemployment benefits to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Getting through to EDD can seem intimidating, but assistance is always reachable. Visit eddcaller.com to find comprehensive guidance and tips on how to best navigate the EDD process, including how to effectively contact EDD customer service. Remember, you are not alone in this journey and help is readily available.