Yes, I shouldn't be happy, but I am. I have exhausted my short term disability, and my employer is not willing to accommodate my restrictions. I'm appealing my SSDI, and I'm able to get unemployment.
But, now I can get help with Vocational Rehabilitation : ) It has been almost a year since my initial contact with them. I was in a catch 22, they could help me if I was unemployed, but I needed to stay employed as long as possible. But in November, when I injured my foot again, and surgery was inevitable I knew it would be a matter of time that I couldn't continue working in the warehouse.
So now I start a new journey, a new job search. When one door closes, God opens another. I would like to know if I can work in an office again, even part time before I have to concede that I'm not able to. I know that I can't handle the physical stuff.
You have such a great attitude Trisha! Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors. It's very true that God will open new and greater doors for you. Can't wait to see what your next journey will be!
Thank you, Trisha... So funny, you posted this message, I too am fired. My attendance was a problem along with multiple surgeries. So, I needed that message, especially today. Thank you so much..
Trisha thank you for sharing. I am facing this same thing as my job guarantee ends this Friday. like you I have chosen to focus on my health and trust God for future direction and open doors.
What accommodations were you asking for? The way the ADA law is written, employers must offer accommodations unless they would be cost prohibitive. Many times employers just say no hoping the employee won't bother to learn what their options are. Do you have an attorney for your SSDI?
If getting out of this job is really a blessing then I'm happy for you. Sometimes it takes something like this to give us that "boost" we need to make changes.
agreed!!! sometimes life changes happen becuase we wont do anything different until they do.
i have a feeling my post may be similar too,....it needs to say i found a second wind... or they approved my new schedule.
reeling in this good energy.... i left in tears today, rough one.
happy thoughts...
Morgan said:
Trisha, seeing your situation as new opportunity - wonderful! hope it is contagious.
btw, if in the US and employers refuses to make accomodations because of your documented challenges, there is recourse if you wish to pursue. Your choice to move on and forward though is probably so much healthier and positive for you.
so, lifting my cup of herbal tea to toast to your success on a new direction.
If anyone feels they are facing job discrimination because of their illness, please check out the patientadvocate.org information about job discrimination:
Trisha, thank you for the positive attitude you have. I’ve been off work since January this month, I’ll be receiving employee disability benefit from my job soon. I don’t know when I’m going to be able physically go back to work. I was finally diagnosed 2 months ago, and I’m scared that my job might fire me if I’m off any longer;-(… God knows the plans, he has for all of us Lupies and supporters.
Trisha, thank you for the positive attitude you have. I've been off work since January this month, I'll be receiving employee disability benefit from my job soon. I don't know when I'm going to be able physically go back to work. I was finally diagnosed 2 months ago, and I'm scared that my job might fire me if I'm off any longer;-(.. God knows the plans, he has for all of us Lupies and supporters.
Funny thing, I'm not asking for anything that would cost them money.. I can't lift over 10#, no bending, squatting or twisting. I also asked for reduced hours and I can't be out in the heat or cold anymore. I'm underemployed there, and they would have to relocate me to another department. I've reached out to a local organization for advice, but do I want to pursue? Do I have the energy to fight this, and what does it solve? From the beginning, there was no potential for advancement. I don't like enabling the company to behave like this, but my health would be better doing something else.
Amy said:
What accommodations were you asking for? The way the ADA law is written, employers must offer accommodations unless they would be cost prohibitive. Many times employers just say no hoping the employee won't bother to learn what their options are. Do you have an attorney for your SSDI?
If getting out of this job is really a blessing then I'm happy for you. Sometimes it takes something like this to give us that "boost" we need to make changes.
I made a job change 9 months ago with the hope of having a less stressful job that would give me better health. The job change has been an improvement. I did not realize how stressful my previous job was and how it was impacting my health. You have a wonderful positive attitude.
Well I really want and pray for the best for you. I was blessed enough to work while I could and then have some where to go with my children when I couldn’t. Don’t take my story as a downer. I believe I have done great things in my life but I just got to a point where work simple wasn’t an option. I fought for disability and won woot. Vocational Rehab couldn’t help. I won because I was simple undependable. I don’t care really. I am so thankful I have that security in my life now. If I can stay healthy enough for a period of time, I have the option to try and work and as long as I don’t exceed a curtain dollar amount monthly, I won’t lose my disability. I don’t see it as a crutch or lazy at all. I did my part in society and sometimes we have to know when it’s just to much. I really hope you all can make it though your journeys and be able to get where you need to be. I’ll keep praying for you all. Stay blessed.
Unfortunately, if you filed for SSDI you cannot work at all during the process. I basically went through the same thing. They fired me because I couldn't "keep up". But in the end it worked in my favor as that validated the fact that I needed the disability and I got it on my own, without a lwyer and sooner. I applied in January and started receiving it in Sept.!!!
I'm sorry to hear that. After nearly 8 years directing a small non-profit program, and less than 3 months after I went on complete temporary disability they replaced me. At the time I was in the middle of agressive tests such as open muscle biopsies,but still had hope of recovering in the near future,so it was shocking to be disposed of that way. As it turns out I have really needed the extended rest, and have been able to focus on finding what works for my best health. It is difficult to concede that we cannot do everything we used to do, but what an opportunity to reinvent our selves and find new ways to use our talents...maybe talents we never knew we had!
Gratz zigsmom. I am so happy you got it! Gigi, sorry that happened dear but it is great you have been able tto focus on what is important to your health. I feel so blessed in my life because I am able ro do the same but more so I have been able to be a real big part in my childrens lives. They are my world and I want to make sure they have me and I can see them live wonderful lives. God bless you all.
I am now in a role reversal taking care of my parents. They are both in a nursing home 500 miles away. I am their powers of attorney. My Dad had a stroke and has been declining and is now in Hospice care. I only have 1 sibling, a brother and he lives near them. But as we all know, sons can't do what daughters can. I have also been taking care of my husband who has been losing his eyesight due to an injury. He can't go on disability because he still has one child he pays child support for. We couldn't live on that little bit. Just 2 more years and maybe we can retire. Yes, I did have to reinvent myself. I am still in the role of Mom but in a different aspect. God Bless everyone!!!