A Social Network for Men with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue or Pain
Working with fibro...and hanging on for dear life
I have been working for a small non-profit organization in Washington DC for a little over two years. A few months ago, our office manager was fired. About a month ago, our fall intern was asked to leave before the semester was over. And finally, today, our administrative assistant was told her position would be eliminated in January. The reason? Severe budget cuts at the university that owns the institute.
I have heard through the grapevine that the only reason I have been spared is due to me being on partial medical leave (I currently only work 30 hours/week as opposed to the normal 40), and my salary comes out of a special budget reserved for employees with disabilities. Either that, or they are afraid to fire me because I might sue them for discriminating against people with disabilities!
The truth is, I have been unhappy at the job for over a year. There is mismanagement and a lack of leadership. The organization is a sinking ship and I would be surprised if it still existed in a year's time. That said, I have been hanging on to the job because it gives me a comfortable salary and full medical benefits, including great health, dental, and disability insurance. My health has gone so downhill over the past couple years, that I am pessimistic about my chances to find another job at all, let alone one with the benefits I need. (The current state of health care in the United States is embarrassing and tragic, but hopefully some positive change will come out of the current legislation).
What's worse, if they let me go, I will lose my disability insurance which guarantees me 50% of my current salary for the rest of my life. Not a lot of money at all, but I'm sure it's much more than whatever social security (if I'm lucky!) would give me, since I haven't paid into the system for very long. Everyday, I have to not give in to the temptation to go on full disability and start collecting. I just have too much pride and won't admit "defeat" at 25 years of age...even though I am in excruciating pain sitting in my chair or typing at work.
What I know in my heart, however, is that I can't stay indefinitely at a job that eats away at my soul and can only be making matters worse. I dream of finding a job I actually enjoy and one that doesn't exacerbate my physical symptoms. One that makes a difference. I'm not sure that job exists, but then again, I will never find it if I don't look.
I have heard through the grapevine that the only reason I have been spared is due to me being on partial medical leave (I currently only work 30 hours/week as opposed to the normal 40), and my salary comes out of a special budget reserved for employees with disabilities. Either that, or they are afraid to fire me because I might sue them for discriminating against people with disabilities!
The truth is, I have been unhappy at the job for over a year. There is mismanagement and a lack of leadership. The organization is a sinking ship and I would be surprised if it still existed in a year's time. That said, I have been hanging on to the job because it gives me a comfortable salary and full medical benefits, including great health, dental, and disability insurance. My health has gone so downhill over the past couple years, that I am pessimistic about my chances to find another job at all, let alone one with the benefits I need. (The current state of health care in the United States is embarrassing and tragic, but hopefully some positive change will come out of the current legislation).
What's worse, if they let me go, I will lose my disability insurance which guarantees me 50% of my current salary for the rest of my life. Not a lot of money at all, but I'm sure it's much more than whatever social security (if I'm lucky!) would give me, since I haven't paid into the system for very long. Everyday, I have to not give in to the temptation to go on full disability and start collecting. I just have too much pride and won't admit "defeat" at 25 years of age...even though I am in excruciating pain sitting in my chair or typing at work.
What I know in my heart, however, is that I can't stay indefinitely at a job that eats away at my soul and can only be making matters worse. I dream of finding a job I actually enjoy and one that doesn't exacerbate my physical symptoms. One that makes a difference. I'm not sure that job exists, but then again, I will never find it if I don't look.
Comment
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Comment by David McDaniel on February 22, 2010 at 1:37pm
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Disability at any age is a challenge. I've been trying for over 5 years with no luck at all. I've had a lawyer the whole time and have enough medical issues besides the fibro for me to qualify. The whole system is designed to keep you from qualifying. I, like most fibro patients, want to work and would if my body would let me. While you’re working, see if there's something available to work from home. Perhaps start your own business. I can tell you from experience, trying to start a business or make money with no income is almost impossible and making the extra effort is just as hard. You just got to never give up. "Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile”.
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Comment by Rickenbacker on December 31, 2009 at 3:30pm -
Getting on disability at such a young age would be a challenge..Most people get rejected, and have too hire a lawyer...you will need a really good Doctor, that believe's and knows how to make out a proper medical report.
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Comment by Randall on December 14, 2009 at 5:46pm -
If u did go to full disability, would moving to a place w/ a lower cost of living be an option? That would make your disability income go farther.
I would recommend that u be proactive in seeking & checking out alternatives. You have time on your side now. If u wait to get laid off or fired, time can start working against u. So use this time wisely & actively.
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Comment by Anthony on December 14, 2009 at 3:13pm -
It tough call at your age I sure wouldnt want have to do it thats for sure , But i would delay it as long as you can for couple reason one your age because your age would be a heck of fight to get the goverment to do anything for you and with this econ I would think it would be even harder to get them to agree with you We tend to think that youth can over come alot things wich may or may not be true but we do have that habbit doing it
Money wise trying to live off ssi or ssd is rough fliping bugers would be more of a fiscal gain in most cases and then there is the mental factor I dont know about other people but all the time I wish I could still work , not only for the money but for the feeling I'am doing something for my family other then holding down the sofa incase it takes flight ! you never know we may have medical break threw that would change things for us If it was me I would fight to stay working If their was shred of hope left but thats me.
either choice is going to be a battle for you wish I could tell you wich war you would win but I can't
but I do know this you seem like very smart guy and still young If anyone can do this It is you
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