My job was terminated today after FMLA ran out

[deborah0904]

Well, today marked the end of a chapter in my life.  Since May 28, 2009, I have been on disability.  I've been on FMLA which protected my job in the event I would be able to go back to work.  My FMLA ended today and I will not be able to go back to work.  Therefore, my job was terminated.  I really don't know how to feel now that I don't have a job to go to.  Now, a new chapter is opening and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for me.  I know he will provide, just as He always has provided for me and my husband.  It just feels strange to not have a job.  I'm sure I'll get used to it.

[Lulu54]

Paul and Lydia,
This is a very old post from over a year ago.  If you would like to continue this discussion about SSDI you might want to start a new thread.  Most people won't go back and read the old discussions.

best, Lulu

[lydia231]

I have been off work since the beginning of September.  My HR person has been allowing me to keep my job even though they could terminate me at this point.  I have a good job that I worked hard to get.  I am sorry that you have been unable to return to work due to your illness, have you been able to apply for ssdi? If so, I hope you are approved soon.  I think if I do decide to apply for ssdi and if I am approved I would like to do some volunteer work. I would be able to still be productive, but able to work periodically as my symptoms allow. I have also thought for a long time that I would love to have a foster child.  If I am at home due to being disabled why not give that time to a child who needs me. I would love that. I think that having a foster child in your home does not effect your ssdi. Blessings and hugs to you and may you find a path that brings you joy.

[Paul0325]

OK. I understand and appriciate the words of grandure from everyone. But words wont pay the bill, feed my kids or keep a roof over my head. And GOD sure wont write me a check and say here ya go. What about helping this person find a job? What about giving this person a job? What about asking around to people you know that are working, to help find tham a job.

[fortywhat2]

deborah,
If there is anything I can help you get thru, please let me know... the road gets better, I find I am busier than I was when I was working!  You'll do well I can tell by your last message you have already found a direction!
Debbie

[deborah0904]

I really appreciate everyones kind and supportive comments.  They mean so much.  I know you all face the horrible battles that MS force us into.  For those who are not yet diagnosed, just because you do not have a diagnosis doesn't mean you do not suffer.  I was there for over 20 years and understand the frustration of not knowing.

Dan, I pray that God will begin a work in the church you pastor so that it will grow and allow you to be full time.  I imagine you work full time as pastor but only get paid part time salary.  There is nothing part time about pastoring.  My prayer is that the company you work for will be patient and understanding of your circumstances.  Even without a diagnosis, I can only pray that disability can be obtained based on symptoms and problems that you have.  

Stubby, I certainly will keep you in my prayers.  It truly is a blessing that your sister with MS was able to be with you.  I know it was a blessing to her to help.  Not working really does provide time to do what needs to be done and in her case, taking care of you was necessary.

fortywhat2, I am trying to find things I enjoy doing.  Just like you.  Money doesn't permit alot but, even a little bit of crafts can make a day more bearable.

rendean, just keep in contact with your company's HR dept. regarding company disability.  If you have already filed for that disability, I encourage you to contact your caseworker at that company.  They can be a great source of help.  My disability is through Lincoln Financial and Ashley was my caseworker for short term.  She was awesome to work with.  I'm now in the long term category and haven't worked with them yet.

Lulu, I worked in Customer Service and I had to be let go since the FMLA ran out.  I was told that they would hire me back if I was to get better.  They would always make room for me if I get better.  

I do not do well without structure in my life so, I am hoping to create some structure while at the same time doing some type of ministry, whatever that may be.  I feel that I need to start visiting some of the older members of my church.  Our Women's Ministry at church also needs some work and I plan to do some things with it.


My best to you all.  I keep my MS Forum friends in my prayers.  Prayers that the undiagnosed will find answers and comfort and that the diagnosed will be comforted.
Take care,

Deborah

[stubby226]

WOW<  God works in mysterious ways.  I do not have MS.  My sister does.  I am an RN that rec'd a needle stick at work resulting in Hep C and HIV.  (yes I am involved in the Hep c forum)  Due to medication side affects and redisual issures I was forced out of retirement about 30 days ago.  I was devastated.  I centered alot of my self worth on my occupation and being able to help others.  I have had to learn to adjust my chores, alternating between hard jobs like make a bed and easy jobs like fold the laundry.  I have had to start taking a nap in the day time to avoid falling asleep at dinner or having sever brain fog.  I felt so blessed reading all the supportive statements.  I recently was in the hospital with encephalitis almost dying.  My sister with MS was my salvation.  She was there almosr every day and when I got home from hospital helped get my house organized over a 6 week period.  She is doing poorly at this time but I hope and pray that it will pass soon.  I pray that I may be fully functional so I can help her as time goes by and our rle reverse.

[fortywhat2]

Hi,
It a strange feeling hun?  The same thing happened to me in Februrary, I had a difficult time in the beginning but it got better.  I found it to be a re-enforcement that I could no longer do as I once had, a reminder of the road I was placed on.  Well girlfriend take that road and let the sun shine on your face and go with it.  I'm finding things that I use to enjoy... crafts, family, old friends!  I decided to ~live as if all my dreams came true~ I just have to make stops every so often and visit my Dr.  Don't get me wrong I have days where I just don't even get out of the chair but so doesn't everyone else.  So... I hope your road gets easier!
Debbie

[rendean]

Sorry to hear of your  forced retirement. I am in the same boat. My company is too small to have to follow FMLA and I was informed my 2 weeks of vacation/sick  leave is exhausted. I have applied for the company disability but am not sure I qualify under their definition.


So when the disability company makes a decision I will know better what  I am dealing with but have already been looking into other possibilites that would have more flexibility that my company is willing to do.


I admire your attitude about where you are in your life.  I  feel like Alex in that my identity in part comes from my work...that's the kink I need to work out.  You have a great outlook on life.

I wish you well on this journey and peace in accepting all the bumps in the road.

Ren



.

[PastorDan]

Deb, I am sorry that this problem has come to you, but as was said above, you sure sound as though you have the best possible attitude in response to it.

I am very possibly going to be facing the same problem soon, as I am within a day or so of using my full 12 weeks of FMLA (even though it's been spread over seven or eight months).  My employer is looking for any excuse to get rid of people, as the budget crunch is really hitting county government hard.  My problem is that I won''t likely be able to get disability with no diagnosis.  Besides, I don't feel that I am sufficiently disabled to not be able to work, even though there are many days when I feel like a half day would be plenty.  I'll keep praying that we find a way to grow this church until they can afford a fulltime pastor.  I believe I could do that, as my schedule would have more flexibility, even if it would be as full.

[MsWobbles]

Deborah,

I'm sorry that the job loss was not by your choice and can understand your feelings of uncertainty.  In time it may turn out to be the best thing for you!

Hugs,

WAF  

[Tammy826]

Hello, I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you! Remember sometimes God has to close 1 door so that another can be opened. You'll be in my prayers , God bless you!
                         Best Wishes, Tammy

[Lulu54]

Deborah,
Its too bad yo u have to deal with this on top of all the other issues you are currently struggling with.  I hope you have lots of support to help you make this adjustment.  Was your job eliminated or were you let go?  

These others have given you excellent advice, I hope you will find something in there to take away for yourself.

Surround yourself with good people right now while you work through these changes - it won't be easy but I believe you can handle this too.

my best to you,
Lulu

[HVAC]

A lot of my self worth was tied up in working. I always have. I let myself get very depressed thinking I was not contributing to the income of the marriage. My health costs have really strained our finances. I started to feel guilty and depressed.

I had to realize this is all beyond my control. I had to be kind to myself. What was hurting my marriage was me punishing myself.

I now spend my time on health care reform since we are starting to liquidate our retirement funds to pay our expense.

Be kind to yourself,

Alex

[essdipity]

You have been given good advice by these wise members. I just hope that you'll be okay financially. Take some time to figure out what appeals to you, then start in that path very gently. If it's too much, pull back a little. If it's not the right thing, no big deal, look a little further.

I'm hoping you have an easy transition. You have a wonderful attitude, and are not fighting circumstances you can't change, but accepting them and looking for the good. The best of luck to you.

ess

[Ufrustrated2]

change is difficult but often times than not when we look back we see what a good change it is and how we never could have planned it that way.

i wrestled with an identity crisis leaving a state and job to a new state and no job. but my friends here are so much more like minded and compatible and fun to be around the move has been worth it in that regards.

and no time has really been wasted, taking care of things that needed taking care of although i'm not generating income from it. there are other rewards. ShadowsSister is right about the willingness to be flexible. easier said than done on some days. LOL

i hope you have some fun adventures on your new path/journey...

[ShadowsSister]

I know that right now you are most likely numb. I am so sorry, but am glad you realize it is just one chapter, a long one though and an important one.

So if you can take some time, try to relax and figure out what you would enjoy doing. When the MS cost me my career, I went to the community college and took some art classes, I could only manage one course at a time, but I wasn't trying to get a degree just wanted to feel like I had some where I needed to be. If that makes any sense.

This is a lesson all of us who live with MS continue to learn. We are always going to have to be willing to make adjustments, deal with changes in our physical bodies I call it "learning to do OLD THINGS New WAYS". It sure keeps things (life) interesting, doesn't it.

Again Deborah, I am very sorry, and I am here for you along with the rest of our group.

Take good care of yourself, Try not to stress over this loss too much if you can help it.

Love, Hugs & Prayers {{{{~!~}}}}

[sllowe]

Hey Deb,

Can we be in that new Chapter, can we, huh, huh, can we?

Sending you a (((big hug))) my friend - knowing this day is sad, but good too.

shell :)