This message was self-deleted by its author

[softydog88]

This message was self-deleted by its author (softydog88) on Tue Apr 6, 2021, 11:16 PM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[Beakybird]

1. I'm so sorry about this.

I hope you can miraculously get another job.
America has gone from unfair to dystopian. I hope someone out there can throw you a bone job-wise.

[coti]

2. This makes me so sorry to hear, Softy. I do think it's good to look at it as an early retirement.

It's good you'll get Medi-Cal, that's one less thing. And you'll be able to manage on that.

I'm hoping your home situation is stable.

Connect with county and regional services if you haven't already, they should be able to provide some kind of in-home assistance. Apply for Social Security if you haven't already- could be a 2+ year wait.

But I think it's good to look at it as early retirement because that will avoid the trap of self-pity. That's what you want to stay out of, though it can feel really good. Instead, to avoid what you're afraid of, keep pushing, keep problem solving, keep finding resources, keep smiling and bringing people into your life. It's not over.

[coti]

4. Keep in good touch with your friends from work, too, they could be key in maybe helping you find

something new. Because they'll be looking too. And honestly there are craploads of jobs out there right now.

[sprinkleeninow]

3. I sense that something will come your way.

Please receive my strong prayers for you. 💙

[safeinOhio]

5. Best of luck to you.

What a heart breaking story. I hope you see a lawyer, sounds like it might be a violation of Americans with Disabilities Law.

[mahina]

6. Unbelievable. Good luck mate.

What a rough turn of events. You are a warrior.

[Soph0571]

7. My heart goes out to you

What a complete and utter bollocks. For those making these decisions it is all about the process not the individual, wankers. I live in a place with UHC and yes you do need this. Do you have any agencies in your area specifically working to support people with disabilities into work, or retaining work? They are normally genius about getting business to make accommodations re interviewing and hiring if they have a positive approach to disabilities.... particularly when you have a strong work history and skills set. It is worth having a hunt to see if you can find anything.
And welcome to DU

[Soph0571]

8. My heart goes out to you

What a complete and utter bollocks. For those making these decisions it is all about the process not the individual, wankers. I live in a place with UHC and yes you do need this. Do you have any agencies in your area specifically working to support people with disabilities into work, or retaining work? They are normally genius about getting business to make accommodations re interviewing and hiring if they have a positive approach to disabilities.... particularly when you have a strong work history and skills set. It is worth having a hunt to see if you can find anything.
And welcome to DU

[erlewyne]

9. Interesting

I had a Central Office job designed to help outside workers.
Good paying. I bought a Tandy computer for my kids and had
to learn how to use it. My first major obstacle was, what the
hell was "DOS"? I had to teach my kids how to start the computer.

We did not have keyboards at work, a new innovation shortly
there after. I locked right in and after a couple of years I mastered
macros. No fellow worker could use a computer but I could
macro!. Soon, 10 or 15 minutes after work started I was done
for the day, This dumbass was treated as a nerd and my fellows
hated me, and I tried to show them but just got blank stares.
Twenty-five years later I got terminated and thought nothing
of it. I got terminated because everybody did (most of them retired
already and never replaced). My phone rang off the hook .... please
help me, I can't do this was the cry.

I got a buy out under the stipulation I gave up my benefits. I snapped it
up. My wife had a good factory job and she loved it.

Well. free at last, except, right away. my wife's healthy company, almost
a hundred years old (in 2005) shut down out of the clear blue sky. We both
had 5 years before Medicare, had to pay for health insurance, tough
years but we made it. I love Social Security and Socialism.

Have faith

[Crabby Appleton]

10. Well, that just sucks

Good luck with whatever happens next for you.

[applegrove]

11. Maybe you can do the interview online. Times have changed. I was

giving a young adult advice about finding a job and i said i used to go through the yellow pages of the phone book and find places that sounded like they would be interesting to work at i wrote them, sending in my resume. She said that sounds great. Where would i find a phone book? I realized i was totally out of date when it came to looking for work. Maybe you can put your resume up to one of those websites and skype the interview and work only from home. You may not even work for people in the same city where you live. I watch those house hunting shows where people leave the US and move to places like Belize or Mexico because they can work remotely with businesses in the USA. Do a study of these job sites. Research working remotely. Come up with a game plan. Good luck to you.

[HipChick]

17. Applegrove...you are onto something here

There are some support positions that do online interviews using Skype, Zoom etc...

[Pacifist Patriot]

20. I'm response for the recruitment process at my company.

I would absolutely have no problem with video interviews for a remote work position.

[BigmanPigman]

12. I had to stop working because I became unable to work

and was able to qualify for disability retirement from my job as a teacher in CA. I studied the ACA and signed away any rights toward health insur through my district since it would cost more than the ACA with tax credits. Then BOOM! The ACA is in jeopardy and now I have two more "pre-existing illnesses" and could easily lose my tiny apt and savings in just a few years without insurance. Study your options carefully and be prepared for the worst but hope for the best.

[Sherman A1]

13. Sorry to hear about your situation

The corporate world as we all know is a cruel one and interested in only the bottom line. Your post makes a great argument for both Universal Health Care and Universal Basic Income for us all. I am in hopes that you will be able to find something that works for you and will find this to be an opportunity rather than a negative in your life.


Best of Luck to You.

[MichMan]

54. They allowed him to work from home for 7 years without ever having to leave the house

The OP also stated that the pay and benefits were very good.

I dont think categorizing the corporate employer as cruel is appropriate in this instance.

[Sherman A1]

55. And according to the post

many were let go to add some new VPs so I will stick with the conclusion I have drawn based upon what was stated.

[usaf-vet]

14. What products where you supporting? Do you have a current CV? I was in tech support but now retired.

I had a wonderful boss to work with who understood the advantages of work from home employees.

Because I did that job when I now call for tech support or customer service I always engage in small talk if the chance arises.
Questions like where are you? Weather at their location? How long have you been doing the job? And the all-important one, in this case, are you working from home? Does your employer offer that option?

I have been amazed at the numbers of folks that do have that opportunity has increased over the years. When I first started working from home it was 15 years ago. Back then it required an enlighten boss. Now it seems a lot of companies offer it.

I have a couple of suggestions.
1. put together a current 1-3 page CV
2. consider contacting support agencies for your disability.
3. we had a disabled family member who had a job to call homebound people to check-in on them they had a regular list and a schedule of when and how often to call. Not great pay but rewarding work.
4. for this next one I would ask DU administrators if you could post your CV here. It's possible one of the long-time DU members knows of places to apply that use stay at home tech support workers. DU administrators can you help with an answer?

Good luck and be well.

[krakfiend]

15. wish you the best of luck

[BSdetect]

16. Stock grants should vest if you lose your job. I'd challenge that if not the case.

If you are fired for misconduct etc that is usually not the case but it seems the company did not fire you for that.

[lunatica]

30. The OP was not fired

He/she was laid off. They are nowhere near being the same thing.

[BSdetect]

33. Not what I wrote - if not fired he ought to have his stock options vested.

[Lucky Luciano]

34. Yes - this is odd. The unvested stock should remain.

I never heard of that evaporating from a lay-off.

[EndlessWire]

47. Laid off

Aren't you entitled to unemployment insurance if you're not fired but laid off? That could last awhile...food money plus they'll help you look for work.

[lunatica]

49. Yes. It should be part of the layoff process.

People have to be given written notice of being laid off 30 or 60 days in advance. They have to provide a packet which includes instructions on how to apply for unemployment while they’re looking for another job. You’re supposed to apply online on your last day on the job.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-file-for-unemployment-benefits-online-2064123

[sinkingfeeling]

18. So sorry. That's the way corporations operate in the USA.

[DFW]

19. This is a crack no one should fall through

I really hope some program becomes available to you, or else at least a job opportunity.

Make sure the local press gets the story! Publicity has been known to shame government agencies into action. There is never any guarantee, but none of them wants to quoted on the evening news as having commented, "tough shit."

[a kennedy]

21. Damn......

[KY_EnviroGuy]

22. Big DU hugs out to ya, Softydog88.

From KY..........

After making the mistake in the 90s of sinking my heart and soul into a medium-size company only to be laid off, I have to remind myself regularly that in the U.S.A., in essence the corporate world is our master.

Perhaps you can find an on-line support group in your state that can help you struggle through this, or at least provide emotional uplift by sharing with others with similar problems.

KY........

[Fla Dem]

23. So sorry. That's tough. Are you eligible to collect Social Security disability benefits?

https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/qualify.html

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, we pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.

Benefits usually continue until you are able to work again on a regular basis. There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work.

What We Mean By Disability
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:

You cannot do work that you did before;
We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings, and investments.

How We Decide If You Are Disabled
If you have enough work to qualify for disability benefits, we use a step-by-step process involving five questions.

More>>>>
https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/qualify.html#anchor3

[haele]

38. If he applied for SSDI, he needs to get a lawyer.

A disability lawyer is critical to get all the paperwork and doctor's reports in order and presented in such a way that the disability judge will be more likely to approve it.
It still takes time, so the OP will most likely want to contact a disability lawyer ASAP.

Speaking from experience, spouse was denied twice over a three year struggle while nearly bedridden with arthritis. We got a lawyer (California sets percentage fees contingent on award, so everyone knows what the lawyer is going to get paid up front) and within 6 months he got his lump sum (disability back pay to the time he stopped working due to disability) and his monthly allotment started.
The lawyer also should know legit disability advocates who can get you through the ins and outs of getting the most effective and affordable health insurance for you.
It's good that your company was able to keep you working as long as they did, but it sucks that they're going to let you go before you are really ready to retire.

Haele

[dutch777]

24. Good advice in this thread

It's a total sucky deal for sure. Key points from the replies that I would endorse:

Keep in touch with work and other friends
Talk to a labor lawyer

I would look at option to share your story on LinkedIn or other work related media. While this may just be the usual heartless corporate move, there are a lot of good people and good companies in business that look for opportunities to get good employees even if they need a bit of unique accommodation. I also wouldn't hesitate to put a situation wanted job ad on Craigslist. Again, there are good folks looking to do good.

Every time I get in a discussion with people that say "he should just get a job", I try to remind them that even in areas like Seattle and Silicon Valley where there are lots of openings of all types, not everyone who would like to work is capable of the demands of the typical workplace-- be that getting there, their unique health status, health issues around kids or other dependents. Same goes for folks on Medicaid. Having to search out that 1 medical provider out of 100 who is willing to take Medicaid and then get on their waiting list and hope nothing goes wrong while they wait, is a horrible way for a great country to allow its neediest to live.

Wishing you the best...

[softydog88]

25. I'm overwhelmed by the good wishes and great advice.

Thank you, all, for reading my story and posting about it. I looked into some options for other jobs, and they pay less than half what I make for the next seven weeks. Quite frankly, I expect to make more on disability than on another job. But there's a lot of information here to look into, and I want to thank you all for giving me so much to investigate.

[jmbar2]

27. I went through this multiple times in the mid 2008s

I could see that it probably wouldn't get any better. I was in the training and HR field, which is the first to go when they start cutting the workforce.

One thing I did was to start studying investing full time. Made it my job. I also learned to daytrade. I didn't do well with the daytrading, but learned a bunch along the way about how to analyze potential market shifts. I retired with very little, but the investing research paid off.

Most analysts are expecting a market correction soon. Think of it like a big sale on stocks. I recommend reading stuff from Rida Morwa on Seeking Alpha on constructing a dividend portfolio when the dip comes.

Good luck and don't let the bastards get you down.

[Hoyt]

26. Really sorry. If you are approved for permanent disability, I think you get Medicare.

You'll want to sign up for a supplemental plan and drug coverage. Not sure about MediCal, whether that is an option. You can stretch out a month or so before you have to decide on COBRA. Point is, you have a few options as far as healthcare.

Good luck and take care.

[Rebl2]

44. You get

Medicare Disability and S.S. Disability.

[beastie boy]

28. Look into COBRA benefits

https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra

It may give you temporary relief with the health insurance

[USALiberal]

43. It should apply, 18 months of COBRA. n

[Dream Girl]

29. Your stock should vest if you were let go

[Marie Marie]

31. I am so sorry to hear this and sincerely hoping that some safety net somewhere

works out for you. Until then:

[McCamy Taylor]

32. First hired first fired is the rule for anyone below VP grade in most US corporations

Unless you are lucky enough to have a union.

[herding cats]

41. That's always been my experience.

The harder I've worked to establish myself, just when I begin to feel comfortable, I'm out due to cutbacks. I now bounce on my own to better opportunities when they solicit me. I have the same loyalty to my employers they've shown me in the past.

[Skittles]

35. are you applying for SSDI

that comes with insurance, yes? I know it's not how you planned things but you worked and paid into SS, you should to get all the benefits you need

someone is ALWAYS here on DU, softydog88, you can talk to us.....yes indeed....we are here for you

[warmfeet]

36. It does not have to be this way.

There are resources to take care of everyone, but we are currently structured to take care of the top 0.1% only. Nothing changes until the 99.9% understand this equation.

I hope you find the help you need. The pity is, we could all help each other if given the chance. Perhaps we need to, collectively, take our chance. Barring that, I see no road to improvement of our circumstance.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

37. Do look very carefully about what Fla Dem said about disability.

A decade ago I did an internship with an attorney who did Social Security Disability appeals, and there's a LOT of misinformation out there about how it works. One bit of misinformation is that everyone is automatically denied the first time around. Nope. People get denied because either they really aren't disabled in the eyes of SS, or they are but don't have a clue the amount of documentation needed. One of the things I did for this attorney was go to SS offices and photocopy the mountains of paperwork a client would have. The files would be up to twelve inches thick.

I know someone whose daughter is trying to get on disability, and she's probably not going to succeed because first of all, she's rarely worked in jobs where she's paid into the system, which you have to have done, and she hasn't really ever sought out the appropriate medical help (because she's never had company paid health care to do so) which would document her disability.

You're way ahead of the system because you've worked at a regular job and paid into the system.

The real issue is going to be 1. Can you continue to work (and it does look like the answer is yes from what you've posted) and 2. Are there any such jobs out there for you. That's going to be a lot trickier as you've been working from home and it's possible no other employer will let you do that.

This sucks big time, but do check into all the support things already suggested.

Best of luck to you and please keep us posted.

[PatrickforO]

39. I am truly sorry. Also disgusted at the politicians who

pass a giant tax cut for billionaire parasites and then tell us solemnly that we cannot 'afford' healthcare.

Oh, it will cost too much, they say.

But how much is a human life worth?

I wish you the best. I too am disabled, so I understand quite well your fears.

[smirkymonkey]

40. I'm so sorry to hear this softydog.

I hope you are able to find another position, but if not I hope you are able to secure enough resources for a comfortable retirement. This country sucks in the way it treats people who are middle aged, yet too young to retire. It is very difficult to find good, well-paying work past a certain age, yet the government is making health care and social security less and less available to those who aren't past a certain age.

I wish you all the best and I hope even if you do end up being retired, you are able to find some happiness in it.

[herding cats]

42. I've been there and my heart is completely with you.

I hope you land on your feet. Many, many employers want remote employees now. Maybe even try with a startup? Some offer great benefits (others don't, so be careful!) and many embrace remote employees.

[Rebl2]

45. So sorry

about you being laid off and totally understand your fears. I thought if you got laid off you could get COBRA for a year or so from your employer. Am I wrong on this?
A bit off topic. I live in Kansa City and since December there have been so many store closings and layoffs here it’s very surprising. I thought, supposedly, the economy was doing so great. Well it sure isn’t here. Anyone else seeing this in your towns/cities?

[McKim]

46. I am Fighting to Give You Better Benefits

Dear Softy: This country has let you down bad! It’s people in your circumstances that keep me fighting for universal health care and more benefits!!!!!! I hope someone on DU can give you a tech job working from home!!!!!! DUers can we step up and get this done? Any leads?

[orleans]

48. someone said to get a disability lawyer

and that's what i've heard too

i've heard the rule of thumb with applying is getting turned down first time around so a lawyer involved from the get-go should be helpful

sorry this happened to you and the others

[JenniferJuniper]

50. If you have a 401k with this company

know the rule of 55. As long as you leave the 401k with them you can make withdrawals without the 10% penalty as you are past the year you turned 55. Doesn't work for IRAs or 401ks left with employers you left earlier. Those are 59 1/2.

It sounds like you'd pretty easily qualify for SSDI. Just make sure you do a complete job with the application and required documentation.

[Bayard]

51. Have you considered contract work?

On a 1099 basis as an independent? You can generally make enough on an hourly basis to buy your own insurance (no benefits, so that's why it pays more).

Do Google searches of--resume, contract, home based, and whatever your skill set is. Check sites like Indeed and Jobvertise.

Update your resume. PM me, and I'd be more than happy to advise you on that, as well as interviewing advice. I'm a recruiter (25 years). I don't find jobs for people (I find people for jobs as a headhunter, employers pay me).

Always glad to help a fellow DU'er.

[Dukkha]

52. So sorry I can relate

I was laid off after 15.5 years at a financial institution, the biggest one. I took a severance, cashed out the benefits, and paid off the mortgage and went into early semi-retirement. For two years all was good with the wife covering everything and I stretched the severance far. Then two months ago I get the divorce notice so I'm suddenly on my own with no support, then one month later mother gets an inoperable brain tumor. I've been pounding the pavement applying for anything an everything and getting nowhere. I was denied unemployment benefits because I waited too long. I use mainly Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter and occasionally Monster and State unemployment site job listings. It's like I'm right in between being over qualified for half and unqualified for the other half. I'm not in panic mode yet but it's coming. At least I have my health, in fact I'm very strong and great shape for being 50, so I can't imagine how disability would factor in that would really suck and be scary. Hang in there I hope it works out.

[demosincebirth]

53. Apply for ssdi