I Just Lost my Job due to Discrimination Against Mental Illness

in #money7 years ago (edited)

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Yep, that's right, I am now jobless. I lost my job because of discrimination against me and my depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder. A job of which I had never been written up, had worked for the sister company 3 years and this one 2. So, 5 years of my life completely unappreciated by this company. Whatever. I know my patients appreciate me. I specialize in geriatric physical therapy. I love my old folks.

I do not love corporate America's BULL SHIT way of treating people like myself with severe depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

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There are a couple people here on steemit who know me IRL ( @tabzjones for one who I know won't mind me mentioning her.) If my "IRL" peeps read this, which I'm sure they will, I know they will vouch for me.

Despite my issues, I have ALWAYS done my best for the patients I serve and tried to do right by the company I work for.

I've jumped through all their hoops. I went on intermittent FMLA. That "benefit" is ultimately what screwed me too by the way. At best it gives you a "legit" reason to call out. However, it mostly just served to re-traumatize me. The benefit "covers" you only if you call out 4+ hours of your shift start. I have always thought that was bull shit. What if I am triggered on my ONE HOUR commute into work. Then what??

But, I digress. I have always played by their rules on that one. Until, I recently slipped up. Yep, I didn't give them 4 hours notice, rather, only one because after a FITFUL night of sleep, my pet robot malfunctioned and didn't send the life saving message out in time.

I was then told, I needed my doctor to sign off on that 3 hour slip up. OKAY FIRST OF ALL,
MY DOCTOR DOESN'T WORK WEEKENDS. Secondly, WHAT THE FUCK. Third, run a drug test on me, you'll see I want chock full of illicit drugs fueling some all night rave/party.

I'm not being very objective, sorry. I'm upset. I just lost my job. Fortunately, IF ALL GOES WELL, I should be back up on my feet in about a month I hope. Meanwhile, I will have a lapse in healthcare. Money will be tight. I'm looking for what we call in healthcare "per diem " work. Pays better, and I do not have to work as much and I will have more mental health days.

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In the meantime, and I NEVER DO THIS, but any upvote or resteem to help me through this interim period would be so so appreciated.

At the very least, show some love or empathy to someone in your life suffering an invisible disease.

Image 1: Pinterest
Image 2: http://www.naimamohamed.com/what-the-law-says-on-disability-discrimination/
Image 3: http://profilepicturequotes.com/robin-williams-aladdin-quotes/

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I have been made redundant not once, but twice, so I know how your feeling, I don't want to offer any cliché advice like it'll will be ok or everything will work out. Because I don't know what will happen for you, but I will give you my upvote (its only worth 0.01 at the moment but thats all I can do) encouragement from Gyro Take care and be strong!

Thanks a lot for the kind words. As @eiawo would say "it will work out!" =)
Following you.

Been there!

I once managed part of a security firm here in Manitoba. Was acceling at my work but needed another body to help with the workload. After months of pleading with the boss and him ignoring me I ended up writing an email to him explaining exactly how I was feeling... Which just so happened to include the string "This workload is making me want to step in front of a bus".

That got his attention, but you know rather than get me another worker to spread the workload the wanker made me an ultimatum that I go seek professional help or be fired. I quit right then and there.

Fuck employers that can't see that their horseshit effects more than their profits but also the people trading their life hours to make them rich.

You'll find more work, maybe something that makes you happier and less miserable. Good luck to you chelsea88.

P.S. I'm bipolar as well. An incredible gift and curse we share. It doesn't define who you are though.. Just means the highs and lows are a bit more intense than what "normal" people can fathom.. <3

Oh man. Wow. I'm sorry. Thanks so very much for your insight. I really do think that "they" think we are just making it up. WHY would anyone do that?? Beyond me.

Thanks again so much. Your words of insight and encouragement mean more than you know. I plan to keep everyone posted as i go through this process

I, too, suffer PTSD. Find yourself a good attorney that will work on contingency. It's illegal to fire you for this. If you are a veteran and this is service connected, contact them immediately.

Thank you. I'm not a veteran though. The PTSD is derivative from anther source

I'll give you an upvote. Also I notice from your language that you refer to the depression as 'my' depression and 'my' issues. I would consider changing the way you refer to it as 'the' depression and 'the' issues in your internal dialogue and conversations with others. That way you are not taking ownership of the illness and it will be easier to release it in time. It takes some practice and persistence but I'm sure it will help. All the best.

Thanks @unclehermit
I never thought of it in that way. I will work on this

Hope all goes well for you my friend! Best of luck, keep your head up and keep on STEEMin'

Very Sorry for your job loss. Hopefully a door will open as this filthy window closes. Sometimes not getting what we want can be a great blessing. Hope better changes come soon! warm regards @tilak

Thanks @tilak. I have to keep reminding myself of that

just a fkin potato.png

Knifehandchop!

Yes @ghostcode and @thepotato
Lol. Thanks for lightening the vibe

There are a couple people here on steemit who know me IRL ( @tabzjones for one who I know won't mind me mentioning her.) If my "IRL" peeps read this, which I'm sure they will, I know they will vouch for me.

This post received a 20% vote by @minnowsupport courtesy of @isaria from the Minnow Support Project ( @minnowsupport ). Join us in Discord.

Upvoting this comment will help support @minnowsupport.

Wish you all the best. Just gave you an upvote ❤️

I greatly appreciate both the vote, comment, and support means a lot to me

How do you upvote ? I am a newbies

I'm really sorry to hear that you lost your job today. That really is awful to be treated like that. I'm sure your patients will be wondering where you are too.
Good luck with your next month or so and I hope it works out well for you. Look after yourself.

Thanks. Several of them are severely cognitively impaired but knew me. I will miss them the most. I'm sobbing right now. Pretty messed up

The cooperate world holds no love for its citizens these days. Sorry about your job loss chelsea, hope youre back on your feet as soon as possible.

Silver and gold, i have non, but what i have, i give to you.
Resteemed and voted.

Thanks so much for yourkind words. =) means the very most

I'm mostly extrenely sad aboit some of my clients ill never get to see again

Just take it easy chelsea, get back up and get a new job, or dedicate full time to steemit, you know things are gonna go right right?

Depression is a scary thing, buh dont let it bog you down.

@davidthelad yes i would go full time on steemit, however the amount i need to survive, thrive, and pay off my debts it would be very difficult to do unless i just started meme dropping.

I already am in talks with two companies though of which is looking very promising. :)

Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry. I know how much you love your work and I know it won't be long before something better comes along. In the meantime, take some much needed time to rest and take care of yourself so that you will be back on solid ground and ready to return to taking care of others. I love you♥♥♥

Thanks a lot @tabzjones
I'm crying right now because i know there are several of "my people' i took care of ill probably never see again. :(
Thanks for your kind words

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I'm sorry you have to go through this @chelsea88. I know bigger and better things are ahead for you. Hugs!

Thanks @mister-d, I hope you are right :)

So sorry to hear about your problems. It makes me seethe.

Another notch in the resulting regulations and big government.

  • regulations and rules.
    In a real market, and you were doing your job well - no issue. You are an asset.
    Employers want staff who do their jobs - simple.

Good luck with your job hunting!

Thank you very much. I know I did a good job. For them, i guess they will never know "what they had until its gone "

Chelsea… darling!
I'm sorry for you having to deal with these soulless system minions.

Thx @ghostcode
That's exactly what they are soulless

Hang in there!
Solutions will come. Just take some time to let things settle and when you are ready, get back on the horse and look for greener pastures.
Wish you all the best and just let the 'suck' sit there for a while, it will move on.
We can probably do more for you as a community these days than the gov't is able to offer, but we will get creative and find a way to get you back on the tracks.
Lemme know if there is anything more we can do to help. I have control of 3 profiles so I did upvotes and some resteems to get the word out. If you want to write anything more about how valuable you are to the world, we will resteem those too.
:)
knock on the door of life. Answers will come.

@ecoknowme , wow, thanks so much for that. Just trudging along right now a few things that could be promising

Upvote from me, my dear. I am very sorry you lost your job! However, try to look at it from other perspective, everything in life happens for a reason, so might be something better is waiting now for you! Good luck and crossing my fingers for you!

@belahejna thank you. That's a good way to look at this. I sure hope you are right

I bet you will find a better job very soon! Resteemed, cheer up, Chelsea!

Thank you for the kind words and resteem

I cannot tell you how angered I am to read this! That is reprehensible and you need to find a good attorney who will represent you because this is inexcusable!!!

Thanks @miriamslozberg
Just doubt I can afford one

I'm so sorry for your job loss @chelsea88. Normally I'd say something about if that's how they treat you you're better off without them, but I suppose in your area you can't just cut out the middleman and offer your services to your patients directly. So I wish you find another company soon that values you and the work you do. In the meantime, hang in there, and post some more of your wonderful fantasy faes. I really enjoyed your most recent one!

Aww thank you! =)
More coloring to come for sure!!
I'm currently in talks with two companies that look promising. I have this feeling everything will be a lot bettee in about two weeks.

Hi,
Be strong, I know I have been to that space, there is a silver lining in that cloud.
Everybody goes thru that space sometime, and will move forward.
Try my easy meditation for a start. It works.Let me know if you wants to know more.
Love from another corner of the world.