ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: msuscottie on October 17, 2006, 01:32:25 pm
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I've heard more than a few stories about people who have been unable to return to work, or to work at the same level as they use to before AN treatment. Now, some are "lucky" and have returned to their old positions without a hitch, but some of us have been demoted, treated unfairly, or even let go for various reasons. The economy and job market are tough enough without having to eliminate certain jobs because of some of our disabilities. Even if it's dry eye or balance problems, it may keep us from certain jobs. My confidence is shot since facial paralysis entered my life and I feel pretty uncomfortable in social situations. Being deaf in one ear makes it hard to work with people at all. What kind of jobs are out there that are right for us? What kind of resources are out there for people with disabilities as related to jobs?
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I hear you
So question - what exactly did you do before ?
Best Regards
Tony
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I was the Director of an Advertising Agency. After my first surgery I missed 6 months of work and when I returned I couldn't travel or make presentations, so I was demoted to another job, then after my second surgery and another 2 months out they "eliminated" my position but offered me another one as an Account Executive. I've been with the company over 5 years. Hired in 2001, promoted in 2002, promoted in 2003, surgery in 2004, demoted in 2005, surgery in 2006, demoted in 2006.
Seems fair, huh?
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Scott,
NO, not fair a all. Guess what they say, lifes not fair hold true. Batty Princess also lost her job over her AN absence. Again, like your wife said, it sucks. I am self employed, had a 15 year very successful Real Estate brokerage. Have managed to do a few transactions since the ordeal (2yrs ago) but I cannot function well enough to do any kind of volume. I have been trying to figure out something else I can do from home. Something related but wouldn't require me to meet with clients too often. I can't concentrate too wel and like you said, I really lack confidence these days. I wish you and others the best while trying to reinvent our past careers post AN Know you are not alone .
Patti UT
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It is discouraging Scottie. I know. Not sure what to say. I haven't worked a normal job since 2000.
Paul
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Scott - I can't imagine getting demoted - you could look into Affirmative Action, but who feels like a fight. In my position it would be easy, I'm a nurse in clinical resource mgt (off the floors for 9 years), & my job doesn't involve a physical presentation, just giving info over the phone or computer. Being in advertising I'd think visual is almost everything. I hope things get brighter for you (and for me too!) Another working class hero, nancy
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OK - I get the picture
So "We are, where we are"
Questions : What can you do ? - what cant you do ?
Are you really recovered enough for the fast lane now ?
Or would it be a good idea to go back in stages ?
remember here, you might be 5 times as strong
as you are now, in 12mths time
Could you work for yourself ?
(you might do a role where you could set the pace
- which means you could build gradually over 12-18mths)
Do you still have contacts ?
What do you like doing ?
My own critieria was to make sure I got a role
where such limitations I have would not be too important
My suggestion here is you find a current or former
Career councillor - and talk it through
Once you have a better idea of what you want
you will have a better idea where you are going
(I opted to leave my former role - simply because I knew they would get
"iffy" when they realised I could only do 85% of it, post surgery)
I dont do 85 % of anything
If I can quote Sinatra on this one - "all or nothing at all"
Last thought : most interviews I have had
- the other side has been quite staggered at my story and
in some admiration of the progress
I got the sense that in most cases they wanted to help
- I wasnt expecting that - you maybe surprised too
Stay in touch
Best regards
Tony
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Hi Scott. I am so much with you. I am an experienced Computer Software Consultant. I have been unemployed for the last 4 months. My last job lasted only 4 days! Everyone including myself was shocked. I had moved all the way from New Jersey to SF, California to take up this job. Even though my work does not involve walking, I think I was let go because of the way I walk. As Scott said, they use all kinds of reasons to let you go. In my case, they gave some reasons that don't even apply to me. What can I do? Nothing! I have no problem standing or sitting. My problem comes in only when I walk and so I avoid walking at work but it didn't help. I have been to several interviews but nothing results after that because they see me come holding a cane.
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Hi Scott!
I am writing to you now because I am also out of work. It does seem like some people want to help when they hear your story, at first, but then with the daily limitations and moods involved, well, lets just say things aren't always what they seem. I tried to keep a fast pace office job but the cognitive skills weren't there and I could see my employer being frustrated with me. Also the single sided deaf thing, it's a hard one to overcome quickly. I was "laid off", I was told for lack of work, but I had the same volume when I was let go as I did when I first started. I think I wasn't doing things quickly enough for them. For me, I felt like I had too many distractions to be able to concentrate, radio, people talking, phones interrupting my train of thought. I couldn't easily go from one thing to the other without losing my train of thought. I currently was told about a job as a medical driver at a local aged home and since my driving skills still are good (except at night) I am going to give it a shot (I start this coming Monday). I am also working with the State Office of Vocational Rehab. They help you get or keep a job if you have a disability. I only had my first interview with them recently and from what I've heard from another member here, I don't expect a whole lot from them. This definitely is a big issue for those of us who can work but can't make what we used to make and have bills to pay. I hope you find something that suits you. Best wishes!
~Karen
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Tell me more Karen. I need a job, I need income, I have bills to pay. Cheers!
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Effiya,
They did that to you? Unreal!! They can't get away with that. Have you considered a lawsuit? That's woudl probably work over a long term but who really wants to endure that kind of thing?! Lawsuits can go on for very long periods of time. You have to get mad and stay mad to see them through.
Didn't those people know about your situation before authorizing a move like that? That's about as wrong as it is flagrantly abusive and just plain crazy.
Paul
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Today I say let's take out our uzi's and shot em all! thinking I need to up my meds LOL
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Wow is it nice to hear someone talking about this. I haven't worked since June of last month and then it was only for three months. I used to be a paralegal but dizziness, cognitive issues, and headaches kept me out of the office. I also found that I couldn't be on the computer for prolonged periods-the visual stimulation was bad. After being out of the office for a month my employer told me I could work less hours if I needed to but later they decided they really needed someone full time. So now I'm home also trying to find something I can do part time or from home. I'm so sorry Scott. I can't imagine working somewhere for so long and then being treated like that. Good luck with everything.
mll
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Actually I do have another career path - locked myself out the house
yesterday - and had to break in - without doing any damage !
If it wasnt for the fact it took fully 2 hrs and I made more noise
than brass band....no long term option...
More seriously best to look for roles/functions where
issues such as poor lifting - or poor comprehension
in noisey places - are not going to be a problem
The moderm economy is about knowledge/experiance
often working on a screen or on a phone.
Maybe some need to retrain
Best regards
Tony
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Ya know, I thought about working on a screen or the phone, but if I'm on the phone for a long period of time, I get pains in my neck/arm/shoulder from holding the phone so long. Yes, I know there are headphones but it is very frustrating if you are on the phone with things going on around me, everything interferes and if someone did want to get my attention, they have to tap me cuz I can't distinguish those sounds around me which is what I think makes them even worse. As for the screen, I can't be on the computer for a long time like someone else mentioned. I get sick, dizzy and a major headache :(
Although people seem to be sympathetic to certain situations, when they have to deal with them on a daily basis, in most cases I have found, they lose their sympathy/patience. I am starting work driving people to doctor appointments on Monday and as long as it's during the day........... The hours are minimal as is the pay but unemployment is running out and I don't know where else to turn :/ I've heard all the "it could be worse", "you were lucky" and "at least you can hear out of one ear" that I can stand! I feel like I'm losing it! Best wishes to everyone in this same situation.
~Karen
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You can headset phones combinations
that have built in amps - where you can turn up the
vol - all you need then is quiet office
cost a bit more but the flexibilty/useability is worth it
best regards
tony
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I have no problem finding work as an experienced IT Consultant for Electronic content and document management systems but keeping the work is a different story. I have just been let go from a job that I started just a week ago. Their reason was that technically I was good ut I was not assertive enough, not what they want.
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My co-worker just said, 'they should all be filing claims with American Disability Act' ( My co-worker/friend, Jeanne baby is a real fighter & always stands up for herself, we all need a Jeanne baby on our side).
Hope this helps you guys. I've worked 33 years of my 50 years so far, I can't even imagine what you all are going thru; I don't know what I'd do if I lost my job. You guys have alot of strength to' keep on keeping on.'  Nancy
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I think returning to work is a good thing - but you need to
check out the stress-level of the role before you start
Between a long lay-off, and the cognitive issues
a mini wall street may not be the right choice (for any of us) just now
Maybe best to ease back slow - and avoid the
Little Big Horn till you are really up to it.....
Best regards
Tony
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If one more person tells me how lucky I am, I might flip out :)
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Perhaps I am missing something here, but aren't you protective by the Federal Equal Employment Act? And why can't you file a claim with the Disability something or other? I am confused. I work for the county government and I do believe that when I go back I will go back to a full time permanent job that I have been doing. If not I will definitely be visiting someone!
I have worked the best part of my adult life in aerospace and government. I did a stint in the private sector and believe me I think the private sector is callous and insensitive... their bottom line is profit. Neverthelss I think even corporations need to follow some rules don't ya think?
Also what about disability SSI? Unemployment?
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Shrnwldr,
do a search on SSI, you will find many threads on the (very sore) subject. It is very difficult to get. Most people who apply for it have to go through several rejections and sometimes hire an attorny before finally getting it approved, taking many many months, even over a year. meanwhile they have no income. It is a very unfortunate problem.
NEWS FLASH: I AM officailly back to work. The company I have my Real Estate license with has sent me several referrals for business since New Years, thus forcing me to get back to work. I guess they decided it was time. I have made it clear to them I will let them know when it is too much. The first few appointments I went out on, I was really nervous, not very sure of myself at all. Then I decided to just let people know of my situation, and along with my 15 years of experience, I have been winning the business. So I know am currently working with 5 new clients. Looks like I might make a paycheck this year. yeah. I have to say, just getting back out there is helping my self esteem. I'm feeling like I really can do it again, just at a much slower pace.
Patti UT
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Congrats on getting back to work Patti!
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Sorry Patti UT I am truly ignorant of these issues. I guess I just live in a bubble, stick my head in the sand world. I have nevre had major surgery much less this type with unsure post-op issues to deal with. The paperwork required and procedures/processes has overwhelmed me.
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Scott: i'm with you 100%. The very next person that assures me how lucky I am or how much worse things could've been, I will punch them!
And, with regards to not returning to a mini-Wall Street, I actually work on wall street and am anxious about going back to work. Can't go back to working the hours i was working before surgery, but not sure what i can or cannot do now. Time will tell.
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WELL, MY HUSBAND HAS THE SAME CONCERNS ABOUT HIS JOB. ANY POLICE OFFICERS OUT THERE WHO HAVE HAD THIS SURGERY?? IF SO, PLEASE REPLY- HE'D LOVE TO CHAT. SEEMS THE UNKNOWN IS WHAT IS CONCERNING HIS EMPLOYER.....HE IS LOOKING AT SURGERY IN ABOUT ONE MONTH.
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Thanks for responding! Mike's tumor is 1.9 cm. The surgeon felt that the radiotherapy was not the best option due to the size and location. Actually, Mike had read enough on this web site as well that he was already a bit convinced it was not a good option too. He 1st went to the dr due to the tinnitus and inability to sleep well (which he thought was mostly due to trying to sleep days)...the family dr instantly diagnosed him with the AN. That was followed by a hearing test and MRI all which confirmed. The surgeon is amazed that Mike can hear as well as he can and has the balance he does with this size and location. Mike is 38 yrs old and has been a street police officer for over 10 years. The doc seems to think it is growing more towards his brain and feels we should not wait more than a couple of months to insure preservation of the facial nerve. It's just disheartening to know he is going to come out of this deaf in one ear (if we are lucky from all that I have read!) Thanks for your support and kind words. This really is hard news to deal with especially with 2 little kids to think of- ages 6 and 2. We have not told them anyhting yet....waiting on closer to surgery date.
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Scottie,
I have found that most people don't think of SSD as disability. I have worked since I was fifteen and have worked all kinds of jobs as well as had a few very successful careers. I have tried to do the things I was most successful at before my AN ,since my surgery. I don't have the balance, the short term memory, the confidence or the ability to do those things any longer. I am also very tired of people telling me how lucky I am. My SSD hearing is in July, if it isn't settled before, there has been some talk of that. I have never not earned a paycheck and worked hard. I can't even imagine how it affects someone your age. I wish I had the answers.
Hugs,
Brendalu