My Working Days Are Over
 

Well, I knew it would happen eventually......my days of working full time have come to an end. :(

As many of you know I began working from home at the beginning of the year due to the company I work for accomodating my limitations and moving my office to my home. The company has been going through many changes, downsizing and closing several offices and sending the work to headquarters. This is what's happening to the office I have worked in.

Well, they talked to me last week and said that instead of elimiating me they will allow me to apply for LTD through the company and offer me a generous severance package. I guess 15 years of my life working for them has paid off a little. Oh, and continue my medical coverage at their expense through the end of this year (12/08)! For that I am SO thankful.

So, now I've got to research applying for SSDI and hope and pray that my LTD isn't delayed. I cannot begin receiving it until June (have to wait 90 days).

I've worked since I was 16 years old. I'm not quite sure how to do this.....I'd like to do some volunteer work I think - maybe work with Meals on Wheels while I can still drive. I love elderly people - I enjoy talking to them and listening to their stories of the "old days".

Ya'll wish me luck on this new phase of my life. Seems strange not to have a job...:(

When I went down that road, the best advice I got came from the president of my company; he told me that my identity is not in what I do, but in who I am and the rest comes along with that. It's a strange place to be at first, but in my life at least, for everything MS has taken away, it has added something else.

You're here on Earth for a reason, Kelly, when the reason is gone, you will be too. ;)

Wow, Kelly. You seem cautiously upbeat about this major life change. Gotta admire you for that!

Yeah, what AMN said about it not being your identity is great advice.

I expect a new world will open up to you. Now you can work for pleasure instead of the paycheck! Sounds good to me! I hope you find something to occupy your time and abilities that is a good fit. Working with the elderly could be very rewarding for you -- got for it!!!

Hugs and best wishes to you. :hug:

I'm trying to remain optimistic about it. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and it will be revealed to me what I'm supposed to do next. Worrying over it won't do anything but send me into a flare-up and I sure don't want to do that!!

The company you worked for is wonderful with what they are giving you! I like your positive attitude and hope you are able to help out with Meals on Wheels and give to others. Best of luck with this change, I hope all works out well for you.

You are very lucky to work for such a caring company. What they are doing for you is going above and beyond in my book. Kudos to them!

I think volunteering for MOW is an awesome use of your time. You'll keep seeing positive results and it will give you time to reflect on the past and create a new future. Treasure each moment.

:hug:

It's a good deal Kitty. A lot of paperwork, but u will be fine. Go for it. :hug:

Thanks everyone - I'm feeling strangely comfortable with this....and I think it's because I was able to work from home for several months. I'm used to being here at home and have my own little routine. It's not like being in the office 12 hours a day every day and then WHAM - being stuck at home.

I do hope to begin some volunteer projects but will need to find something to do here at home to generate a little bit of additional income. Anyone have any ideas? :)

being at home may make that diff Kelly. I went from working since I was 13 -15 and then 16 on full tilt and then wham my it hit me hard and full time hours stopped quickly and it was an adjustment for me, 30 yrs of working then change it was :yikes: an eye opener

You letter sounds good and upbeat, you have a game plan in your mind which is good, also good luck with SSi :mf_swordfight:

that was nice of the company to work with you give you that extra package of insurance and all, I think your time there was appreciated Kelly, In some ways i want to say congrats yet I know what you are feeling :hug: think a hug is better, don't let it stress you and its one day at a time

I'm glad this is working out to your satisfaction, Kelly! Never an easy choice.. As to what to do now..I'm thinking (shut up! It happens!)..
Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy that could translate into additional income? Is there a job-find service in your area that would help find part time, work from home employment? If I come up with any other ideas, I'll let you know..I'm sure I'm not too far behind you here, so I'm rootin' for ya!

I understand completely!

Just enjoy what you're doing.

Tom

Ya'll need any help in Houston? I'm good at solving (and creating) problems!!:eek:

(((((((((((Kelly))))))))))) Good Luck, Dahlink.

This is the first day of the rest of your life..:)

Good luck and sorry the working days are over. Hope SSDI comes through without a hitch. Volunteer work is very rewarding. There are also some at home jobs you can do to supplement (like answering the phone), if you can do that.

Sounds like they are helping in a huge way by keeping the insurance for you! That is a BIG deal!!

sorry to hear this Kelly but I am sure everything will work out for the best... just another road for you to follow.

You'll be fine, Kell~ Your attitude will carry you through this. I procrastinated forever about whether or not to quit work. That was in Oct of 06 and I haven't looked back.

I do miss the people though. Volunteering ia such a generous act. Keep us posted. :hug:

Well, I'm pleased in the way your company is handling you! Best of luck on your 'retirement.' ;)

Volunteerism does wonders for the soul! I wish you the best of luck!!! :)

Hello Kelly,
I apologise that I just saw this. I'm sure you're a tad frightened, but it sounds as if your company is going to make this an easy transformation for you. I went from full-time to part-time recently, and worry about how long they are going to let me work on a part-time basis.:confused:

On the bright side, perhaps we can meet for lunch one of these days.:)

GOOD LUCK!:hug:

All the best to you,
Chris

I've just done the same thing Kelly. After working for 40 years, I applied for and was granted SSDI, and that helps some with the finances. My DH also is on a pension now so money's very tight, but neither of us will be going back to work due to health reasons.

I've only had 7 months without work, where-as DH has been off for 4 years, so while I'm still enjoying the luxury....he gets bored and feels worthless at times.

Maybe the volunteer work that you mentioned, might be the way for you to go if you think you'll miss being active. You certainly seem to have the right attitude, and I commend you for that.

Good luck Kel, I wish you well. :hug:

Kelly, I can't add anything to all the great advice you already received. I think when one door closes, a better one opens up. :hug:

Welcome to the club Kelly! I would suggest you set up an appointment now with an attorney who specializes in SSDI claims so you don't get side blinded at the last moment in your quest for benefits. It takes some time and lots of paperwork from your doctor to go through the approval process. The attorney usually will not charge you up front, but waits till you receive your approval and then takes a small percentage as their fee.

When I filed for mine, I already had all the copies of my office notes, many doctor letters from my various tx physicians stating I was disabled, labs, MRI reports and all other related test reports in hand for the attorney. It paid off because I was awarded my SSDI benefits on the very first attempt. Keep your ducks in a row and be sure you stay on top of things. I even hand delivered my completed application after my attorney and I finished it, with all the paperwork attached, to my SSDI field office where I live. Approval was so fast that my attorney never even took a fee out of my award!

This is the beginning of the rest of your life! You go girl!!

Carolyn:hug:

Good Luck
 

I have to say your attitude is great!! Your plans for volunteer work are awesome.
It is so hard not to work, I totally resisted stopping work until my neuro insisted and here I am a year and a half later....time does fly!!

I still have days where I miss work SO much, but then I sit back and wonder if it's the work, or just the socializing with my co-workers that I miss?

It is both, I miss using my brain on a constant basis [I was a charge nurse on a cardiac telemetry floor] and i miss goofing with the staff.....then I try to do something simple, like going upstairs to run the washer and reality sets in and I know I physically cannot do my job. I have come to terms with my situation [most days]

Like others have said, start your SSDI application ASAP.
I was one of the lucky ones who was approved on my first try, applied in September 07 and approved in Feb 08.
Hope everything goes smoothly for you.
Keep us posted !

Kelly - I think a lot of us have been where you are at some point. However, making the best of it is healthier all around. It sounds as though you have a very healthier attitude about it and the company being so kind and supportive helps a lot as well.

I hope all works out with both SSDI and any new endeavor you now choose to do.