My troubles began when I was laid off from my position with a large
insurance company in February 2011. At that time, my diagnoses of Muscle
Tension Dyphonia (leading to loss of voice) and Complex Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder were already established. I went on interview after
interview after interview and any job offers fell through at the last
minute. I also began to receive threats from an abusive ex-boyfriend
which turned into stalking. For that reason, I am maintaining anonymity
here, and I no longer have a Facebook page.
After over a year
unemployed I was hired at a local company but my voice problem forced me
to go on FMLA leave in October 2013. It was unpaid, so I could receive
medical attention, but could not afford it. The minimal insurance the
company provided meant that the voice care center (the only one in the
area that treats my issue) would not work with me. I applied for
protection under the Americans With Disabilities Act, and was approved
by corporate, but the local HR rep did nothing to help me move into a
position that allowed me to rest my voice. So I was let go in January
2014. I was not advised of this until 2 months after. I applied for
unemployment in April 2014. I exhausted it two weeks ago, and I have no
income.
I completed an educational program through the local one
stop center for Medical Coding & Billing in May 2014 and was able
to obtain my certification (CPC-A) in July 2014. I'm having a difficult
time getting my foot in the door, and I'm being helped by Vocational
Rehabilitation, and WIA in my search. Having no voice has made finding
employment more of a challenge. The other obstacle is the Catch-22
situation of education + credential but lack of experience.
Both
of my parents are dead. My sisters are married with their own families,
and they are working, but struggling as well. One is helping her
divorced daughter and her 2 children and the other is diabetic, working
100+ hours a week, has 2 children of her own, and a sick husband.
I'm
most concerned about eviction. The kind of lease I have, I can be told
to leave at any time. I rent weekly with my utilities covered in the
rent. My landlord is not willing to work with me anymore after the last
long bout of unemployment and it's hard enough finding work with
shelter. Since 2011, I have tried every single aid agency, 211, all the
referrals I can get (I and others on my behalf): I'm single and
childless, so I don't qualify. Or I'm unemployed and they cannot help me
(United Way agencies). I'm able to obtain meds for my PTSD through
Vocational Rehabilitation - but the program does not cover or help with
living expenses. I only have cell phone and internet because I've been
told over and over to apply online when I've gone into employers with my
resume/to fill out applications. My car is paid for, but it is an 02
and gas is at a premium. I would LOVE to spend time at the library for
internet, but...gas.
Thank you very much for listening.