Spokane7
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Well, isn’t this just ducky. After 11 years, I got laid off yesterday. On a stress scale, I think I’m 
off the charts. First there was the thyroid biopsy (which turned out fine). Then there was the anemia problem. Then the failing kidneys. Then 3-days-a-week, 3.5 hour dialysis sessions. And now I have no job! I believe it is highly possible for an elephant to fall on my head. Actually - I think I’ll be ok. I’m eligible for SSI, which could take five months to resolve. In the meantime, I’ll do unemployment (think a 60-year-old dialysis patient is readily hireable?). Fortunately Medicare (for kidney dialysis) will kick in December 1. The good news … I do NOT have to drive in snow to work/JeanieS, Nuts & Nonsense. More here.
Question: Anyone have a message to encourage HBO favorite JeanieS?
D.F. Oliveria is a columnist and blogger for The Spokesman-Review. Huckleberries Online was judged the best 2008 Idaho newspaper blog by the Idaho Press Club. And the best 2007 news blog in the Pacific Northwest by the Society for Professional Journalist. Print Huckleberries is a past winner of the Herb Caen Memorial Column contest by the National Association of Newspaper Columnists. The Readership Institute of Northwestern University cited this blog as a good example of online community journalism.
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Cabbage Boy on November 20 at 3:07 p.m.
Hang in there Jeanie. On the upside, you can spend more time here. :)
Seems kinda cold even for lawyers,
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Sisyphus on November 20 at 3:14 p.m.
Ah, dang it. I'm sorry Jeanie. Lots of that going round I'm afraid. Hang in there sister. The good news is you'll be around here more often.
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Cis on November 20 at 3:30 p.m.
what is the saying…. God only gives us as much as he know we can handle…. you might remind him, that you wish you had as much confidence as he has in you…
I am truly sad because of this but seem like there has been nets throw to help you as you do a free fall thru life. Know that all of us here, are sending our love and hugs, to also help soften the blow.
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hmoffsuite on November 20 at 3:50 p.m.
Jeanie. When these types of events happen to us, one needs to figure out how to make lemonade out of lemons. Set up an office, of sorts, at home, and sell your skills on a part time basis or something like that. Work on a selective basis and as a contractor. If you are not a real 'employee', you might find you get more work, on your own terms, maybe even from the previous employer. Your net income would likely go up without the employee deductions. Or, start an internet business while you have the 'downtime'. Good luck.
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Sisyphus on November 20 at 3:52 p.m.
Good advice hmoff.
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idawa on November 20 at 4:18 p.m.
That is a tough blow, but HMO does give good advice. There are lot of law firms out there that need help but won't take on actual employees but will contract out work.
It is a sad that so many firm are cutting the very legal secretary's and paralegals that make a firm tick - we loose so much institutional memory, speed, and customer satisfaction. Not too mention that the attorney's now pick up the slack and not as well. I know a few people in firms that have cut staff who now have to stay until 10pm or later (thus bringing their real hrly wage to pittiful) everyday just trying to be an attorney and the LS job. A few partners aren't thinking long term about the health of their firms … imo.
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Bent on November 20 at 4:38 p.m.
Hang in there Jeannie…One thing that keeps me going in times like these is realize that once you hit bottom, there is nowhere to go but up…
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Lewis on November 20 at 4:59 p.m.
every end has a new beginning. take care of your health work on your self spiritually and the sunshine will surround you. good luck.
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JeanieS on November 20 at 5:05 p.m.
Thank you everyone, especially HMO - good suggestions! I've got lots of options and will pretend I'm a little bit retired for the moment. There is always a silver lining to everything.
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Cindy H on November 20 at 5:35 p.m.
So. I'm thinking we can hit a lot more Happy Hours, g/f!
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Cis on November 20 at 7:25 p.m.
Jeanie, if you do go into business for yourself… make sure you send in quarterly SS payments and estitmate taxes… believe me… to have it done at the end of the year is a real… itch with a capital B… been there, did that… wore the t shirt… Real eye opener. If you don't know how to set it up, find someone who does.
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Truly on November 20 at 7:32 p.m.
Oh My Dear!!!!
We are on the same path but I am afraid I am just 11 years younger. I have been on interview and one another and yet–-
I love you!!!
How can I keep topping in the 93 applicants and yet still not get a job?? How can I keep my illnesses a secret for long??? And was turned down for SSI. I love you and you have kept me going so I want to reciprocate trust me - the Powers that be are good and we MUST keep on truckin.
Email me girl!
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spokelooneh on November 21 at 12:19 a.m.
Well that really sucks, Jeanie.
I'm not surprised however. Your (former) firm was likely under heavy pressure from its health insurance provider to cut loose older and sicker employees, or be faced with massive increases in premiums.
Is it SSDI you're trying to qualify for? Because straight SSI doesn't normally kick in (and at a reduced benefit) until you're 62, which perhaps you are, but could never tell that by your picture.
And 5 months would be a short waiting time to qualify for SSDI. It took almost a year for my Dad to get approved for SSDI, and he had a ALS, Lou Gerig's disease, which is fatal for 90% of sufferers in 5 years from diagnosis.
Good luck to you, you seem to be a real survivor, and this too will pass.
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marmitetoasty on November 21 at 2:55 a.m.
(((Jeanne)))) time to lean on your man to help you through all this……
After surgery I lost my day time nippers, just through being poorly…… so I KNOW where your at…….. only, Im the total breadwinner here and its all on my shoulders to not go under….and still with problems with physio etc, and the total weight of everything, Im gasping for air and the bubbles are rising LOL
((((((((((Jeanne)))))))))))) know you are loved………. this to will pass……..
x
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Jen on November 21 at 7:39 a.m.
So sorry, Jeanie. I don't know what to say. Our family has gone through job loss, too, and it's tough. It has taught me what's really important, though. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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florined on November 21 at 8:44 a.m.
Jeanie, I'm not always one to adopt the silver lining attitude, but this could well be an opportunity to let the work situation accomodate your other needs. HMO's suggestions deserve immediate consideration. You may recall that you and I talked at the Beerfest about similar things. With your skills and currency in experience, the chances that other offices (and maybe even your recent employer) can provide you with all the independent contractor work you can handle are pretty good!
And do you have an “all-in-one” printer/fax/scanner/copier at home? If not, and you find you need one, let me know. I might have a solution to that problem.
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Frum Helen Back on November 21 at 10:42 a.m.
That just sucks Jeanie. I can't help but wonder if rising cost of your health insurance for the employer had something to do with it. No matter the reason, hang in there girl.
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JeanieS on November 21 at 11:34 a.m.
florined - I'm interested. I have an HP scanner printer that stopped working (past the warranty but hardly used - I think it's the cable that the cartridge slides on). And, yes, Spokelooneh, it is disability I am looking at - however, if I can pull off self employment, I won't want to go on disability.- and FHB - you are exactly right.
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florined on November 21 at 12:11 p.m.
Jeanie, email me at gfd@stayonrecord.com
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kamm on November 21 at 2:56 p.m.
Things could be better but things could always have been worse.
I have a sticker on my bathroom mirror that reads “Eat a live frog 1st thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you all day
.
I was let go from a company (where I'd worked for 20 years) because of a slow healing injury.
I didn't leave my house for a week, I'd never lost a job before. I felt betrayed and abandoned.
I had a 401K, thank Heaven, to tide me over until Soc Security kicked in. And COBRA-$650/month- for 15 months.
I've cut back on my spending but still find time for coffee with friends. I'm going to be OK.
I know you will be OK too. Reach out to your friends and let them be as nice to you as you would be to them in the same situation.
And be grateful you're not living in a Third World country!
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TLPoelstra on November 21 at 9:19 p.m.
My sweet lady, my prayers are with you. May you be inspired for greatness in this next stage of your life.
@florined, in assisting Jeanie, you find you may need my skills or contacts don't hesitate to call me…..
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marmitetoasty on November 22 at 3:12 a.m.
Well kamm - Ive just climbed over the fence to get to me twat neighbours little fish pond, where I quickly gobbled down half a dozen frogs and then scrambled back over the fence…….
Sooooo, lets see what today brings… you better be proper right matie cos ripping apart 6 live frogs and stuffing them down was not a pleasant way to start me Sunday..
x
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JeanieS on November 22 at 5:29 a.m.
This is absolutely my “home” now - I find a lot of comfort and safety here. Kamm, thank you - just because you got Marmie going and I am laughing at the image as I head out to dialysis. It's going to be a great day! :)
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Rifleman__Dodd on November 22 at 7:40 a.m.
Jeanie.. I used to have your email address, musta lost it.
There are a few jobs on Craigslist in the Legal area. Not great, but something.
I can take a look at your all in one if its an HP. All the others are future boat anchors.
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