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nancyu
nancyu Member Posts: 97
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

I am single. a young 47, and need to get back to work, relocate, etc.  I have been living hand to mouth for over a year.  A few more months and I will be out on the street.  Nothing left to sell.  I'm on Medicaid and still need an additional surgery.  If I go back to work before that, I'll loose my benefits.

I'm nervous because I have a high level of education and had some 'power' jobs earlier in my career that I can not and do not want to do anymore.  I've been out of work for 3 years.  I used to get the overqualified thing, and that was before the economy went bad.  I have a small dog and two very affectionate cats (siblings).  They are my family and I'm not getting rid of them.

My ex destroyed our credit and left me deeply in debt when I filed for divorce.  Disability denied my claim and it will be about 11 months to get a hearing.  My mother is living, but not emotionally available or able to help financially.  My sister lives far away and is not really a part of my life.  I was not from where I am now, had only been here a few months when I was diagnosed, and it is an economically depressed area.

 Hs anyone been in this boat and do you have anything to share that couold give me hope?

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  • Hattie
    Hattie Member Posts: 414
    edited September 2008

    It's good that you know what you don't want to do, that helps narrow done what you do want to do.  Good to have the support of your furry family!  Make no apologies, just move forward and sell yourself as best you can.  No where to go but up.

    Take care,

    --Hattie 

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited September 2008

    I've not been there, but you seem well informed and on the ball.  Your awareness of "power jobs" and how unfulfilling they can be is great insight.  Had a friend like you, all the same problems, but also with a kid.

    She never lost her rose colored glasses and kept going at the power jobs--it was her downfall.  She lost her kid to her ex (who had ruined her credit) and kept at the 'power jobs" thing, thinking she was too overqualified top persue anything "beneath her".  Such a shame, but I've not heard from her in a few years.  We lost touch during one of her Many moves.

    I guess, get your surgery, get recovered and go with what you know to be right for YOU.  My heart goes out to you re: financials, it's a bitch!

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  • Sierra
    Sierra Member Posts: 1,638
    edited September 2008

    Hello:

    I can not advise what to do there

    as am not in US

    but  have recently had to d. size

    due to financial.. What a worry money can be!

    Our animals are special and they keep us going

    so you want them by our side (calming and serene they are)

    I want you to know

    that .. prayers for abundance go out to you

    from ME  AND A BIG hug

    so difficult, I know, but am certain something

    will come up for you

    Sierra

    Talking to others in same boat

    and networking

    really helps, as I too, did not have many family

    members who wanted to know.. when it comes to money

    Being single, you often might feel more alone, but

    reaching out, something will come back to YOU>>

    :) 

    We have to believe in Magic

    The time is NOW!

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  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited September 2008

    Hi Nancy,

    Have you thought of applying for a federal government job?  Usually, it takes very long from time of application-to interview-to hire and that may work in your favor with your upcoming surgery.  Also, when you are ready to move it's quite possible you can transfer as opposed to having to start over.  It's worth a try to apply online and see what happens.

    As for "being out on the street", God I hope it doesn't come to that.  Check with an oncology social worker at the cancer center to see if there are grants that can help with living expenses.  When I attended a support group a few years ago, the social worker stated that she had just returned from a conference where she learned of grants to cover living expenses for women in treatment and immediately called three women whom she knew needed those grants.

    Catholic Charities is also a possibility to help with rent, food, etc, and you do not have to be Catholic to receive services.  You can access them online.  Be aware, they may tell you to call back when you're actually being evicted because that will put you in "emergency services."

    Check with your local Komen chapter.  They don't advertise monetary help, but it's worth a phone call and the worse they can say is no. 

    The Gene Roman Foundation is another source.  http://www.generoman.org/whatwedo.html

    Please come back and let us know how you're doing.  Lots of prayers are coming your way for a big heap of help and lots of better days.

    Jelly

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  • LynnInCalif
    LynnInCalif Member Posts: 61
    edited September 2008

    You appear to be a good typist.  Sentence structure/spelling perfect. 

    If you are a fast typist and find medicine rather interesting, go to www.spheris.com and tell them you would like to enroll in their classes to be a medical transcription at home.  After you complete their course (2,000 to take this course,I think), they will employ you.

      You may also be able to continue your benefits during this time (food stamps, discounts on utilities, medicaid, etc) you are transitioning into a new field.  As I recall, the course is 8 months but maybe I am wrong.

    Pay is low at first but due to production based income, the possibility to earn a decent wage is just a speed typing engine away along with a few good reference sites.  www.mtstars.com is a web site where you could peruse and see what the medical trasncriptions are discussing.

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  • gsg
    gsg Member Posts: 3,386
    edited September 2008

    Also, check with court reporting companies in your area.  You can make a lot of money typing depositions and various hearings from home.  And somebody may be willing to train you for free.  Good luck to you!

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