On Tuesday, I joined my wife as being laid-off from the same employer. Nearly 65 years of loyalty, wiped-out six months apart. With no insurance for either one of us beginning in February it’s been a race to take care of a three-month pharmaceutical supply and look into a surgery I put-off for a year or more.
Good News/Bad News
After visiting a physician (who now practices with
a different healthcare system) for what I believed was a meniscus tear,
the x-rays and MRI came back normal. The bad news is: I have a rare bone disease that causes my knee to
buckle invariably while walking. Which equates to a bigger problem- who will hire a 56-year old male that walks
like a crippled person at times?
Watcha’ Gonna’ Do?
The best option all along was to hire myself. I’ve
gotten several ideas in mind to generate my own income and no longer be
“someone’s cog in the system.” I am amazed in the short time I’ve been
unemployed with the ideas I’ve gotten and hopefully a couple of those projects will pay
the bills. We are only limited by the
constraints- we place upon ourselves.
Being the Best
I was blown away by the accommodations the
physician and his staff attempted to arrange after explaining my insurance
would expire in a week. My former employer’s orthopedic department nearly
laughed at me on the phone when given the same opportunity. Not quite the “expert
care” advertized! My co-payment would have been less if the surgery and
physician care was done in-house.
Upon explaining our situation to the physician,
his jaw dropped and his comment was: “Unbelievable.” It was pleasant to learn
his views and thoughts were exactly the same as mine. He truly sympathizes with
the employees affected by the Strategic Plan and layoffs. I overheard his nurses
say: “I’ve never had to arrange a standard procedure so quickly.”
You and your staff have my loyalty, trust and heart.
I knew you would come through on such short notice and I am so grateful for
your efforts! I will never forget your integrity, passion and commitment
towards your patients.
The Theater of Pain
We were told less than 1% (25 or so) of the
employees would be affected by the layoff, but judging from reports I am
hearing, it could have been more. The organization did not file a report with
Ohio WARN for a mass layoff (of 50 or more employees) so It's possible another layoff could happen. During
my travels around town today, I am hearing word on the street of their
partnership deal has already been signed and the average citizen can’t understand why it is being kept secret
from the employees.
My thoughts are it makes the partnering party look
like the good guy once the deal is announced and the layoffs are already done.
I have yet to hear of any management or
administration positions being eliminated. My wife believes around 14 LPN’s
will be affected after providing advice to that group. Sadly, I learned of
another couple who was/is employed and signed mortgage papers for a house the
night before her spouse was laid-off, Wednesday.
Many of us had decades of employment and are over
the age of 50, some folks affected have spouses or children with disabilities
and their former employer was the only source for affordable insurance. Some of
those people are single mothers with children. My heart and prayers go out to all
of those families.
My Pride and Joy
Last night, I wrote the introduction to my new forthcoming book. I thoroughly enjoyed
it. This weekend I will focus on laying out the chapters. For me, writing is
the most therapeutic exercise possible.
It
shouldn’t take but a month or two to finish this expose. My original idea was
to wait until I retired to write the book. Thanks to my former employer that day
will likely be February 1st!
Until
We Meet Again,
Jim Carver
Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School
“Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and
links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver
and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses
that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy
of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my
work. Thank you.
