A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

I know I am not the only one who is broke

Posted: Nov 28, 2014

I have taken one 401K account. I may need to take the last one yet in this year and be hit with double penalties. I dont see much else of a choice with my situation.

I thought about filing for disability, with arthritis and difficulty sitting for long periods of time, and my hands and feet so bad.

I am 55 years old and what in the world am I going to do for a career when I cant use my hands for gripping tasks or walk/stand on my feet for a shift?

I dont know if I can support myself, living on disability and what little MT income I could make in short shifts.

Does anyone else get so depressed and discouraged they see no way to make it?

Please dont tell me to trust in god or pray, I dont need to hear that foolishness, it wont do any good. That's not going to pay the rent. I know I have seen other posts here where people are so sick at heart and discouraged they feel like taking their own life. Those thoughts are becoming more and more frequent - and I dont need lectures on that either. This is pretty much venting, because I know others have the same feelings, I'm not the only one.

;

What you can do - Anonymous again

[ In Reply To ..]
Maybe you could get a job as an appointment scheduler where you could sit at a desk. You would need to answer phones and make calls, but you'd be off your feet and wouldn't be doing any gripping. There are other customer service jobs that require little or no manual dexterity. You shouldn't get hurt too bad on taxes with your 401K if you had them withhold tax prior to taking your distribution. Some plans allow for withdrawals at 55 without having to pay the 10% penalty. I don't know what to tell you if you think prayer is foolishness. If nothing else, it might help you feel better mentally and it's all part of God's plan whether you choose to see it that way or not.

A plan by an imaginary being to let people suffer. - Nice thing to believe in. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

me too - me

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm also 55, hands with arthritis starting to get that gnarled tree look with about 1/3 of the knuckles fused, feet with about 1/3 knuckles fused & toes so goofed up that it hurts to walk. I also do MT & 2 other jobs to make ends meet. I agree... it's really tough. I figure in about 10 years I won't be able to work anymore at much of anything. Husband works but isn't able to do any extra work due to his disabilities. I do have a plan B when things get too bad. My son expects us to move in with him at that time. He's in the military & has already talked to his superiors about how it would work to add us to his household. I don't get depressed because I do have my faith. It gets me through everything. I'm not looking forward to years of more pain, but it beats having the kind of disability that would prevent me from working NOW. I do a variety of jobs that keep me active in different ways so maybe I can keep mobile for awhile longer. Keeps my mind functioning well at the very least. I don't know what your options are, but maybe it's time to break up your routine & do different things on different days or different parts of days to keep active but not overdone. Worth a try.

If you are having suicidal thoughts..... - ......PLEASE.....

[ In Reply To ..]

...... call somebody NOW! DON'T WAIT! Also, maybe your best bet would be disability. I would check on that, because it sounds like you would definitely qualify because of your hands. Your story is very similar to my own. Not only do I have the same things going on at my job that you and most of the rest of us do, I am also facing the illness and loss (possibly soon) of someone very close to me, and it is QUITE stressful! I find comfort in the following: Knowing that I am not alone, trying to take things ONE DAY at a time, and even sometimes ONE HOUR or ONE MINUTE at a time if I start to get overwhelmed. I know you don't necessarily want to hear about prayer, but it's been such a big part of me being able to keep my sanity lately that I can't not mention it. No, it won't necessarily pay the rent, but it has given me so much peace knowing that there is Someone I can go to any time who will always be there to listen!

what are you talking about - pro choice

[ In Reply To ..]
Survival at any cost is overrated. People need to be happy! Not in pain and broke and worried about where they're going to live. That is no way to live. It's just still breathing, and breathing hurts. Pro choice.

Wait a minute - Anonymous again

[ In Reply To ..]
You are saying that it's better to be in the ground instead of living and breathing? People would miss you, believe it or not. Financial and employment difficulties occur, most of the time they are temporary and speaking of pro choice, a person makes a choice to be happy or unhappy while they are alive. The OP can go to vocational rehab to train for another job or go on disability. She has her 401K money, she is not broke. Happy Thanksgiving, count your blessings (no prayer required) instead of always seeing the negative things in life.

Some people always refuse to acknowledge - there are negative things SM

[ In Reply To ..]
This person may not be able to train for another profession. Do you have any idea how long it takes to push a disability claim through? And that most people are not approved on the first request, nor a second, maybe a third? What is someone to live on while waiting for disability to be approved, or not? Then what about the penalties to pay later on that 401K, after it runs out?

Some of you should really walk a mile in someone else's shoes before preaching about counting blessings and telling them what they can do so easily and how good they really have it.

Social Security Disability -- it's not a "cure all" - nn

[ In Reply To ..]
First of all, I was born with slight cerebral palsy which affects my whole right side. I went back to my home area about a year or so ago, and my father (who is college educated) urged me to try to get into the lower income "disabled" housing. Because I was not age 62, I had to go through the process of applying for disability. The government's definition of cerebral palsy was extremely difficult and I briefly spoke with a lawyer, who stated I should go ahead and apply for disability, and at my age, 57 going on 58, I was told by several individuals, including my cousin, that I would most DEFINITELY get SSDI.

About 2-3 weeks after applying, I went in for a routine eye exam at my local Wal-Mart and the eye doctor stated that I was losing the peripheral vision on my right side which she felt was not due to a progressive disease (glaucoma, etc), but rather as the result of a trauma. I ended up finally contacting a local neurologist, who felt as well because of the CP that I should apply for SSDI and I had told him that I had applied approximately a month ago. He scheduled me for an MRI. Lo and behold, that revealed that I was born with one-third of my brain missing and that I had also suffered a series of small strokes. Again, my feeling was DEFINITE shoo-in for SSDI! This was in approximately August/September of last year.

I waited for months and during that period of time, I had to be evaluated by an independent medical doctor as well as a psychologist. My case was decided in March, and it was determined by SS office that I COULD indeed work 8 hours a day and the reason being is because the work is sedentary.

I could now consult with a lawyer on this, but since I am now 59, trying to see if I can just hold on another few years with the jobs that I have before I can take early retirement.

The whole SSDI thing is not a "given!" Some people are lucky to be awarded the disability on their first try. However, it could take YEARS before the actual disability is awarded.

Another thing as well to take into consideration is that you have to prove that you have been UNABLE TO WORK. That is generally, I believe for a one year period or so.

I have a hard time walking now, and know that I would have an extremely difficult time, wearing "office attire," including heels. I also have a hard time with my hands stiffening up and my body in general with the weather changes and there are days when I literally have to eat Tylenol Arthritis like candy, but I somehow manage to muddle through.

I wrote this in the hopes that people will try to understand what is truly involved in the process of filing for Social Security Disability, and that is not an automatic given and could take possibly 5 years or more to actually collect on it.

Considering how impossible it is to land a - new job at the age of 65, - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
even though I'm as able-bodied as any 30-year-old, sometimes I think being over 60 should be able to be considered a "disability".

Lots of us are being put out to pasture WAY before our time.

Over 60 a disability. Are you serious? - Got present job late age 60s

[ In Reply To ..]
Are you a teenager that even thinks this way? I got the job I have now at probably age 66 or so and still there. No one asked my age, not one person. You make 60 sound like you are about to die. Reminds me about the time 2 years ago friends and kids at my pool with me and I dove into the water. The kids were surprised because at my age, well I guess they thought should not be that active. I have a lunch date with my daughter tomorrow, next weekend on Saturday taking my friend and her 2 boys to Christmas event that morning and the afternoon all going to a circus at a close by mall. Plans are in the work for outside event in December, next year planning sun and fun for all us at the ocean for a week. I volunteer for working at an animal shelter close by. You might be ready for the pasture but I can assure you not all 60 year olds are and I am past 70 now. Age to me is nothing but a number.

Me Too - Anonymous again

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm also 60 and was laid off from my MT job of 18 years at 58. It sucked, but I went back to school, learned how to code and started over. My mom died when I was 6, my dad died when I was 23, my sister died. I broke my ankle and it's full of hardware, stuff happens. I could dwell on all the bad stuff but it's my choice not to do that and I am well aware that life isn't fair. Sorry, I'm signing off of this pity party.

Lucky you got your job at 60, how long ago was that - CINDY

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm in early 50s and have already experienced that. My daughter and I took CNA class together and hospitals called her and not me, when we both applied. She never had a job before and 2 hospitals called her. They didn't call me and I really wanted those hospital jobs. My niece is making 8.20 an hour working at a coffee shop. Its pretty bad when you have been doing this job for 30 years and are now being forced to go back to the first kind of job I ever had, which I never thought I would do as a cashier or clerk, just to survive. There was a time when transcriptionists made so much money it wasn't even funny. It was great. But I have experienced the being in the 50s and not a young 20 something.

Been at present job now probably 4, 5 - years

[ In Reply To ..]
Have never ran into age discrimination before. How I got this particular job was it was a hospital where I did work and the work was outsourced. I asked on here if anyone knew who had the account and found out, called the owner, told them I was familiar with the account and was hired. No testing, just hired.

I refuse to do MT anymore. But I can't seem to - get a job doing anything else, either.

[ In Reply To ..]
I would go back to MT if I had a chance in you-know-where of making a living doing it. But we all know that's coming to and end.

Cindy, I've had the same experience as you - sm - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I, too, never thought that at age 52 I'd be back to considering food service jobs that I had in high school. The smug 60-year-old who commented that age doesn't matter apparently doesn't realize she was VERY lucky. I suspect there's more to her story, like she knew somebody. I've learned it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know.

Who is the smug 60 year old and why are they - considered that

[ In Reply To ..]
If you are talking about me, I got the job way up in my 60s, why would you have to know someone to be able to get a job? I have never seen anyone who is employed there. The company is over 1,000 miles from where I live. Sure, know them all. Don't hate.

The smug 60 yo is apparently you - sm - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
The author of the post entitled "Over 60 a disability. Are you serious?" is the smug one. That in itself is a SMUG answer. Just because YOU got a good job at an old age, doesn't mean it's possible for the rest of us, and not for lack of trying. So good for you, you didn't know anybody. Again, realize you were VERY, VERY LUCKY! I can assure you, age discrimination is a reality. Climb off your high horse now. Be careful not to break a hip in the process. ;-)

Do not think smug with asking why anyone over - 60 should be a disability

[ In Reply To ..]
Not smug at all, just the truthful facts. Guess my old age, tongue in cheek as I say that, did not keep this spring chick from landing a job. And you, younger and still looking? Might not be your age as much as your attitude.

Your posting regarding how hard for you to get SSI - is sad but personally know

[ In Reply To ..]
a guy who gets total disability and also has income from navy retirement. Getting disability also has to do with your lawyers. This guy can sit all day long fishing and running up and down the streets traveling but cannot do a job? He has definitely not been disabled but had good lawyer who got it for him.

SSDI - Sister

[ In Reply To ..]
I went through the SSDI application process with my sister. I have POA for her due to her mental disability. After her daughter was murdered, my sister had a complete psychotic break, and this has left her with many residual problems - very similar to healing from a TBI.

On the advise of her psychiatrist, I began the application process in Feb of 2011, and she was approved in June. I did not use a lawyer. However the psychiatrist was the reason we were approved. He knew every test she needed and how to fill out the paperwork.

However, after approval, my sister lost all her medical insurance and did not qualify for Medicare for two years. She went without medication for over a month because of the cost, and she decompensated so badly that she was hospitalized at state cost for nearly a month. SSDI has an insane rule that you have to wait two years to get Medicare even though you are disabled. So, just getting SSDI approval was not the end of the horrible struggle to get my sister the help she needed.

She worked for over 40 years and then lost everything: her child, her home, her savings, her sanity. SSDI has literally been her only ability to have a source of income. She will never be able to work again. Her medical needs, however, take almost all of her $950 a month benefit. She lives with her other daughter, nearby to me. If she did not have SSDI, she would be destitute.

And her story is not unusual. I met very few people who were cheating the system. I have heard that the approval process has become harder because the number of people on SSDI has doubled in the last five years. The bad economy accounts for a lot, but I suspect many people are like my sister: late 50s and life devastates them. We just had to go through the three year re-approval, so it is not like getting disability approved is the end of the story! She had to submit more paperwork and doctor reports.

My SIL just tried for 2 years to get approved for SSDI and was turned down again last month, even with a lawyer. She has fibromyalgia. She just turned 60 and said she will just wait until age 62 to get social security.

Does your SIL have any other issues besides - the fibromyalgia?

[ In Reply To ..]
I was diagnosed with that probably around 2005 or 2006 and never had to stop working. Although it can be really horrific as far as pain, I cannot see that as being eligible for SSDI. My doctor was even reluctant to prescribe a moderate pain reliever. Finally got Tramadol and took 1/2 tablet when needed. Mine has eased so much over the years and hope it stays that way.

agreed! my son is mr and since he was approved a couple - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Couple years ago, I am constantly getting letters about him being overpaid not to mention he only gets $500 a month, definitely not a liveable amount!

I'm scared to death right now - Especially after only 3 jobs today

[ In Reply To ..]
Been sitting at my computer for 6 hours today checking every 5 minutes. I've had 3 jobs (all around 2 minutes in length each). So worked on my budget (which is not fun when you are not making enough to pay bills). My company used to have 60 and more jobs each day and so much work we used to be asked to put in extra time, which I was always happy to. If they needed me to work I would. I'm hoping this is just because it's a holiday weekend, but it is very scary and worrisome. I don't know how I'm going to feed my family or pay my bills of this keeps happening. Never in my life have been in this position. I have no 401K, eating through my savings like it's water, and I have no family financially able to help me out.

I cannot file for disability and I'm not near retirement age.

Scared beyond words. Wondered why I even studied this career field in school 14 years ago. Wish I could have seen ahead. Just don't know what to do. Yeah I get not depressed but very down in the dumps. Cry myself to sleep at night with worry. If something good does not come along I'm looking at another 3, maybe 4 months and I don't know what will happen.

Not going to tell you to pray. I've been doing that and I'm still in the same situation. Although no matter how hard things are it will never come to me wanting to take my own life. That's just crazy to me.

But the first time in my life I'm scared beyond words, and cry to sleep every night Just an awful, awful feeling.

Why not leave the house and find other - employment, what is tying you down

[ In Reply To ..]
If I worked at a job where there was no work, would never just sit back and wait, never. Why are you?

Who says I'm not? - Don't rush to be judgemental

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm doing everything I can to find steady income. I was just writing that it really stinks that I've given almost 10 years to a company that for the past 10 years has given me steady work all the time. Now nothing.

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