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Injury Forces Move
I worked as an electrician in San Diego, CA for many years. Seven years ago, work was scarce so I had to make a career change. The best work I could find was working for a new car dealer in the parts department. But with this work, I wasn’t making it financially. I was offered a chance to change dealerships, so I could work closer to home and save by driving a shorter distance to and from work.
There was always talk of more money but that never came around. I have been subsisting on an $11/hour job and have had one raise in 7 years from $9/hr. to $11/hr. but was told there is no more money in the budget for my position.
On August 31, 2017 I injured my shoulder and on October 9, 2017 I injured my back. Both were work injuries clearing out parts department of old parts. Hundreds of boxes needed to be broken down and separated. I cleared out several rooms as well as a storage container. This resulted in muscle damage in my shoulder and a pinched nerve from a bulging disc in my back. I am currently jumping through the hoops of workman’s comp and still working.
My base pay never met the needs of my bills and obligations before my injuries but covered the difference by working overtime and living paycheck to paycheck. Six months ago, I was informed that no more overtime would be allowed while at the same time rent was raised. So, at this point I am working with two work related injuries while bringing home less money and paying higher rent. Even before this, it was impossible to put money into savings with what I was bringing home and paying out.
When my truck broke down it sat for 10 months until my tax return arrived and I could afford the parts. I did the work myself. But with my injuries most everything I do is accompanied by pain. Everything from getting out of bed in the morning to going to bed at night includes varying levels of pain. Things that we usually take for granted like putting socks and shoes, tying my shoes, and getting in and out of cars involves pain.
Workers Comp was not proceeding with any speed so I employed a lawyer, but my claim is still many months, if not years, from an end.
I need to move from my current location because I can no longer afford it. I will be moving to another location in another city where rent is much cheaper. Because of this I will need to also quit my current job to find another.
The problems I face is that most everything I need to move needs repair. But the lack of money available outside of what is needed to live every month holds me back from fixing those as needed for the move. Both the truck I drive daily and the trailer I live in must be repaired prior to moving. Anything that is not moved in the next two months will be lost.
I work a 12-step program and have for 11 years. I do not live a lavish lifestyle but the life I live is within the principles of my program. I remind myself that God brought me to this 12-step program to better my life and be an example to others.
I arrive to work each morning two hours early and use that time to study for a test to get my electrical card so I can return to electrical work where the work is better and so is the pay. Anytime I walk into a warehouse style store I always look around at the electrical work to see how it can be improved. I look forward to an opportunity to get back to the work that I love.
Every year I collect prize donations for a yearly fund raiser called Operation Desert Fun. It raises funds for Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal Diego Chapter. I have been doing this since 2006.
Now I am the one in need of help.
I worked as an electrician in San Diego, CA for many years. Seven years ago, work was scarce so I had to make a career change. The best work I could find was working for a new car dealer in the parts department. But with this work, I wasn’t making it financially. I was offered a chance to change dealerships, so I could work closer to home and save by driving a shorter distance to and from work.
There was always talk of more money but that never came around. I have been subsisting on an $11/hour job and have had one raise in 7 years from $9/hr. to $11/hr. but was told there is no more money in the budget for my position.
On August 31, 2017 I injured my shoulder and on October 9, 2017 I injured my back. Both were work injuries clearing out parts department of old parts. Hundreds of boxes needed to be broken down and separated. I cleared out several rooms as well as a storage container. This resulted in muscle damage in my shoulder and a pinched nerve from a bulging disc in my back. I am currently jumping through the hoops of workman’s comp and still working.
My base pay never met the needs of my bills and obligations before my injuries but covered the difference by working overtime and living paycheck to paycheck. Six months ago, I was informed that no more overtime would be allowed while at the same time rent was raised. So, at this point I am working with two work related injuries while bringing home less money and paying higher rent. Even before this, it was impossible to put money into savings with what I was bringing home and paying out.
When my truck broke down it sat for 10 months until my tax return arrived and I could afford the parts. I did the work myself. But with my injuries most everything I do is accompanied by pain. Everything from getting out of bed in the morning to going to bed at night includes varying levels of pain. Things that we usually take for granted like putting socks and shoes, tying my shoes, and getting in and out of cars involves pain.
Workers Comp was not proceeding with any speed so I employed a lawyer, but my claim is still many months, if not years, from an end.
I need to move from my current location because I can no longer afford it. I will be moving to another location in another city where rent is much cheaper. Because of this I will need to also quit my current job to find another.
The problems I face is that most everything I need to move needs repair. But the lack of money available outside of what is needed to live every month holds me back from fixing those as needed for the move. Both the truck I drive daily and the trailer I live in must be repaired prior to moving. Anything that is not moved in the next two months will be lost.
I work a 12-step program and have for 11 years. I do not live a lavish lifestyle but the life I live is within the principles of my program. I remind myself that God brought me to this 12-step program to better my life and be an example to others.
I arrive to work each morning two hours early and use that time to study for a test to get my electrical card so I can return to electrical work where the work is better and so is the pay. Anytime I walk into a warehouse style store I always look around at the electrical work to see how it can be improved. I look forward to an opportunity to get back to the work that I love.
Every year I collect prize donations for a yearly fund raiser called Operation Desert Fun. It raises funds for Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal Diego Chapter. I have been doing this since 2006.
Now I am the one in need of help.