Up Out of the Hole... And beyond?

After dealing with cancer and then dodging Covid, fifteen days to flatten the curve, my job was one of the casualties. As an hourly manager, I worked 40-50 hours a week so the salaried managers could get a day or two off. A couple of years into that, I missed work for six months to have a tumor removed that was attached to my jugular vein.

The doctors couldn't remove 100% of the tumor because of it's location, so I also had to get chemo and daily radiation treatments as well. Shortly after my return to work from convalescing, along comes the shutdown. The place I worked for over three years was completely shut down for nearly a year, and has only reopened recently with abbreviated hours. the restaurant that was originally opened 24 hours a day, is now only open nine hours a day. So, my job no longer exists.

Returning to the workforce is proving to be difficult, despite the fact that there are "Help Wanted" signs everwhere you look.

I used to dig myself in and tried to "climb the ladder" but my time away from working has made me realize there really is no ladder. Most of the jobs I've had in Illinois barely even have a step stool. I have opted this time around that I just want a simple, straightforward, task-related job that I can easily get to on foot or transit that covers my rent for my dog and me.

Examples of my recent attempts;

-I applied for a cashier job at an Italian food store right up the street and was told flat out that they were looking for a young female. I told them "So am I, but the sign just says cashier."

-Around the same time I was trying to get a dishwasher job at a place even closer but they didn't want me because I don't speak Spanish.

-I had a fun job for three days but it turned out I was just part of extra help hired for an event. Even the woman I met on the hayride disappeared.

-I had a really good opportunity at a restaurant where I could have made up to $300 in tips most days, but 15 minutes into my training I got stress anxiety and had to run off and throw up. I have medicine for that now, but I kind of burned that bridge while I was on it.

-I worked for 4 days at a convenience store nearby with only one co-worker. On the 5th day there was a different lone co-worker there with me nobody introduced me to. I assumed she was another new employee. Well-intentioned, partway through the shift, I pointed out to the young lady that there were 16 cameras all over that place and perhaps she should not spend so much time on her phone...

Anyway, the young girl with the nose ring and an attitude, turns out she's the owner's wife, no good deed goes unpunished I was trying to help this person. And the employer. No good deed goes unpunished indeed.

Because of the shakiness and nervousness I have now and my difficulty to find and keep a job I have applied for SSDI, but it's been months and months. Apparently, applicants for SSDI almost always get rejected the first time and then you have to get a lawyer and give them a third of your initial money when you get it retroactive to when you first applied.

Before I can get ahead I have to get caught up. Any help will be greatly appreciated as always. Donate and/or share this campaign on your page. I realize I am not the only person dealing financial issues. Sharing is also caring.

Thankfully, I have a really great dog that is also a great ESM (Emotional Support Maniac). <3