Advice on job seeking, life or anything really.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

Hey folks. I hope everyone is doing well.

So... I lost my job after being gainfully employed for 11 years or so. My employer retired on a whim essentially. If I were a better worker I suppose this could have been avoided, but he had a lot of stresses going on in his life which contributed to this situation going on too. Anyway, now I'm left without much money in the bank as I was essentially living paycheck-to-paycheck and really at a loss for how to go about getting another job that pays decently.

I really hated my old job... so... getting back into that field at least long term is probably a no go. I have issues with depression, anxiety, and perhaps some complex-ptsd/borderline personality stuff going in... which at times just makes life really difficult. I'm always down on myself. Sometimes I just stuff my emotions until they come bad way... Then there's the whole ulcerative colitis thing and marijuana usage during non-work hours. The pot helps with the ulcerative colitis substantially.

So many worthwhile jobs drug test and don't listen to reason when it comes to test results. They aren't looking for active impairment... just any use within the past month or whatever (which is fucking stupid but whatever. Society is often arbitrary and ridiculous). On the other side, the ulcerative colitis usually means being in pain, or having to go to the bathroom like "RIGHT NOW". I'm not sure how many jobs are going to be flexible enough to handle impromptu bathroom breaks on a whim.

Anyway... Anyone have any advice? Thank you in advance.

[TexasBushwhacker]

1. You can tell the testing facility what prescription

drugs you take. They have to keep it confidential.

Are you getting unemployment? If you are and you can squeak by on it, look into getting some training to do something new. There are state and federal programs that will pay for it.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

2. Yeah. Those are some good ideas.

I don't think the marijuana is going to fly regardless. I've seen a lot of court cases say that companies can fire medical marijuana users. Fortunately I don't have to worry about taking any other prescriptions that'll show up on a drug test.

I started the process for social security disability a month ago or so... Didn't quite finish it out... I'll call them today or tomorrow. I'm really lousy when it comes to staying on top of things like that.

I'll look into those job training programs, but it seems a lot of times they're geared toward people with families first and foremost. I'm just a single guy trying to eke it out in this world.

Thanks again.

[TexasBushwhacker]

3. I don't live where medical marijuana is legal but

I can see why they wouldn't hire a driver or someone who operates machinery who uses MJ. It is a liability issue.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

7. It's not even about liability in some cases. It's just black-and-white thinking.

"It's against the law, therefore we must enforce the law" type mentality. No further thought process behind it.

Dish Network fired some guy for using medical marijuana in Colorado some number of years ago. The Colorado State Supreme court sided with Dish Network. I don't think it was a liability issue so much as a 'he tested positive and we have a hardline stance against drug users' issue. The person who tested positive was a quadriplegic so I don't believe they fired him in the interest of keeping others safe.

Link: http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/fixgov/posts/2015/06/18-coats-v-dish-network-right-on-colorado-marijuana-law-hudak

I really hate when corporations try to push their morality on their employees, or people who use their businesses. Heard awhile back that JP Morgan Chase decided to block pornography participants from using their services. Nothing illegal about that... Just straight up JP Morgan Chase limiting who can use their services based on what someone in the company deemed inappropriate. It's something that really pisses me off, to be honest.

[TexasBushwhacker]

8. If there's a Whole Foods Market on your area

they don't test anyone but drivers. I wouldn't be surprised if Trader Joe's and Sprouts are the same way.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

9. I'll look into it.

Sincerest thanks, TexasBushwhacker.

[Tobin S.]

4. I know it's going to hurt, but stop using marijuana. At least long enough to pass a drug test.

Otherwise, I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I lost my job last week. However, I have a Class A CDL and a lot of experience driving trucks. If I want to get back into that, I can probably do it pretty easily.

And that's my suggestion to you. Get a CDL. You'll always be able to find work if you don't screw up too bad. Screwing up too bad being getting convicted of a felony or a DUI, or failing a drug test. Trucking pays well, and seeing as how you are a single guy you probably are very flexible with the kind of trucking jobs you can take.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

5. I've thought about commercial drivers licenses in the past.

But I'm pretty sure from what I've heard I'd be blacklisted from any of those jobs because I take an anticonvulsant medication for seizures. Even if you're well controlled (and mine are for the most part, though I did just have a seizure about a week ago) just taking an anticonvulsant medication raises big red flags. Someone I know supposedly didn't take their migraine medications because of that fear. I don't know how unfounded their fear was.

I hear ya with the stopping marijuana usage, at least temporarily... I'm just worried because the ulcerative colitis and the pain associated with it always seems to be worse when if I'm not using it on a near nightly basis. I have no problems with not using outside of fear of pain and suffering.

Thanks for the advice, Tobin. Much appreciated.

[Tobin S.]

6. Yeah, that nixes the trucking deal.

They won't let you drive if you have a history of having seizures. You could always lie on the physical form, but I wouldn't suggest it.

[No Vested Interest]

10. Is there any way you could find something where you would work from home?

Maybe selling a product or service?
That would take away the worry from the ulcerative colitis.
Some legitimate telephone services - catalogues sales, etc. let you work from home.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

11. Valid question.

I could try. I tend to have pretty bad phone anxiety though so it wouldn't be ideal. The anxiety has gotten better over the years working the phones at our office, though I still sometimes curse myself out for perceived fuck-ups, but that's life sometimes. Gotta learn to be easier on myself.

[No Vested Interest]

13. You could prepare a basic script for yourself.

As you became more familiar with various responses, you could have alternatives answers written down.
Start small.
Don't try to take a huge bite until you know you can "swallow" the smaller bites.
Good luck!

Edited to add: I understand the phone anxiety. It's far easier to write, where one can edit, that to speak spontaneously for me as well.

[PoliticalMalcontent]

12. All right. Thanks for the support, guys and gals.

I'm just going to give it the ol' college try somewhere. Things will probably work out, hopefully.

[nadine_mn]

14. I have no job advice but random other thoughts

I identify with a lot of what you said (I have CPTSD, borderline, depression, anxiety and phone phobic). After flaming out in blaze of glory and napalming bridges nearly 10 yrs ago, I have only had one job since.

Not sure what state you are in, but some states actually have a really good and underused work force center with classes and job coaches.

But while you are looking at work or disability (don't give up, they usually deny automatically the first time), please take care of yourself. Look into support groups or meet ups in your area to socialize. I self isolated for the last few years and my depression got worse until I was full on suicidal.

I went through a partial hospitalization program earlier this year and that helped a lot. I guess what I'm trying to say is please don't do what I did and isolate...when you are depressed the last thing you want is to be around other people (esp since ppl always ask where you work) but it really helps to keep the depression from getting worse.

I hope things look up for you and know there are some awesome DUers supporting you😊