JOEL DAVID NewsOK.com Blogging Community

So here’s how this works.

I have worked for AT&T for 14 years. I have not really enjoyed any part of it. At all. That being said, the paycheck is nice and the benefits are good.

I had my 27th surgery Friday, April 4th, for a condition I’ve had since August of 2006. Same condition. I’ve had to file for short term disability twice. The second time, since all of my FMLA was used up, I was told I would be “let go” if I had to go out for surgery again. I’ve had surgery over four times this year and prior to last Friday’s, I’ve used my vacation time and against doctor’s wishes, gone into work despite the open, draining, and painful wounds. Since this last Friday was my second surgery in a week I filed for short term disability, which I am eligible for.

Or so I thought.

I received a certified letter in the mail advising me I was on suspension, with no reason given. I thought it was perhaps a formality. Today I receive a phone call advising me I will not be receiving short term disability benefits as I am on suspension. This means, at the moment, I have no income, because I went out for surgery for a condition I’ve had for two years.

Thanks AT&T.

Keep in mind the bills keep coming, I’ve got no savings and nothing to fall back on. That job was my financial lifeline, no matter how much I hated it, and now it’s gone because I had surgery. Sure it’s because I violated the attendance policy, but I had no choice.

Why am I writing this? Well, because maybe someone will listen. Maybe someone will realize it’s wrong to persecute someone who has a medical condition they have no control over. Maybe someone will help me out somehow. I don’t know.

It’s incredible what’s happening to me. Not incredible in a good way either. I don’t what I’m going to do. This is probably the best thing to happen to me in the long term, but right now?

I’m at a loss. Nothing a $20k loan and a job wouldn’t fix.

- Joel