Was fired today...wow could it get any worse? Any advice/support welcome

[seekingtruth75]

  Dear lord where do I start?
I was fired from my job that I have been with for the last 5 years today. Basically I am a guy and I yelled at a co-worker last week and she and bunch of girls at my company ganged up and told the boss that I was sexist and dangerous. Sigh...most of my coworkers have stood up for me on this completely insane charge but alas, I think the firing is gonna stick. My boss is still talking to everyone in my company about it.

But enough of that...this has been the W >:(RST year of my life. I found out I was poz on April 20th of this year and this summer my CD4s dropped quite low and my VL rose high. My doctor prescribed me Atripla which I haven't even started yet because of some awful loophole in my insurance (from the maybe soone to be former employer)....

Anyways here I sit, poz, unemployed, scared. Does anyone know about COBRA, or who/where I should go next for medications. I haven't thrown myself off of the Brooklyn Bridge yet because I am kinda of optimistic about finding a new job. I really was sick of my last job and I felt iit was causing me a lot of stress, so kind of feel this is a blessing in disguise.

But seriously, any thoughts or advice will be great. I'm really on my last legs of hope here.

[next2u]

i dunno man, i've never been in a situation like that. i'd assume (and i hate assuming) you'd start filing out unemployment paperwork. after that, hook up with your local aso for support. they should be able to hook you up with some type of safety net and give you support. oh, and start looking for a new job. you said you were optimistic about finding employment again, and i believe you. hey, i hope things work out for you, keep us posted.

[Lis]

First off... good radiance to bad rubbish..

file for unemployment, contact your ASO,  update your resume..  and find yourself.. You are being very brave about your status
You do have the right to be angry and then grieve.. that's just sorta how it goes... this shit sucks.. no way around it.. but it is what it is...

best of luck,

lisbeth

[madbrain]

Hi,

Dear lord where do I start?
I was fired from my job that I have been with for the last 5 years today. Basically I am a guy and I yelled at a co-worker last week and she and bunch of girls at my company ganged up and told the boss that I was sexist and dangerous. Sigh...most of my coworkers have stood up for me on this completely insane charge but alas, I think the firing is gonna stick. My boss is still talking to everyone in my company about it.

But enough of that...this has been the W >:(RST year of my life. I found out I was poz on April 20th of this year and this summer my CD4s dropped quite low and my VL rose high. My doctor prescribed me Atripla which I haven't even started yet because of some awful loophole in my insurance (from the maybe soone to be former employer)....

Anyways here I sit, poz, unemployed, scared. Does anyone know about COBRA, or who/where I should go next for medications. I haven't thrown myself off of the Brooklyn Bridge yet because I am kinda of optimistic about finding a new job. I really was sick of my last job and I felt iit was causing me a lot of stress, so kind of feel this is a blessing in disguise.

But seriously, any thoughts or advice will be great. I'm really on my last legs of hope here.

Since you have worked for your employer for 5 years, you should be able to continue your former health employer health insurance for up to 18 months. Ask your HR about COBRA coverage. Just make sure to send the payment within 60 days of termination. If you are late, you can lose the COBRA coverage. The premium can be quite expensive depending on what coverage you had. Earlier this year, I got fired from my job less than 4 months after I started. I had gone on disability almost right after starting due to the HIV diagnosis and the depression it led me to. The COBRA monthly premium in my case was about $370.

Best of luck in finding a new job.

[david25luvit]

Sending a little encouragement your way
{{{{BIG HUG}}}
...and yes I'm familiar with Cobra.  It's temporary and very expensive.
Finding another job is definitely a must do....and from the sound of it....a necessary evil.

But never ever ever say "wow could it get any worse?"
 
I made the mistake of saying that once after my lover died of aids....the months that followed saw me
attempting suicide, contracting Steven Johnson Syndrome and surviving the worse hurricane in almost
a hundred years.  IT CAN ALWAYS GET WORSE.........

....but let's be optimistic insofar as you're concerned
find another job you enjoy and start a new life.  This could be the turn around that changes your life for the better.
The power of positive thinking WORKS!

[BT65]

I agree with David about the questioning if it could get any worse thing.  It's kind of like asking God for acceptance.  Never know where that could lead.

I would contact your local ASO, especially about getting the med you need (Atripla).  They should be able to help you with that.  It sounds like you've already gotten good advice on the COBRA thing.  I'm not familiar with that part of it. 

I hope things go better for you!

[Matty the Damned]

Well maybe you shouldn't yell at people in your workplace.

Let this be a lesson to you.

MtD

[AlanBama]

I agree with what Lis said.

Don't let one bad experience ruin your life.   Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again....

I believe things happen for a reason.   Maybe you weren't meant to work there any longer, and the yelling incident was just a convenient way for the Universe to "force" you into changing jobs.   Don't give up!

We all know how important insurance is.  I hope you can maintain your COBRA (the payments will not be cheap).

Best of luck to you, and keep us posted on how you're doing.

Hugs, Alan

[hjeffs]

Keep moving. As you said you were ready for a change in your work.....well it came on its time not yours.
Your HR department should have given you your Cobra info. It is expensive but don't have a gap in your insurance!
Take a breath look at your options and see this as a positive shift in your life. More of an adventure rather than a set back.
I hope you well and good things your way!
Jeff

[Carolann]

Apply for unemployment.  Get a good attorney.  If HIV had ANYTHING to do with why you were fired, you have a strong right to sue.  Legal Aid is free or low cost in most areas.  If you feel uncomfortable contacting an attorney, contact HR and ask for a "separation agreement".  It usually means a larger serverance check. 

I would ask for three months pay. 

[pozniceguy]

I have some experience with claims of "sexist" complaints...I have had employees accused of this sort of thing when several women decided they just didn't want him around anymore and one of them wanted his job....first be sure your company policies were followed to the letter...Talk to a lawyer and be sure your boss knows you are going to do that......ask for a complete written copy of any"accusations" and who made them...do not accept ''she said...'  he said..' information...ask for a copy of any "interviews" the HR department held with employees...they will claim they can't give them to you  so this is the time to bring up your attorney....   In the end be prepare to accept a termination agreement.......you let them make the first offer...then whatever it is ask for at least double.....   any company that has a "policy" on discrimination"  will have a typical one month for each year of employment offer......if they want you to go quietly ( without filing a federal suit )ask for double that.....in cash and a continuation of your health policy for the same period.......they can do this by effectively putting you on "paid leave" status......

good luck

Nick

[Carolann]

I have some experience with claims of "sexist" complaints...I have had employees accused of this sort of thing when several women decided they just didn't want him around anymore and one of them wanted his job....first be sure your company policies were followed to the letter...Talk to a lawyer and be sure your boss knows you are going to do that......ask for a complete written copy of any"accusations" and who made them...do not accept ''she said...'  he said..' information...ask for a copy of any "interviews" the HR department held with employees...they will claim they can't give them to you  so this is the time to bring up your attorney....   In the end be prepare to accept a termination agreement.......you let them make the first offer...then whatever it is ask for at least double.....   any company that has a "policy" on discrimination"  will have a typical one month for each year of employment offer......if they want you to go quietly ( without filing a federal suit )ask for double that.....in cash and a continuation of your health policy for the same period.......they can do this by effectively putting you on "paid leave" status......


Excellent advice!
good luck

Nick

[CowboyPOZ]

call the HR department on Monday morning and say. I want the COBRA Benifits as soon as I can get the paperwork. This is extremely important. Then go to the unemployment office and sign up for every program they have. IF you need some new training there are special programs out there to help you. If you have over two years of college some states will pay for the last two years of college to get you retrained. Let us know what happens!