I never thought in a million years that I would be forced to stop my career suddenly. Years of college and graduate school was all null and void, because of these complex words you have traumatic brain injury.
Because of my traumatic brain injury, my medical team has told me over and over again that I must find another career, when I become ready to work again.
What that other career will be, no one is sure, but they all agree my injury will prevent me from doing my past career.
Hearing those words were disheartening and scary.
When I went to back to visit my co-workers many people were standoffish. Many supervisors did not want to speak to me and many higher ups avoided me completely.
When I tried to ask for directions and help in the new world of disability and asking what steps to take, my job was not helpful. They sent me a stack of people and told me to complete them.
One of my supervisors said I should get a health advocate to help me through the process and when I asked her how to get one she did not return my emails or phone calls.
My heart was crashed, because my job was taken from me, and so was my ability to take care of myself financially.
Next the Human Resources told me I had to resign. When I refused to resign in April, Human Resources replied by telling me my FMLA ran out in March and that I owed them over 2100 to keep my health insurance.
The sad part was I was never notified prior that my FMLA ran out, no COBRA notification, and they suddenly stopped my disability check as well.
When I spoke to the HR director he suggested that I hurry up and get on public assistance.
I was confused and hurt and did not know which way to turn.
My sister stated they were discriminating against me and that I should file a discrimination claim.
The HR director finally saw the error of their way I decided to keep my health insurance for an extra 3 months.
Since everything was overwhelming I dropped the claim and tried to go on with me life.
Many things could have been avoided if it was done appropriately
Number 1 FMLA paperwork should have been sent out with my start date and end date and what would happen when it ended. That never happened
Number 2 a job should never false anyone to resign
Number 3 Offering help and resources for brain injury survivors is the right thing to do
Number 4 showing respect and kindness will usually avoid unnecessary problems, for the most part
Number 5 you must be patient and understanding of a brain injury survivor
I hope this helps because I pray no one goes through the hell I went through and the struggles I continue to face.
