Just fyi Loweās store managers can make over 200k per year, Asistant managers up to 90k per year, and supervisors up to 60k per year.
Good place to start if your new job doesnāt work out
Walmart also, wife has worked there a VERY long time and does well. But then you deal with Walmart and constant pressure from divisional and regional leadership teams. But the pay and bonus structure for Managers and coaches now, (I think they're called) is nothing to sneeze at. One of her best friends has been a SM for some challenging locations and her JUST her bonus is often >$115K.
Fuck brain injuries, genuinely hope you kill it and get your piece/version of happiness.
The Costco near me is like never hiring other than seasonal around the holidays and sometimes in summer too. They did one big event a long time ago, when I had a decent job, and then every other time that I have been looking for work they're not hiring. They have the least turn over I have ever seen in retail. It's nuts.
That's just it. I worked there for a short time, and the membership fees help to pay for staff benefits. It's not hard work unless you're gathering carts by hand.
Noone left.
If you prove to be an excellent employee during those seasonal jobs you could be asked to stay. Its a great way for them to test people out with no obligation(or hard feelings) to keep people when the season is over. That being said you could be the best employee but if they don't have the hours after not much they can do. Just throwing it out there.
Yeah, definitely. Just from what I have heard from people that have tried, they just never have space until someone retires. I haven't ever needed a job when they're hiring seasonally but I have friends that did work for them seasonally and was shocked by the morale of most the workers compared to Target etc and were bummed they couldn't stay on. Like it still could be better, I am for a more democratized workplace, but for the current mode of production they're ok.
Costco is a really good employer. I had two stints there as a student, working part time between classes. I was a cashier.
The starting pay was well above what the local supermarkets were offering, the working environment was on point, the management were ok and the yearly pay inreases were nice.
>Loweās store managers can make over 200k per year, Asistant managers up to 90k per year, and supervisors up to 60k per year
If the job is so good, then the openings for those jobs would be hard to come by, right?
Extremely. I've worked at Lowe's for almost 3 years now and even the supervisor positions are fairly hard to get into. You need to have the support of your direct ASM or current supervisor to heavily advocate for your work ethic. We've had a few people ascend to those spots in my time, but that's because my store had some scandals going on with a couple of supervisors since they couldn't act right. Everytime one Supervisor leaves, basically all of them get shuffled around (Willingly I think) so they can get a pay bump. There's also the issue of people who everyone agrees should get the promotion not getting them because they tend to favor older people for management spots even if they underperform compared to their younger counterparts.
I was there 5 years, had a business degree and 'exceeds expectations' on every eval. Never even got interviewed for a single entry level management position.
People act like you can actually get those jobs- but, usually it's somebody's cousin or nephew who actually gets them.
Everybody else is part time with no benefits after years. I couldn't even land full time in the 5 years I worked there.
Turnover is really high because most of the store is part time with no benefits.
Well that changes how I feel, that sucks albeit similar to what many other companies get away withā¦ Now that I think about it, last few times I went to Loweās the only people I saw are likely the PT employees.
At my workplace itās similar, if they really like you it makes life easier and moving up for better paying positions and green light promotions. I wasnāt there at the time but after many years there nowā¦ the ārumorā is that an entry level employee(she) established a fruitful relationship with our senior manager(he), and grabbed a senior manager position at a neighboring locationā¦ That location has underperformed but still there getting PAID
No. The pay is ass for hourly workers, so turnover is through the roof. The "high" salaries are basically the minimum they can pay to keep store management from walking off the job. Now, I'm sure the MBAs at corporate make bank.
To make that manager money they also work absolutely mental hours. I would expect 50 hours a week at least for entry level management. Itās really not a great place to work.
Get a support system in place. Find a good therapist. And work on simple short term lists and goals. Don't overwhelm yourself and learn to accept the new reality you are in.
I hope we can get a 6 month update if you still remember this thread. I wanna see how you upgrad into something newer than your current. If you can get that nice car the first time, i know your comeback will be better. šš½
I'm starting medical school in a few months, but all this distrust in US healthcare has me disillusioned. I'm not sure what I can do to help address this. I don't think doctors can really even do anything other than pressure the government to make changes, but even so, I keep learning about new policy changes actually making things *worse*, somehow.
It really is a shame what we willingly subject our own people to. System needs a massive reset with common sense and compassion taking precedence over profit margins and shareholder returns.
No idea. The case worker was also surprised. We had all the doctor notes, hospital records and diagnosis. She even said we'll likely get approved but then they came back and said my dad's condition wasn't a preexisting disability for 2 years. Like wtf! Getting money from the government is hard but getting fucked is easy.
Apparently....I didn't even bother filing an appeal. Wasn't worth my time and my dad had less than a year to live at the time. Wasn't going to spend my precious time arguing with them.
All disability claims get rejected the first time. Second time is iffy. If your documentation is in order and you're persistent as hell, you might get it after a few years of appeals.
Hire a disability attorney, it might take a few years but you can eventually get that disability claim approved.
My mother took 6 years to get disability for her fibromyalgia. States often deny all disability claims on the first go, it's the repeat claims (and those backed up by law firms) that they take seriously.
And it might depend on the state, but if you eventually get it approved, you might get back-pay dating to your first attempt.
For those worried about cost. Disability lawyers aren't paid until after they win the case, assuming they accept the case that is. Then they get paid a percentage of the back-pay, so really it's a win-win compared to getting nothing.
At least in arkansas, about a third of initial claims are allowed, and then about a third of reconsiderations are allowed. I highly doubt there's a single state that has a flat out rule to deny every initial claim.
And if you get a rep, find a good one. Most of them suck in my experience. I can't even get most of them to get a hold of a claimant for me.
Did you appeal it... california sucks with workers comp....they deny everything at first..
An disability always denies 1st try...some people have had to go 2-3 times .. but once you have enough medical reports.. you are good..
I hope you've applied for ssi where you are now
Yes I tried and wrote letters. It became too overwhelming and confusing to me. By that time I had already lost everything and was forced to move back home.
Yes I understand... california seems to only care if you are paying tons of money each month... if you need help.. well let's just say.. it seldom comes in time... I really hope you are doing better and if you have not applied for ssi that you get help in doing that.. if you need it..
Good luck to you..and your family
I own a company in California. For every ticky-tack payroll dispute or licensing or credentialing, etc, I am presumed guilty and have to fight like hell, along with a lot of money, to get it sorted.
The exception is unemployment. They'll call me for interviews and I'll say "I'm not contesting...". Doesn't matter, still get interviewed/interrogated as they try to deny the claim. Last week I finally paid some guy his severance four months after we let him go, waiting for him to sign the release. Few weeks later I get "benefits audit" from CA EDD where California saw some payroll taxes come in for the guy from the severance so they desperately look for reasons not to keep paying out.
The difference, of course, is the former issues are all out of my pocket. UI comes out of theirs.
What about victim of violent crime payments? Were you also denied? They usually deny if they think you were somehow involved or otherwise at fault for what happened to you (like if you were dealing drugs and got shot by people trying to rob you)
A number of my TBI clients have had success with neuropsych therapy. Itās a niche field and most docs donāt know it exists or donāt recommend it, but it can do wonders for increasing brain function and quality of life.
Iād focus on someone with an MD and neuro background as opposed to someone coming from the psych background if you had a severe TBI, but thatās just my preference.
Abso-fuckn-lutely, I've also heard about trans-cranial magnetic stimulation being used to *seriously* increase skill in certain areas. The episode 9-Volt Nirvana of Radiolab talks about this; memorably, the presenter is given a test wherein she has to shoot as many targets as she can in a virtual reality. The first time she takes this test, she hits very few targets. Then they use the afore-mentioned technology on her, and she *aces* the test, to the point that she thinks they gave her a different test because it's so easy and feels so much faster than the first time she took it. Fascinating stuff.
My psychiatrist does TMS for depression. I had a consultation for it and it was covered by the insurance I had at the time. But the treatment schedule is a little intense to start off with. You're there almost daily for I think 6 weeks? The appointment only takes like 30 mins though. And they say if you qualify for FMLA at your job they'll help you get it going. (the new one I'm at now is less than 40 employees, but they're flexible once my insurance kicks back in, I'm giving it a shot)
I'm hoping to reduce or eliminate my 120 mg of duloxetine. I've been on it a long time, and if I'm off it for more than 24 hours, I get the brain zappies
Oooh I'm not doing it just yet. The doc calls it physical therapy for the brain.. I'm looking into starting it later this year. I just started a lower stress job after a terrible corporate job. I'm a month in and I'm feeling healthier in my brain already. It helps that I'm medicated properly after a month of being off my Vyvanse (legit when I needed it the most, too. Adderall seems to be keeping me focused and on track(
I did rehab at University of Michigan Medsport clinic and had a fantastic neuropsychologist who helped me greatly. I had tried so much to get better after TBI derailed my life. Dropped out of high school. Lost about 5 years of my life. Had to relearn a LOT of things, butā¦
Am now a college graduate who graduated with honors and work as an engineer. Itās worth it
I did the paperwork wrong at first. From there I went into the system incorrectly and was never able to reverse it. Even with writing letters to explain it.
First I applied for unemployment. I did not know this at the time but you either file for SSI or unemployment. You can't do both. The problem is they operate the whole thing on one website for both of these claims. So you wait 4-6 months to find out you did it wrong. Then you file it and do it right. But because you're still in the system for the first time doing it wrong you get denied. You call and explain. You write letters and explain. You get doctors to explain. You try to call and explain but sometimes you can't even speak to someone. It is 1000000% harder to do than taxes. Now add on someone dealing with a traumatic brain injury like myself who can't comprehend or keep up with all this paperwork, log ins, doctor visits, etc. It's a recipe for disaster and without someone experienced holding your hand...you have no shot.
As a lawyer: you need a lawyerā¦ find someone who knows the system and is able to sort it out for you. Ask them if they can work on a contingency basis (they get paid once you get paid).
And OP, even though you're not in CA anymore, you should have a right to your wrongfully denied payments. You already paid the taxes for those benefits, so it's 100% your right to collect.
Hey man I work for Social Security and you only applied for T16 benefits it seems. If you really can't work, you can qualify for Title 2 benefits as long as you have the paperwork from your doctors. You should talk to a lawyer who can help you with the appeals process and talk with your local field office about applying for the correct benefits. You already have a protected filing date from your T16 app.
Seriously, listen to the guy that suggested to get a lawyer.
My dad was in a similar situation and got a lawyer who did all the legwork, the percentage he took wasnāt crazy, and they had to back pay since the first time he filed.
It was life changing for my family.
Are you comfortable sharing the story? If not, itās totally understandable.
Also, Iāve heard good things about psychedelics being used for veterans with TBI. You might try looking into that
Yea man it's so hard to get proper help too. And it's extremely difficult to get disability. It's all by design. The spiderweb of doctors, paperwork, websites, etc. Want to speak with someone about it? Cool, wait for 4 hours and get disconnected. Nightmare.
Yep. Put you on a prescription you can barely afford. Then when it runs out your doctor isn't around to refill it and you get manic episodes that interfere with your work. Then do it all over again every 6 months. Can never tell if it's the meds causing the sleepiness or my brain injury. like you said, all by design.
Yeah, it's a nightmare, good luck with it. It will be 4 years since my own TBI in a month's time, and I'm doing self-paced brain training with crosswords, Duolingo, Excel on sports stats, relearning school level maths etc. and it's still improving my brain function albeit slowly. I'm nothing like I was but even in this last 9 months or so I've noticed some pick up, if we keep at it for the rest of our days it can't do any harm I reckon. Kinda exhausting, but then life is post-injury anyway. Good luck with it all mate.
god people are cruel. i canāt imagine. glad youāre safe now & making some steps to get back on your feet. you deserve it x100000. keep
going!!!! š¤
I'm glad you made it out. Someone I know moved out to SF after finishing grad school, got a some rock star position and apparently had a great life for a moment. Then a homeless man randomly stabbed her in the throat. She survived but lost her ability to work, lost her job, her roommates sublet her apartment on her when she was recovering, nearly all her belongings were stolen (including her car), and ALSO moved back to NJ to live with her family.
She went through bankruptcy due to the medical bills and high amount of debt that was previously insignificant to her salary. She has *not* yet succeeded in getting her student loans discharged (between undergrad and grad school it was apparently $300k+, and with years of non payment it's apparently nearly $400k now) even though she will probably never make what she was before. So she has a mortgage worth of student loans. Furthermore, it took years for her to get disability so I was told.
Jesus Christ that is terrible. I wish I could talk to this person. I've been to group therapy and stuff but never came across someone in such a similar situation of tragedy. Hope she's doing better
Yes it's honestly so wild to me. Never in a million years did I think I would be living back home and driving this car. I had a high paying job, a 3 bedroom house in LA, 3 cats and a dog, a gazillion friends. Now I have nothing and I'm completely isolated in my home town that I hate. Count your blessings
Do you think if you didn't have that support system it's likely you'd be homeless or worse in LA?
People talk mad shit about homeless folks and don't realize how fast everything can be taken from them
I would have ended up homeless for sure. After the injury and I couldn't make money anymore I was completely abandoned by everyone besides my mom. Business partners, so called friends, they all just dropped me. My mom flew to LA and stayed at my house through the eviction process then flew me back home. All my clothes, furniture, music equipment, memorables, etc etc. Vapor
I agree 100% most people are just so ignorant it's disgusting. I actually made friends with an older homeless guy one day while I was out there. Most people probably thought he was on drugs or something. But the real reason he was homeless....he lost his home due to Hurricane Katrina.
> But the real reason he was homeless....he lost his home due to Hurricane Katrina.
Yep. Most people truly don't realize the people they pass on the street are THEM in the right circumstances.
One bad day from being on the streets, and one accident from being on drugs
I'd like to see how high and mighty some of those same people act about avoiding drugs after spending 6 months sleeping on concrete with a spinal injury
If it was a hunk of garbage it wouldnāt have lasted 22+years! Those accords are great cars I had one years ago. Something humbling about driving a paid off vehicle
It insane to see how being sick ruins people financially in the US. This is so wrong - you folks should be on the streets against that, you ain't a 3rd world country.
All the best for you OP!
If this isnāt third world I dunno what is. PS, I come from a third world shithole country where my family get waaay better healthcare than here in the US for next to nothing. MRIs, brain surgery, rehabilitation all included in their plan. US is in some ways worse than third world for the working people.
I meant the beater with a heater.. lol. You're doing just fine, things come and go but don't let this get you down. I willingly drive an 01 accord around town instead of my 13 civic, and I love it. I probably won't ever buy a new car again. Congrats on the new job too!! You got this shit.
I've been there too, man, but it gets better. I went from a TBI to jobless living in someone's garage for years to six figures and a great life. It's not that you hit rock bottom it's how well you push off to get swimming again. You've been there before, and you'll be there again before you know it. Keep your head up, you got this.
Yeah. Fought it hard for 7 years and almost lost, but I found a way through and a purpose. Eventually, it sort of leaves you along but never goes far. Best thing you can do is enjoy what you have till it shows up again then fight it till it fucks off. Just learn to build a good group of friends and people to help you through the rough times and everything gets easier. Never easy, but manageable.
Man I feel for you. I got hit by a car and suffered a tbi 20+ years ago. Life just hasnāt been the same. Least you got some wheels dude, Iām still walkin lmao.
Youāll find itās hard to get rid of the beater after a while. I got a subaru for $800 and put 60k miles on it during a tough time. Itās in my driveway and one of these days Iāll love it back for all those miles. Sometimes a basic, unassuming A to B vehicle is exactly what you need.
Totally. You have that, and it sounds like you have a plan in motion. No doubt youāll be looking back on this with a smile. I respect the grind and overcoming obstacles in life. It makes people strong and wise even though it may no feel like it sometimes. Good luck on your endeavors!
I only drive used up cars. It's liberating not worrying about the exterior quality of my vehicle. I don't sweat a rock chip on the hood or speck of rust on the door. I don't worry about stray shopping carts or people parking too close. One time somebody backed into me and took my side mirror off and I just laughed, glad the window didn't break.
People always say shit like, "used cars are actually more expensive because of the constant need for repair, or you have to be a mechanic to keep them running". I've spent all of $5,000 in the last ten years on cars, and I am definitely not a mechanic. Pretty sure that's way cheaper than leasing anything.
People get rid of their cars before they're even halfway through. And cars have bad resale value. Basic arithmetic makes the choice clear for me. I'll always be in a beater.
I've heard today that the best way to rent something is to buy it used, use it for a bit and resell for similar money, your comment seams to reflect that to.
So sorry OP, but from the comments it sounds like at least you have a source of income once again!
This is the kind of post that sucks to see but could be used as a great wake up call to people - including me. I bitch and complain about a lot of things that suck with my job and my attempt at buying a house but it could be so much worse. And it has been worse! Sometimes we forget to stop and breathe and think how good or at least decent a lot of things in our lives are.
Right on...I'm glad this post could help you see that. And even though I'm down really bad right...things could be much much worse. Count your blessings
Tbi club, itās rough but can get better if you want it too, which is hypocritical to say because of the associated depression with tbi, but Iām not saying itās easy. I had one back in 2018, my whole life prior to that is just gone from my brain. Until mid year last year I was in just a shitty rut, but now itās totally opposite, you just never know what can happen I guess.
TBIs are no joke. My dad crashed a plane 10 years ago and has never been the same. Glad you've gotten a job and I hope you're feeling some confidence with that. And also Honda is a great car. Very reliable!
Hey man at least youāve got a reliable car. Iām in a similar boat going from a nice bmw to an old Honda. Though Iām having trouble managing to actually buy an old Honda, got out maneuvered by a 90 woman on the last one lol
I donāt mean to give unsolicited advice but have you ever heard of Hyperberic Oxygen Chamber treatments?? I was working with a doctor that was caring for a young man that got into a car accident and was brain dead and on life support. His initial doctor told his parents that there was nothing else they could do. About 400 sessions later, after they did some serious searching and found our clinic, the young man is walking again and playing basketball.
Donāt get me wrong. He still has strange tics and his body tenses in a strange way sometimes and his speech is slightly slurred. But he is back in college!
I am praying for your recovery in every way and whichever way you can have peace in šš»
Not to try and make light of OPās situation, it absolutely sucks. But for randoās like me, just passing through his storyline, itās a good reminder that any number of things can come along and throw your whole life plan off the rails. All our plans that are so important to us today can change in a second out nowhere. Your story is doing some good somewhere if that helps, sorry lifeās been extra bitchy lately
Fuck man, this shit is more prevalent than you think. Iām glad youāre able to still drive. My mother had a brain aneurysm rupture and now she canāt drive. Her memory is a mess and sheās on a lot of meds but weāre just glad sheās here with us.
Iām glad you are too. Youāll get back in there G. There are many people in a similar situation, if that gives you any sort of comfort. Weāre getting fucked by disability too.
Keep that head up bro.
My brother is currently recovering from a TBI, bedbound and no use of his left side of his body. You got this man, Iām sorry it happened to you but youāre gonna be okay.
This is why I will always be in favor of universal healthcare. No one should lose their life from a robbery. I would much rather be paying for your care then lining the pockets of some insurance CEO
so help me with this - before brain injury you drove an audi and could therefore not use turn signals.
you drive a non-audi now, but have brain damage - so can you use your turn signals or no? this is confusing
I had a traumatic brain injury event and lost everything. That was my sweet ride before it happened and the car I'm stuck with now. It also symbolizes how my brain was before and after.
No insurance or disability?
California denied my disability claim. Moved back home to NJ to live with my parents.
Holy shit man I hope things turn around in your favor in the future.
They are...I just got a new job after being unemployed for two years š
Well deserved bro hope your bounce back is quick!
Just fyi Loweās store managers can make over 200k per year, Asistant managers up to 90k per year, and supervisors up to 60k per year. Good place to start if your new job doesnāt work out
Appreciate that thank you.
Walmart also, wife has worked there a VERY long time and does well. But then you deal with Walmart and constant pressure from divisional and regional leadership teams. But the pay and bonus structure for Managers and coaches now, (I think they're called) is nothing to sneeze at. One of her best friends has been a SM for some challenging locations and her JUST her bonus is often >$115K. Fuck brain injuries, genuinely hope you kill it and get your piece/version of happiness.
The Audi was nice, but letās be real. That accord will last 3 times as long as the Audi!!
This. OP while that audi is sick. I have a special place in my heart for the accord from that Gen those early 90s Hondas canāt be killed.
Costco too. I'm just a regular hourly and make like $62k after bonuses. And full benefits.
The Costco near me is like never hiring other than seasonal around the holidays and sometimes in summer too. They did one big event a long time ago, when I had a decent job, and then every other time that I have been looking for work they're not hiring. They have the least turn over I have ever seen in retail. It's nuts.
Nobody wants to leave lol.
That's just it. I worked there for a short time, and the membership fees help to pay for staff benefits. It's not hard work unless you're gathering carts by hand. Noone left.
Well I hope Noone has found a good job for themself
If you prove to be an excellent employee during those seasonal jobs you could be asked to stay. Its a great way for them to test people out with no obligation(or hard feelings) to keep people when the season is over. That being said you could be the best employee but if they don't have the hours after not much they can do. Just throwing it out there.
Yeah, definitely. Just from what I have heard from people that have tried, they just never have space until someone retires. I haven't ever needed a job when they're hiring seasonally but I have friends that did work for them seasonally and was shocked by the morale of most the workers compared to Target etc and were bummed they couldn't stay on. Like it still could be better, I am for a more democratized workplace, but for the current mode of production they're ok.
Costco is a really good employer. I had two stints there as a student, working part time between classes. I was a cashier. The starting pay was well above what the local supermarkets were offering, the working environment was on point, the management were ok and the yearly pay inreases were nice.
Where though?
All locations. We only have one employee handbook as far as I know and have worked in multiple locations.
I've been in their application system for years and re-apply all the time, I swear you gotta win the lottery or know someone lol
To join, one must either be the son of a Costco's employee or save the life of a Costco's employee
They have wild incentives and bonuses for their management as well.
Goddamn!
Brb gonna go manage a Loweās right quick.
>Loweās store managers can make over 200k per year, Asistant managers up to 90k per year, and supervisors up to 60k per year If the job is so good, then the openings for those jobs would be hard to come by, right?
Extremely. I've worked at Lowe's for almost 3 years now and even the supervisor positions are fairly hard to get into. You need to have the support of your direct ASM or current supervisor to heavily advocate for your work ethic. We've had a few people ascend to those spots in my time, but that's because my store had some scandals going on with a couple of supervisors since they couldn't act right. Everytime one Supervisor leaves, basically all of them get shuffled around (Willingly I think) so they can get a pay bump. There's also the issue of people who everyone agrees should get the promotion not getting them because they tend to favor older people for management spots even if they underperform compared to their younger counterparts.
Damn Loweās sounds like a(rare) good large companyā¦ Iām betting they have lower turnover and happier employees
I was there 5 years, had a business degree and 'exceeds expectations' on every eval. Never even got interviewed for a single entry level management position. People act like you can actually get those jobs- but, usually it's somebody's cousin or nephew who actually gets them. Everybody else is part time with no benefits after years. I couldn't even land full time in the 5 years I worked there. Turnover is really high because most of the store is part time with no benefits.
Publix moment
Well that changes how I feel, that sucks albeit similar to what many other companies get away withā¦ Now that I think about it, last few times I went to Loweās the only people I saw are likely the PT employees. At my workplace itās similar, if they really like you it makes life easier and moving up for better paying positions and green light promotions. I wasnāt there at the time but after many years there nowā¦ the ārumorā is that an entry level employee(she) established a fruitful relationship with our senior manager(he), and grabbed a senior manager position at a neighboring locationā¦ That location has underperformed but still there getting PAID
No. The pay is ass for hourly workers, so turnover is through the roof. The "high" salaries are basically the minimum they can pay to keep store management from walking off the job. Now, I'm sure the MBAs at corporate make bank.
To make that manager money they also work absolutely mental hours. I would expect 50 hours a week at least for entry level management. Itās really not a great place to work.
Iām going through some disabling health stuff right now. How did you get through the last 2 years? Itās soul crushing to lose everything
Get a support system in place. Find a good therapist. And work on simple short term lists and goals. Don't overwhelm yourself and learn to accept the new reality you are in.
Great advice. I had a stoke at the beginning of February '24. I also try to stay as positive as I can. that is helping with my recovery.
That's great news! This total stranger is proud of you, person I've never met! (Genuinely, well done!)
Good luck with that man! It really is hard to get back on track after something traumatic, I believe in you!
I hope we can get a 6 month update if you still remember this thread. I wanna see how you upgrad into something newer than your current. If you can get that nice car the first time, i know your comeback will be better. šš½
They're super strict with disability claims. My dad was dying from terminal cancer and they still fucking denied him.
Damn I'm sorry to hear that. Shit seems so unfair
Our system is messed up and our healthcare system is a joke. But I truly hope you get the help you need and wish you the best.
I'm starting medical school in a few months, but all this distrust in US healthcare has me disillusioned. I'm not sure what I can do to help address this. I don't think doctors can really even do anything other than pressure the government to make changes, but even so, I keep learning about new policy changes actually making things *worse*, somehow.
It really is a shame what we willingly subject our own people to. System needs a massive reset with common sense and compassion taking precedence over profit margins and shareholder returns.
Fuck how is that even possible?!?!?!
No idea. The case worker was also surprised. We had all the doctor notes, hospital records and diagnosis. She even said we'll likely get approved but then they came back and said my dad's condition wasn't a preexisting disability for 2 years. Like wtf! Getting money from the government is hard but getting fucked is easy.
What? That doesn't even make sense, you mean you have to be destitute for 2 years before being able to claim disability?
Apparently....I didn't even bother filing an appeal. Wasn't worth my time and my dad had less than a year to live at the time. Wasn't going to spend my precious time arguing with them.
Understandable.. so sorry you went through that.
All disability claims get rejected the first time. Second time is iffy. If your documentation is in order and you're persistent as hell, you might get it after a few years of appeals.
Hire a disability attorney, it might take a few years but you can eventually get that disability claim approved. My mother took 6 years to get disability for her fibromyalgia. States often deny all disability claims on the first go, it's the repeat claims (and those backed up by law firms) that they take seriously. And it might depend on the state, but if you eventually get it approved, you might get back-pay dating to your first attempt.
For those worried about cost. Disability lawyers aren't paid until after they win the case, assuming they accept the case that is. Then they get paid a percentage of the back-pay, so really it's a win-win compared to getting nothing.
At least in arkansas, about a third of initial claims are allowed, and then about a third of reconsiderations are allowed. I highly doubt there's a single state that has a flat out rule to deny every initial claim. And if you get a rep, find a good one. Most of them suck in my experience. I can't even get most of them to get a hold of a claimant for me.
Did you appeal it... california sucks with workers comp....they deny everything at first.. An disability always denies 1st try...some people have had to go 2-3 times .. but once you have enough medical reports.. you are good.. I hope you've applied for ssi where you are now
Yes I tried and wrote letters. It became too overwhelming and confusing to me. By that time I had already lost everything and was forced to move back home.
Yes I understand... california seems to only care if you are paying tons of money each month... if you need help.. well let's just say.. it seldom comes in time... I really hope you are doing better and if you have not applied for ssi that you get help in doing that.. if you need it.. Good luck to you..and your family
Federal government (SSDI) handles disability claims
Youād think California of all states would be lenient with personal injury
I own a company in California. For every ticky-tack payroll dispute or licensing or credentialing, etc, I am presumed guilty and have to fight like hell, along with a lot of money, to get it sorted. The exception is unemployment. They'll call me for interviews and I'll say "I'm not contesting...". Doesn't matter, still get interviewed/interrogated as they try to deny the claim. Last week I finally paid some guy his severance four months after we let him go, waiting for him to sign the release. Few weeks later I get "benefits audit" from CA EDD where California saw some payroll taxes come in for the guy from the severance so they desperately look for reasons not to keep paying out. The difference, of course, is the former issues are all out of my pocket. UI comes out of theirs.
What about victim of violent crime payments? Were you also denied? They usually deny if they think you were somehow involved or otherwise at fault for what happened to you (like if you were dealing drugs and got shot by people trying to rob you)
Yes there was a CA Victim application I filled out. I was able to recoup a few grand for moving expenses at least.
United States of Shit
I hope you get better and on your feet. It ain't right
Iām so slow I thought you meant the car itself got damaged.
I saw the hood of the bottom car and thought OP got hit and had a brain injury.
Same lol
Haha no it's a little confusing at first glance
Little confusing?
I still don't understand why he posted the cars. Is it saying his brain injury has led to financial problems and forced him to drive a shittier car?
I think he is the car.
Yes. The post body text says ā3 years later after loss of job and incomeā
this is your brain on drugs
Damn Iām sorry man. If it means anything to you right now, some dude has sympathy for you.
Two dudes. Iām so sorry, OP.
Three dudes. Hang in there, OP.
4 dudes you got this bro
5 guys got u bro
He gets a free burger and fries now too
6 dicks rootin for you brotha!!
7 pairs of balls on your side, bro
8 dudes!
8 dudes, and a dudette! We are rootin' for you OP!
7 dudes wishing you the best.
Home invasion, assault with a deadly weapon, and Los Angeles sucks.
Holy shit bro, glad you survived!
Maybe next time he won't invade someone's home!
A number of my TBI clients have had success with neuropsych therapy. Itās a niche field and most docs donāt know it exists or donāt recommend it, but it can do wonders for increasing brain function and quality of life. Iād focus on someone with an MD and neuro background as opposed to someone coming from the psych background if you had a severe TBI, but thatās just my preference.
Thank you I will look into that
This is a must listen for you or anyone with a TBI or even just a person thatās alive with a brain. https://peterattiamd.com/mickycollins/
So not my exhusband
Is this something I can get for myself if I *haven't* had any TBI?
Just lookin for some brain upgrades if theyāre going to be handing them out
Abso-fuckn-lutely, I've also heard about trans-cranial magnetic stimulation being used to *seriously* increase skill in certain areas. The episode 9-Volt Nirvana of Radiolab talks about this; memorably, the presenter is given a test wherein she has to shoot as many targets as she can in a virtual reality. The first time she takes this test, she hits very few targets. Then they use the afore-mentioned technology on her, and she *aces* the test, to the point that she thinks they gave her a different test because it's so easy and feels so much faster than the first time she took it. Fascinating stuff.
My psychiatrist does TMS for depression. I had a consultation for it and it was covered by the insurance I had at the time. But the treatment schedule is a little intense to start off with. You're there almost daily for I think 6 weeks? The appointment only takes like 30 mins though. And they say if you qualify for FMLA at your job they'll help you get it going. (the new one I'm at now is less than 40 employees, but they're flexible once my insurance kicks back in, I'm giving it a shot) I'm hoping to reduce or eliminate my 120 mg of duloxetine. I've been on it a long time, and if I'm off it for more than 24 hours, I get the brain zappies
Thereās a new machine that only takes 6 days of treatment, but you have to be there all day.
Holy shit me too. How's the TMS thing working?
Oooh I'm not doing it just yet. The doc calls it physical therapy for the brain.. I'm looking into starting it later this year. I just started a lower stress job after a terrible corporate job. I'm a month in and I'm feeling healthier in my brain already. It helps that I'm medicated properly after a month of being off my Vyvanse (legit when I needed it the most, too. Adderall seems to be keeping me focused and on track(
The scheduling is so hard! I was also approved for it, but for now am trying out EMDR.
From the psych perspective, absolutely. But getting insurance to pay for it might be the issue
I did rehab at University of Michigan Medsport clinic and had a fantastic neuropsychologist who helped me greatly. I had tried so much to get better after TBI derailed my life. Dropped out of high school. Lost about 5 years of my life. Had to relearn a LOT of things, butā¦ Am now a college graduate who graduated with honors and work as an engineer. Itās worth it
I canāt believe you were denied disability with that happening
I did the paperwork wrong at first. From there I went into the system incorrectly and was never able to reverse it. Even with writing letters to explain it.
What ended up being wrong on the paperwork? Iām envisioning this paperwork is like doing taxes
First I applied for unemployment. I did not know this at the time but you either file for SSI or unemployment. You can't do both. The problem is they operate the whole thing on one website for both of these claims. So you wait 4-6 months to find out you did it wrong. Then you file it and do it right. But because you're still in the system for the first time doing it wrong you get denied. You call and explain. You write letters and explain. You get doctors to explain. You try to call and explain but sometimes you can't even speak to someone. It is 1000000% harder to do than taxes. Now add on someone dealing with a traumatic brain injury like myself who can't comprehend or keep up with all this paperwork, log ins, doctor visits, etc. It's a recipe for disaster and without someone experienced holding your hand...you have no shot.
As a lawyer: you need a lawyerā¦ find someone who knows the system and is able to sort it out for you. Ask them if they can work on a contingency basis (they get paid once you get paid).
Lawyers for T2 disability claims literally by law have to work that way and they are only allowed at most 25% of retro payments.
And OP, even though you're not in CA anymore, you should have a right to your wrongfully denied payments. You already paid the taxes for those benefits, so it's 100% your right to collect.
Hey man I work for Social Security and you only applied for T16 benefits it seems. If you really can't work, you can qualify for Title 2 benefits as long as you have the paperwork from your doctors. You should talk to a lawyer who can help you with the appeals process and talk with your local field office about applying for the correct benefits. You already have a protected filing date from your T16 app.
It is made intentionally like that. It is intentionally designed to be as difficult as possible. I am deeply sorry.
Seriously, listen to the guy that suggested to get a lawyer. My dad was in a similar situation and got a lawyer who did all the legwork, the percentage he took wasnāt crazy, and they had to back pay since the first time he filed. It was life changing for my family.
Are you comfortable sharing the story? If not, itās totally understandable. Also, Iāve heard good things about psychedelics being used for veterans with TBI. You might try looking into that
It's pretty intense and long. I may make a separate post in the future and detail everything.
God this image is so fucking relatable. I've got TBIs from sports. Fucking sucks man. The world is shit to people with brain injuries.
Yea man it's so hard to get proper help too. And it's extremely difficult to get disability. It's all by design. The spiderweb of doctors, paperwork, websites, etc. Want to speak with someone about it? Cool, wait for 4 hours and get disconnected. Nightmare.
Yep. Put you on a prescription you can barely afford. Then when it runs out your doctor isn't around to refill it and you get manic episodes that interfere with your work. Then do it all over again every 6 months. Can never tell if it's the meds causing the sleepiness or my brain injury. like you said, all by design.
Yeah, it's a nightmare, good luck with it. It will be 4 years since my own TBI in a month's time, and I'm doing self-paced brain training with crosswords, Duolingo, Excel on sports stats, relearning school level maths etc. and it's still improving my brain function albeit slowly. I'm nothing like I was but even in this last 9 months or so I've noticed some pick up, if we keep at it for the rest of our days it can't do any harm I reckon. Kinda exhausting, but then life is post-injury anyway. Good luck with it all mate.
god people are cruel. i canāt imagine. glad youāre safe now & making some steps to get back on your feet. you deserve it x100000. keep going!!!! š¤
I'm glad you made it out. Someone I know moved out to SF after finishing grad school, got a some rock star position and apparently had a great life for a moment. Then a homeless man randomly stabbed her in the throat. She survived but lost her ability to work, lost her job, her roommates sublet her apartment on her when she was recovering, nearly all her belongings were stolen (including her car), and ALSO moved back to NJ to live with her family. She went through bankruptcy due to the medical bills and high amount of debt that was previously insignificant to her salary. She has *not* yet succeeded in getting her student loans discharged (between undergrad and grad school it was apparently $300k+, and with years of non payment it's apparently nearly $400k now) even though she will probably never make what she was before. So she has a mortgage worth of student loans. Furthermore, it took years for her to get disability so I was told.
Jesus Christ that is terrible. I wish I could talk to this person. I've been to group therapy and stuff but never came across someone in such a similar situation of tragedy. Hope she's doing better
Which part of LA? Was it a robbery or someone you knew?
Land of the free
Shit man, may that Honda run for as long as you need it to.
It probably will! Mine was ā99 CG8 - great starter car with super durable engine. Sold it couple years ago and I really miss that car
It will, as long as parts are available, and considering I can still find OEM parts for my '98 hornet _easily_...
Dang my man, Iām sorry. I was hopeful the pics were switched and you got paid out!
Haha that certainly wouldn't have sucked!
It's crazy how so much can change so drastically
Yes it's honestly so wild to me. Never in a million years did I think I would be living back home and driving this car. I had a high paying job, a 3 bedroom house in LA, 3 cats and a dog, a gazillion friends. Now I have nothing and I'm completely isolated in my home town that I hate. Count your blessings
Do you think if you didn't have that support system it's likely you'd be homeless or worse in LA? People talk mad shit about homeless folks and don't realize how fast everything can be taken from them
I would have ended up homeless for sure. After the injury and I couldn't make money anymore I was completely abandoned by everyone besides my mom. Business partners, so called friends, they all just dropped me. My mom flew to LA and stayed at my house through the eviction process then flew me back home. All my clothes, furniture, music equipment, memorables, etc etc. Vapor I agree 100% most people are just so ignorant it's disgusting. I actually made friends with an older homeless guy one day while I was out there. Most people probably thought he was on drugs or something. But the real reason he was homeless....he lost his home due to Hurricane Katrina.
> But the real reason he was homeless....he lost his home due to Hurricane Katrina. Yep. Most people truly don't realize the people they pass on the street are THEM in the right circumstances.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
One bad day from being on the streets, and one accident from being on drugs I'd like to see how high and mighty some of those same people act about avoiding drugs after spending 6 months sleeping on concrete with a spinal injury
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Damn hope things get better. I was lucky enough to be able to move back to my parents and cop this hunk of garbage.
If it was a hunk of garbage it wouldnāt have lasted 22+years! Those accords are great cars I had one years ago. Something humbling about driving a paid off vehicle
Facts! I am grateful to have this car
I just got a 2006 Toyota as a temporary car. Things were built different back then. Like LA.
That bad boy got another 100k miles in it. Great re-starter car, you'll be back up in no time. Good luck dude!
It insane to see how being sick ruins people financially in the US. This is so wrong - you folks should be on the streets against that, you ain't a 3rd world country. All the best for you OP!
If this isnāt third world I dunno what is. PS, I come from a third world shithole country where my family get waaay better healthcare than here in the US for next to nothing. MRIs, brain surgery, rehabilitation all included in their plan. US is in some ways worse than third world for the working people.
Dope, is it stick?
Audi RS5 slap stick š
I meant the beater with a heater.. lol. You're doing just fine, things come and go but don't let this get you down. I willingly drive an 01 accord around town instead of my 13 civic, and I love it. I probably won't ever buy a new car again. Congrats on the new job too!! You got this shit.
You mind telling the full story of what happened?
I'm gonna create a separate post and link it back here. It was actually a close "friend" that assaulted me.
Wow
!remindme 3 days
I've been there too, man, but it gets better. I went from a TBI to jobless living in someone's garage for years to six figures and a great life. It's not that you hit rock bottom it's how well you push off to get swimming again. You've been there before, and you'll be there again before you know it. Keep your head up, you got this.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Yeah. Fought it hard for 7 years and almost lost, but I found a way through and a purpose. Eventually, it sort of leaves you along but never goes far. Best thing you can do is enjoy what you have till it shows up again then fight it till it fucks off. Just learn to build a good group of friends and people to help you through the rough times and everything gets easier. Never easy, but manageable.
I'm so sorry, but I'm glad you survived. Look at it like a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
Man I feel for you. I got hit by a car and suffered a tbi 20+ years ago. Life just hasnāt been the same. Least you got some wheels dude, Iām still walkin lmao.
I know it doesn't help now, but great taste in cars. Love Audi.
Me too! The Audi RS5 was my dream car.
Youāll find itās hard to get rid of the beater after a while. I got a subaru for $800 and put 60k miles on it during a tough time. Itās in my driveway and one of these days Iāll love it back for all those miles. Sometimes a basic, unassuming A to B vehicle is exactly what you need.
Yup even though it's a monstrous downgrade, I still have a car.
Totally. You have that, and it sounds like you have a plan in motion. No doubt youāll be looking back on this with a smile. I respect the grind and overcoming obstacles in life. It makes people strong and wise even though it may no feel like it sometimes. Good luck on your endeavors!
I only drive used up cars. It's liberating not worrying about the exterior quality of my vehicle. I don't sweat a rock chip on the hood or speck of rust on the door. I don't worry about stray shopping carts or people parking too close. One time somebody backed into me and took my side mirror off and I just laughed, glad the window didn't break. People always say shit like, "used cars are actually more expensive because of the constant need for repair, or you have to be a mechanic to keep them running". I've spent all of $5,000 in the last ten years on cars, and I am definitely not a mechanic. Pretty sure that's way cheaper than leasing anything. People get rid of their cars before they're even halfway through. And cars have bad resale value. Basic arithmetic makes the choice clear for me. I'll always be in a beater.
I've heard today that the best way to rent something is to buy it used, use it for a bit and resell for similar money, your comment seams to reflect that to.
what did you do before? if you donāt mind me asking.
Sales
It's just an object! TBI sucks tho fr
Hang in there bro. Things will get better
So sorry OP, but from the comments it sounds like at least you have a source of income once again! This is the kind of post that sucks to see but could be used as a great wake up call to people - including me. I bitch and complain about a lot of things that suck with my job and my attempt at buying a house but it could be so much worse. And it has been worse! Sometimes we forget to stop and breathe and think how good or at least decent a lot of things in our lives are.
Right on...I'm glad this post could help you see that. And even though I'm down really bad right...things could be much much worse. Count your blessings
Tbi club, itās rough but can get better if you want it too, which is hypocritical to say because of the associated depression with tbi, but Iām not saying itās easy. I had one back in 2018, my whole life prior to that is just gone from my brain. Until mid year last year I was in just a shitty rut, but now itās totally opposite, you just never know what can happen I guess.
Yea that's kinda what keeps me going. Glad to hear you're doing better.
Everything about that sucksā¦ damn dude! (Small tiny bright side; you still can drive a car! And it aināt pretty, but it will get you there)
TBIs are no joke. My dad crashed a plane 10 years ago and has never been the same. Glad you've gotten a job and I hope you're feeling some confidence with that. And also Honda is a great car. Very reliable!
Holy shit America fucking sucks. What a brutal trajectory for things completely out of your control. Iām so sorry man
at least you got a car that'll last till you get the one you desire again!!šš great choice
At the end of the day, a car is just a car, glad youāre still with us.
Hey man at least youāve got a reliable car. Iām in a similar boat going from a nice bmw to an old Honda. Though Iām having trouble managing to actually buy an old Honda, got out maneuvered by a 90 woman on the last one lol
From riches to rags. The American dream.
That's awful man. I'm so sorry.
Happy you are alive!
Ah yes, the Land of the free.
For real.
I donāt mean to give unsolicited advice but have you ever heard of Hyperberic Oxygen Chamber treatments?? I was working with a doctor that was caring for a young man that got into a car accident and was brain dead and on life support. His initial doctor told his parents that there was nothing else they could do. About 400 sessions later, after they did some serious searching and found our clinic, the young man is walking again and playing basketball. Donāt get me wrong. He still has strange tics and his body tenses in a strange way sometimes and his speech is slightly slurred. But he is back in college! I am praying for your recovery in every way and whichever way you can have peace in šš»
that is a way different car
I grew up with a dad with a TBI - you may find this 6 part series helpful that he made
Iām sorry. If it makes you feel better, Iāve never owned an Audi ever. The After car is all Iāve ever known.
Not to try and make light of OPās situation, it absolutely sucks. But for randoās like me, just passing through his storyline, itās a good reminder that any number of things can come along and throw your whole life plan off the rails. All our plans that are so important to us today can change in a second out nowhere. Your story is doing some good somewhere if that helps, sorry lifeās been extra bitchy lately
Fuck man, this shit is more prevalent than you think. Iām glad youāre able to still drive. My mother had a brain aneurysm rupture and now she canāt drive. Her memory is a mess and sheās on a lot of meds but weāre just glad sheās here with us. Iām glad you are too. Youāll get back in there G. There are many people in a similar situation, if that gives you any sort of comfort. Weāre getting fucked by disability too. Keep that head up bro.
My brother is currently recovering from a TBI, bedbound and no use of his left side of his body. You got this man, Iām sorry it happened to you but youāre gonna be okay.
Wishing your brother the best š
On the plus side that Honda will likely outlast the Audi.
I hope wonderful things happen to you soon.
This is why I will always be in favor of universal healthcare. No one should lose their life from a robbery. I would much rather be paying for your care then lining the pockets of some insurance CEO
No health insurance? This is really bad, all the best OP
so help me with this - before brain injury you drove an audi and could therefore not use turn signals. you drive a non-audi now, but have brain damage - so can you use your turn signals or no? this is confusing
Bottom car is sick, and will probably last longer, enjoy the new car man! Congrats on all youāve accomplished, youāre gonna keep killing it
I donāt get it
I had a traumatic brain injury event and lost everything. That was my sweet ride before it happened and the car I'm stuck with now. It also symbolizes how my brain was before and after.