[Inky]

So even when I told my boss that we'd be carless and homeless in a few months if he couldn't move me to sales, he hit me again with "They'd eat you alive."

Over and over and over.

He also said that he won't put me in because once in a while I have to bring my cane to work, which sounds to me like discrimination based on a disability, but what can you do; I knew that if I broke down and used the thing for my hip injury, it would have this effect.

He tried to 'soften the blow' by saying that he doesn't like to set people up to fail which, by the way, is not a vote of confidence either.

He told me to ask the manager of the kids department if he had a space, knowing full well that a lot of the time those salespeople make less than I do now.

I just don't understand. I show up to work every day, unlike my coworkers. Even on days when I'm sick, I come in and try to tough it out. I've only gone home early once, and it was because I was so sick to my stomach I was useless anyway, and had to be close to a bathroom in case I needed to throw up.

I'm nice to everyone, even when I'm depressed or anxious.

I told him that if he wanted me to, I'd toss the cane in the closet, like I had to toss my crutches in the Army, and he doesn't understand how bad the Army was, how I was running two miles every day on a cracked pelvis and several stress fractures with torn tendons in my back and shoulder, because otherwise they would have kept me in Basic as a holdover, and I only would have become more injured over time.

He said sales is "a whole different animal."

Oh my God, man, you really believe that having to walk fast on a sales floor is worse than running so hard that you want to die before it's over?

Or marching twelve miles, injured, with blood leaking out of your boots and ninety pounds on your back?

I feel like no one could understand what I've been through, and no one understands that I'm so much stronger than I look, that I'll sacrifice myself for my family no matter what.

That's why I got through the Army. That's why I don't regret what happened to me.

But they don't believe I could... what... sell furniture.

I need to find another job. It makes me kind of sick that in the face of someone who's family barely eats and may end up homeless, an employee who will have to quit when she loses her car anyway, you could say "Sorry, I just don't think you'd make it, so I'm not even going to give you a chance."

[Junerain]

(((((((((Inky)))))))))))

Yes, I believe you will not only be great in another position..you will be PROMOTED,,,I can tell by your work ethic

Definately find something else...

I personally was fired from 58 jobs..until this eccentric family run diner kept me around even though I was a bit different mentally..

Became head waitress, applied to get my master's eventually from all the confidence and approval i received there...

You just havent found your niche yet

[Rohag]

Inky, you are capable of amazing things. Right now, however, I think your spirit is so beaten down by circumstances that you may need some flesh-and-blood advocate to help you through that depressing maze. I don't mean a therapist or doctor to give you "advice"; I mean someone who knows the laws and the systems and how to get things done - someone to work for you and not just "encourage" you.

[BashfullOne]

{{{Inky}}} Keep asking for that job and let him know that the cane should not be an issue. Keep on fighting for that job!! Don't give up!!

[BobPsWife]

Okay, this may seem like an off-side comment... but I have to make it. I like to browse PsychCentral boards when I am feeling a little down, etc. So I read the "drowning" post by Inky and thought, wow, this person can write well. Like, talented writer! Then I go on to another post, "hopeless" or something like that and read about selling furniture and think, "wow, THIS person can write well, too! what is going on?" and I realize it too was written by Inky.

I don't know who you are, Inky, boy/girl, age, etc. -- but let me just tell you, dear, you have a talent for the written word. Overcome all that oppression others place on you and find a way to share your gift.

Truly.

-- Suzanne in Ohio

[Pomegranate]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. You do not deserve this. But your thinking if right on - get out of there and try to find another job. I know this is the worst time to be looking for work - my husband has just been through that. But it's better to at least do all you can to TRY to change your circumstances than stay there and do nothing. Good Luck.