[justjoanie]

So yesterday, 2 of my big bosses came to the office and fired me. I'm completely losing it. How am I suppose to support my family without a job? Now we have no health insurance, so my daughter has to have her baby through the health dept. I think that is the worst part of it. I don't know what it's like to have a baby without insurance. I don't know how they will treat her, and what kind of care she will get through them vs a regular doctor through insurance. Will people look at her badly at the hospital because she's a "health dept case"? What am I going to do????

[lynn P.]

(((justjoanie)))) - I'm so sorry this happened to you and all the worries about your future with your daughter and her baby. Did they give you a reason for firing you?? Since I'm Canadian I don't know about your system with unemployment benefits, but I just wanted to say sorry and I hope some other job becomes available soon.

[Leed]

Hi ~ I'd like to know the reason too, because if it's not a GOOD reason, you could fight it. Or if they gave you a reason due to your health issues, that's not a good enough reason!! We DO have the American Disabilities Act, ya know. That COULD come into play, although I'm not sure.

I'm so sorry this happened Joanie ~ I know your concerns, and I sympathize. I'll keep you in my prayers. God Bless ~ Hugs, Lee

[Elana05]

(((justjoanie)))

Sending many, many supportive thoughts your way.

[HalfSwede]

I'm so sorry for you. I've been fired several times, but your situation is clearly more severe than mine. I'm hoping things get better for you.

[sundog]

(((((((((JJ))))))))))) This is awful. I'm so sorry. What reason did your bosses give? How long have you been working there? Do you have any legal recourse???? I am so, so, so sorry to hear this ((((((((((((((((JJ)))))))))))))))))))

[justjoanie]

the reason was performance. I've told them many times about my depression, and that's the reason I'm having difficulties. I'm thinking about talking to a lawyer about it. The only thing they ever said about my disability is that they could demote me to a less stressful position with a significant lower pay grade. ($15,000 less) For me that really wasn't an option.

[sundog]

((((((((((((((JJ)))))))))))))))))) I think it sounds like a really good plan to consult a lawyer. Don't employers have to give warnings first? Isn't there a notice period, during which you continue to work and continue to get paid??

It seems very wrong the way your employers have handled this, especially regarding the depression/disability issue. I think getting some legal advice is really good idea.

Originally Posted by justjoanie

the reason was performance. I've told them many times about my depression, and that's the reason I'm having difficulties. I'm thinking about talking to a lawyer about it. The only thing they ever said about my disability is that they could demote me to a less stressful position with a significant lower pay grade. ($15,000 less) For me that really wasn't an option.

I'm so sorry this happened to you.

Definitely speak to an employment lawyer about this situation - if you spoke to your boss about having a disability and they did not try to make reasonable accommodations for you, that could definitely be a lawsuit -
A demotion is not reasonable accomodation in my book.

In NJ if you are on unemployment and have children you are eligible for health benefits - if your daughter is on your health insurance you both could be eligible - check with your state. If your company was giving you insurance you should also be eligible for COBRA so you will have some opportunity for coverage.

Good Luck!