Sunday, March 11, 2012

Sunday Personals Pt. 1


I was thinking I would take the time to share about my plight on the job front. If you’ve been following my updates, you know I was interviewing for jobs and my mention of some tough things that have happened…I heard from two of the three interviews from last week…one to go, nothing so far…
Just one Piece will do:
I had a job. No let me start here…I moved from North Carolina …due to things out of my control. I moved for all the right reasons. I left a good job, college, and a place I called home. I’ve been here for two years, unhappy for two years. Someday I will share my journey…I have a long story and it should be told in pieces…so here goes.
I had a job, a good job. A job that made me feel like my move from North Carolina was not in vain. I have a disability…called MCS = Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. What this means…I am sensitive to all things that have smells, except food. I get sick. I can’t be around perfumes, lotions, soaps, sprays, chemicals…and so forth. I get lots of questions about what it is like to have this…I didn’t always have this. I developed this in my twenties...and year after year I learned to adapt. Such as…I don’t go to movies, unless they are early shows. I don’t go to concerts, plays, or anything else that involves lots of people in an enclosed area. I use EVERYTHING unscented. If I meet with friends, I ask them to refrain from using scented products…I could go on and on…but I think you get the gist of it…When I started my job I let my employer know about my disability…offering medical documentation to help understand. There were ladies in the office who wore strong perfume and I asked for help…long story short…Under the laws of the ADA=Americans Disability Act…I was protected and they passed a statement that said the office had to be free of such chemicals. I know many have and will argue they have a right to wear what they want, except the laws say, no you don’t. Some feel they have their rights taken away…and I say, what about my right to be healthy? If I was in a wheelchair, should I be denied a ramp just so others don’t have to be inconvenienced to walk around it? Since my disability is invisible, some have a hard time believing there is even something wrong. Many of us who struggle with MCS, go through such things. There is little education about MCS and the people who suffer. It is painful. More and more there is talk about MCS and many places are going “scent-free” There is hope.  
After the office approved the scent-free policy, they decided to lay carpet. CARPET! As soon as I learned of this, I went back out for help; worried…I knew what it would do to me and feared for my job. In the beginning they accommodated me, only when I took the time to learn the laws and knew I had rights to be accommodated until I could return to my office where the carpet was laid…again, long story short…no accommodations…equals me with no job. I lost my job due to my employer not willing to accommodate me, even after I was given an accommodation for 6 months and able to perform all details of my job. You should know I was less than a minute walk from where I use to sit and work.
It’s been over 8 weeks since my employer sent me out on an unpaid leave. There are no words to describe how this feels. This is the first time in over 15 years I’ve been without work…I’m applying for jobs, even considering relocating. I’m limited where I can work due to the MCS. And with all that has happened, I am no longer able to pay my financial obligations. The Hubs paid his side of things with our budget of both incomes and now only working with one income…speechless.
I am angry, scared, sad, and fight every day to get up and remind myself how truly blessed I am…I will share this…God is good. He has a plan. When I was going through this difficult time on my job, before they released me, I would sit at my desk…ask myself, “What am I doing?” “How long will I sit here?”
I work in higher education…for a large university. I’ve done Administrative work for over 10 years…it’s not my passion. I’m good at it, but I know in my heart that this is not what God has or had in store for me. I believe things happen for a reason. I want to write; hence this time away from work allows me the time to blog. To be connected and inspired by others. I want to be a photographer…and now considering going back to school, only after I get the kids “squared” away.
You see…even though I stand to lose everything, my journey will take me in a new direction. Even though two of the three job interviews didn’t work out…maybe God is saying I shouldn’t sit at a desk anymore. I’ve been unhappy for as long as I can remember, feeling like I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do…whatever that is…All in God’s hands.
Right now I am trying not to feel defeated, trying to find the good in a “tough” situation. I hope you read this far…Don’t feel sorry for me...this is just a “piece” of my journey…I think Sundays will be a day I share some personal details about my life…Life is Good.
Be Good to You.
Smooches,
Lola

10 comments:

  1. Lola, Hang in there sister. Everything happens for a reason and everything will be all right.

    xo

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    1. Thanks for the words of encouragement...One day at a time...

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  2. Lola, you will get to a better place! I know b/c I'm in the fight with you to a certain extent. I am also searching for a job and have been since the summer when I graduated with 2 Master's (one in public health and one in social work) and a License in Social Work. It's tough, but God and my family have gotten me through. Not working has allowed me to remember buried dreams I was afraid of but am now working towards. Everything will work out for you, I truly believe that! I'll keep you in my prayers:)

    XO Kelley
    http://www.keepsittingpretty.blogspot.com

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    1. Wow! And congrats on such great accomplishments with your degrees. I agree, not working is pushing me to find new avenues, creativity and overcoming the obstacle of never say never. I'll take all the prayers I can get...I'll do the same for you. Hugs. And thanks for the kind words...made me tear up a bit, in a good way.

      Lola

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  3. Lola, thank you so much for sharing this. I've never heard of MCS but it sounds so awful. I'm truly sorry about everything you've had to endure. Just know that sometimes God moves us out of places because he has something much better for us. Now is the time to embrace what you really love. Pick up photography and keep writing. It's definitely scary, believe me, I'm going through that now, but it's worth it to realize your dreams. : ) Keep your head up!

    Vonae Deyshawn
    www.myvirtueplace.com

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  4. Thanks Vonae. I debated all week to share and like I said, thinking Sundays will be posts personal to me. My hope is to "push" myself and really hear God in the midst of the storm. My spirit is strong and now I need to let go of fear and step out in faith...

    Thanks again. Hugs.

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  5. Lola.. this post almost made me cry... You are so strong and such a model for women who are living hard times (as I am!) I can't really believe how you lost your job! It sounds so crazy... I love the way you wrote this post: it is personal and honest. In my opinion you are a good writer because you can express and even people like me (english is not my mother language!) can feel the same feelings as you behind your words. I love it!

    Thanks for sharing this personal side of your life! I didnt know about this disability!

    A big hug!

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    1. Thanks Lara. I've been missing you. I really think Sundays will be the day I set aside to share things personal. I like getting to know others and want to share about me. The disability is something that is a part of me. I use to feel like I had to apologize for how I am, and now, I don't. Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment...Smooches!

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  6. Hi Lola, I just found your blog through I blog 4 me. I'm really moved by your post. We recently became a 1 income family, and I know how hard that is. I can also relate to your sensitivity to smell, I get migraines, and they are sometimes triggered by cologne. It's awesome that you are writing about your experience, and I find that your story is inspiring. I'd love to have you join my blog hop, it's all about inspiring and positive stories. I hope you'll consider it :) and I'm your newest follower. God bless!
    Paula at Welcoming Spirit
    http://bit.ly/xH4qnb

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    1. Hi Paula and Welcome! I'm so happy you found me...Thank you for the lovely note...it is very trying. Especially since I never saw it coming, although I should have...I will post on Sundays, as mentioned to touch on personal notes...it's a little therapy and a vulnerability I am getting over...Thanks again!
      I am happy to join...love being inspired by others...Lola

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