Although it doesn't help the OP, another option in private LTD. I knew someone who had terrible bad pain that even surgery didn't help and they used their employers LTD and it was easier to get approved along with much higher payments than SSDI. And if structured right, its tax free. So even if running a startup or consulting, you should make sure you have LTD coverage.
Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
31–40 of 266 posts
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#32Write. My career blew up early and I've clawed my way back, but can't imagine what it's like to be in your shoes, but..
I read a Priceonomics article entitled "What it's Like to Fail" and it really moved me during a low point in my life. The subject of the article wrote over 100 episodes of the TV show Roseanne, and wound up living in a van. The article, and the book he wrote to earn money, put a lot of emphasis on writing jobs; gig jobs. He wrote, wrote, and wrote more and slowly pulled himself back up.
https://priceonomics.com/what-its-like-to-fail/
Also, when I volunteered with the homeless I found the mormons to be an incredible resource. Most people don't know this, but the Mormon church is VERY giving and expects nothing in return. If you live near a larger city, the church has stores of food and supplies, and produce food to give to those in need.
Call your local mormon church, talk to the Bishop or a Missionary, and they will be slap happy over the moon to help. At the very least they can help supply food and other necessities.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#33I’m sorry to hear about your situation. It may seem hopeless at times but remember working at startups is quite challenging and you did that - and faced challenges lots of people wouldn’t care to try to.
Your current assets and your psychology are two different things. Every improvement you can wring out with the latter, could be the piece of strength you need to deal with the other. Seek out any way you can to build up mentally bit by bit. Even little things if they can make a difference.
I’m no expert on this stuff but I wanted to let you know you’re not alone out there.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#34I heard good things about Viktor Frankl's books, e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man%27s_Search_for_Meaning. He went through Auschwitz and learned (and then tought) how to deal with hardship.
People who are willing to work with you, who you can help, even in the context of your handicap, exist. Find them. Be honest about your handicaps.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#35My friend, I am very sorry. Focus on what you can do right now . The first thing you can do is work hard to find joy in every day of life. Yes, it exists, and yes, you have to look for it. This will help you turn around your depression. My wife found joy every day even though she was terminally ill, and I'd be remiss not to point you to the same place where she learned to find it: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teaching…
Hey, FYI, I initially flagged your post because I thought it was spam... thought JW had moved into the online version of door-to-door Watchtowering with drive-by evangelism.
But I was wrong, and I'm sorry. You're just a regular part of this community and your wife happens to have religious beliefs that helped her through tough times.
I apologize for jumping to conclusions, and I'm posting this response mostly so others don't make the same mistake and assume your post is spam.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#36Not to derail this thread or to sound like I am criticizing OP, but everyone should take this post as a reminder to look into having a disability insurance policy. Your megacorp may offer a policy, but look into getting your own guaranteed renewable non-cancelable policy, as it provides greater protection. The Bogleheads wiki has a good page describing what is important to obtain in such a policy.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#37Write. My career blew up early and I've clawed my way back, but can't imagine what it's like to be in your shoes, but.. I read a Priceonomics article entitled "What it's Like to Fail" and it really moved me during a low point in my life. The subject of the article wrote over 100 episodes of the TV show Roseanne, and wound up living in a van. The article, and the book he wrote to earn money, put a lot of emphasis on w…
One more thing, and this I know from professional experience: If you get turned down for SSDI, appeal. Most get turned down the first time, but nearly 100% of people are accepted on appeal.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#38What are your professional skills? I work for a chronic pain management startup and we have a lot of needs.
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#39Your story is sadly not unique: being broke and unemployed is awful, and there are millions in the same situation. You are not alone! Firstly, this post you made right here and now may be the turning point, at least your story is known by others and maybe the right person will read it. Secondly, although it may sound a bit trite, perhaps now is the time of your life to really decide what matters the most to you, and focus just on that. Whatever it is that you really love, try to make it your primary thing. And the better you get at it, the more likely there is someone out there who needs your help. It is a big world and no matter what your skills are, there is someone who can benefit from them if you are an expert. Keep putting your name out there and make sure people hear from you. It sounds as if your mind is still working just fine, and it is your greatest resource, and can be a source of wealth to come!
Re: Ask HN: I'm disabled and out of money. Now what?
#40The question is "Can you program"?
If the answer is "Yes", then stop watching TV, playing video games and lurking on the internet.
Honestly, this will sound heartless, but if you can play video games you can also work. The problem is more in your head and you need to shed the victim thinking and start focusing on what valuable you can do.
Even if your output is less than it was before, you can probably pay for a reasonable lifestyle.
Right now there is a lot of huge companies that will hire anybody that can code anything. Trust me on this. It is total seller's market. There are people who can't code and still get the job.
You say you are burned backend-centered web developer? You can probably get hired for full time, less ambitious job or contract and do your job in a fraction of time. The key word is "Less Ambitious". Which should help with your burnout. Just put a very strict work time / free time boundaries.
My burnout comes when I can't leave work even when I am at home and the solution is to give yourself permission to have time off. It is all in your mind.