As I've said many times before, I've been in and out of Voc Rehab for well over a decade. Fifteen years, actually. And I've spent those years, close to half my life, trying to get out of a rut many of us disabled folks often fall into. But this month, I finally decided to say screw it....well, not entirely, but at least when it comes to looking for full time work or 'gainful employment'. This isn't their fault anymore than it is mine. It's just what is and perhaps I was too stubborn or stupid to let it go.

The reason I gave up? Well, as gjohnsit and many others pointed out, employers have no desire to fill positions. This became more and more obvious to me with each passing year after I graduated college in 2012 with degrees in graphic design and database administration.

My decision came after spending nearly 6 months filling out applications as part of SNAP requirements. I had submitted over 200 applications in that period, and only got one interview. One. Interview. And that interview was stopped immediately because the employer wanted someone with a drivers' license. Otherwise, this was only temporary as they were running the position from July to November, or peak election season.

So now, I'm going to be filing for SSI, but not before I get my hands on some childhood SSI payment records and the records documenting the switch from SSI to Survivors Benefits. I set up an appointment to pick those up a month from now and the person I spoke with made a note of what to get for me so that's a plus. I've also got several people willing to write letters on my behalf. Legal representation is...tricky. I don't know who I should seek out in that respect but the Administration person I spoke with said it was a good idea.

Maybe if I'm able to get the SSI I should have had to begin with up to now, I won't feel so damned stressed all the time. And if I can, I'll just use my skills to make a little extra on the side.

See ya around,

Aspie