Hello August,

Sunday September 05 2021 22:46, you wrote to me:

 AA> What about a job at a call-in technical help desk?

I wanted to get away from that completely.  I have experience in retail and
retail management, used car dealership management, technical writing, and a host
of other skills but the minute people found out what I used to make, I was
passed over.

 AA> In a situation like that, you have to specifically say
 AA> something like "I *want* to work for this company.." ..and then
 AA> explain why and show that you did your research.  If one is
 AA> just applying for the sake of "work", then that personal
 AA> becomes unimpressive.

I've done just that.  I have been on both sides of the interview desk.  As
above, as soon as they saw my former salary, I was passed over.

 AA> Again.. isn't there a job/position that the VA can produce that
 AA> can allow you to work the phones or do something equally well
 AA> sitting down as in a wheelchair for example?

I was declared unemployable.  That means no work, period, no matter what it is.

If I suddenly start working, I could lose access to Social Security, which I am
a year into my SS claim, for the next 25 years.  If I started working and I
suddenly couldn't work anymore, I'd not be eligible for Social Security and that
would put me in a bad place.

 AA> Sorry hear about no "income of significance".  BTW, didn't you
 AA> just move to a new house/rental? How's that working out?

Yes, I am living in Section 8 housing.  Section 8 is part of US federal law that
says the local (in my case, the city) public housing authority will pay my rent
because of my income status.  So far so good but I am responsible for paying the
electric which I get help from various non-profits.  Part of my Internet bill is
being paid for by a temporary US federal benefit but I still have to scramble to
make ends meet every month.

 AA> I live in my nearly 50yr old family home. It needs a roofing
 AA> overhaul and a few other major repairs.  That too requires an
 AA> "income of significance" that I can actually draw upon. But
 AA> most income goes to feed pre-existing credit card debts and the
 AA> costs of operating retail. There's really not much left in
 AA> pocket after that.

I understand completely about that.

-- Sean

... Murphy was an optimist.
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