I used to be in a great union, local 172 heavy labor, and have worked heavy duty construction jobs most of my life. I made great money ($35 in 2018, rate is $45 now) and some of the best benefits in the state.
In 2018 I had to abandon my career and go on disability. I'm not going to go into too much detail about my medical problems, but for 3 years I was unable to walk from getting or recovering from surgeries. I'm at the point where I can go back to work, but at a limited capacity. I need to sit down for a few minutes if I'm on my feet for a long time, I can't do a lot of bending over, and no heavy lifting. Since my limitations aren't from a work injury and I'll never be 100%, my union won't take me back.
This is NOT an anti union post, I hope to find a new one.
Now, in my 30's, I have to do a total career change with no college degrees or experience outside the field I can no long work. Fortunately I have some help through disability's back to work program. My resume is still pathetic since none of it applies to the jobs I'm going for or can do anymore.
I've managed to work at a few entry level jobs ($16/h) through a temp agency. Managers are quick to take advantage of my $35+ work ethic but refuse reasonable accommodations (like having a stool at a cash register) even though I can work circles around able bodied employees.
What makes me feel hopeless and defeated are employer's demands and expectations. Years of experience and a masters to maybe make over $20/h. Most places are so under staffed that they expect someone making $16/h to do the job of two people and can't even provide a fucking chair. I had to use a step stool at a hotel because a chair was unreasonable. Countless corpate time wasting applications that take an hour to complete without even a rejection email.
I want to work and get off disability. I have a house and children to provide for. $16/h barely covers child care and the phone bill. Since I need to sit down once in awhile and can't bend over a lot I'm worth 1/3 of what I would be able bodied? It feels like the less you get paid, you get more over worked and abused.
I apologize for the long rant, I just had to get it off my chest.