I work in Texas, so I already get next to no benefits or pay for working part time, but even though I said on my application that I’m disabled, I’m not disabled “enough” (I don’t “look like I’m disabled”) to get any help from my workplace.
The major “help” in said workplace is BEING ALLOWED TO SIT DOWN IN A CHAIR periodically during the average 8-9 hour shift. I was told verbatim “please don’t sit in the chair it’s only for people with injuries like broken ankles”. I have severe rheumatoid arthritis so I am in constant pain all over my body, but besides my joints looking a little knobby, it’s something people can’t see.
I have no clue why I’m doing this for $10 an hour, but there’s honestly no other employer in my area that will take someone like me and pay more than that. I’ve been looking for a more sedentary job that my body can handle, but no one wants a “young and spry” teenager to take a sedentary job away from an older person, so I’ve been SOL there.
I literally hate this so much but I need the money and I don’t have many options. Every adult in my life that I’ve talked to has said something like “welcome to the real world” or “congrats on joining the club” which just makes me feel sorry for them and myself.
It shouldn’t be like this. I shouldn’t have to hurt myself and worsen my joints in order to get such a meager amount of money just to buy the things I want. This is evil but everyone just treats it like it’s normal. I know I’m preaching to the choir but I just needed somewhere to rant.