Personal Testimony: Sue in Redmond, WA
Sue in Redmond, WA writes to us:
I was laid off in January 2010. I was out on a Leave of Absence from work because I had pneumonia and I was sent a WARN notice from my place of employment. It was like a kick in the teeth while I was already down.
I looked for work in the Information Technology field for 20 + years. I believe that my age has been a factor in my layoff notice as well. They had gotten rid of everyone in the organization that was over 50. I was one of three that were left.
I had laryngeal cancer in 2001 and I continued to work since I had cancer and never have had a problem with communication. I have been looking for full time employment but have not been able to get past the interviews with the contracting companies. I do not come across on the telephone very well because my voice cannot be heard over the telephone always.
While I have been unemployed, I completed my education and earned my Bachelor degree in Information Technology on my own money. I have been working in the field already and thought it would only improve my chances of obtaining a job. I have not found employment as of today. I have run out of unemployment benefits. I have applied for Social Security Disability. But I would prefer to be working at a job.
I started working at 15 and have worked all my life. I’m not afraid of working and just want to be given a chance. It has been very depressing to not be able to find a job since I was laid off. It has been difficult on my marriage. We have not been able to refinance our home since I have been unemployed. It does make me feel as if I’m not worth anything after all the jobs I have been submitted for and then not being able to get to a actual interview.
I don't know where the American Dream is, but it is not here in the USA.
