I never imagined that at 60, I’d be looking for another job. My name is Kay and I’ve had many jobs over the years. I poured my heart and soul into my last assistant manager position because it was what I had been doing as a manager for 14 years before I moved across the country. I learned a lot from facility manager. I believed my dedication and years of experience were appreciated. I was the assistant manager and filled in for the manager on her days off so that meant that my hours were slightly less than fulltime. I also filled in at other facilities in the chain and worked at a new facility until a permanent manager was hired.
After working there for nearly two years I started experiencing abdominal pains. When they persisted I made an appointment with my doctor. She referred me to a specialist and was sent for a scan. The specialist told me that I had a large cyst on one ovary. She was fairly sure was benign but that it needed to be removed since that was the source of my pain. She said that since I was 60 it was a very good idea to do a total hysterectomy. It was a straightforward procedure, with a standard recovery time of six weeks. I was otherwise healthy and expected to bounce back quickly, return to my routines, and carry on with my job as if nothing had changed.
After five weeks of the mandatory six-week medical leave I was feeling quite well. I called to let the manager know that I could return the following week. I was told that I had been replaced and they didn’t need me anymore. The news hit like a ton of bricks. It hurt so badly because I had delayed my surgery for 7 days. It had originally been scheduled for the same time as the manager’s vacation and she expected me to cover her while she was off. She pleaded with me to not leave her without coverage. So I agreed to reschedule the surgery. I figured that if I had been dealing with the pain for more than a month then I could make on more week.
As a 60 year single woman, the news was devastating. That left me struggling to keep my head above water. Unemployment compensation was not an option for me because me overall hours were less than fulltime. My state does not cover part time workers. At my age finding a new job was a daunting challenge. The job market, often unforgiving, seemed even more hostile. Finding a new job felt like an impossible task. I had skills, yes, but employers were looking for younger, faster people. The fear of rejection and the uncertainty of the future weighed heavily on my mind.
My mortgage is a constant reminder of my financial vulnerability. I decided to try gig work but it’s not enough to get caught up. The thought of losing my home is a terrifying prospect and I don’t even have the money to relocate.
The hardest part has been keeping my dignity intact. There are days when the fear and self-doubt feel overwhelming, when I lie awake wondering how I’ll get through this month, this week, even this day. I’m learning, painfully, that starting over at 60 is a lonely road. But each morning, I remind myself that I’m still here, still standing. It’s a small comfort, but maybe that’s enough for now.
I desperately need a lifeline and a $4000 financial boost would pay two months mortgage to help me get back on my feet. I would like to start my own online business which will give me purpose and meaning with a steady income. I have made a couple of sales so I know it can work. If I can just get my mortgage caught up, then I can advertise to get more customers.
Paypal.me link: @KashSuitter
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