I am in a bit of a conundrum. Last Friday I got the horrible news that my company was downsizing and that I was being laid off. Huge bummer to the ego and the pocketbook. Plus, I am right in the middle of the approval process with my insurance for coverage of the lap band. UGH! This is not good timing! Unlike other layoffs I have endured, this one does not include severance pay. Thank goodness I had two weeks of vacation stockpiled. With unemployment and my meager savings I will be able to make ends meet just until April. I am wondering if I should continue with the lap band at this moment. I have COBRA for my insurance and the cost isn't too bad and now I have the time for recovery. Best of all, I don't have to tell me employer that I am going in for surgery (I wasn't planning on telling them for what though.)
I am really wondering if I should put the lap band on hold. I have come so far and I am almost there. I am worried about my finances and I am just not sure of what is going to happen. Here are a couple of scenarios that are playing out in my head:
1. My insurance approves me ASAP and I have surgery the last week in January. I get a new job within the next 4 weeks and I am golden.
2. My insurance takes forever to approve me, then surgery 4 weeks later, I get a job 4-6 weeks later and its the first week of April. I am really low on cash and a bit in debt.
3. My insurance approves me ASAP I have the surgery, but I can't find a new job for six months. I have to start paying the medical bills and unemployment just isn't covering it.
4. My insurance doesn't approve me and I am screwed fat and unemployed!
Has anyone else been unemployed during the process? What did/ would you do?
Until later....
Cheers!
Robin Wine Girl
First I am SO sorry to hear this news. I really am. I was laid off 7 months ago and was able to get a quick position with our biggest competitor. I am not sure how to answer this because I don't know exactly what you do. I am however a tech recruiter so have a lot of experience in positions. What type of position were you in? Are there many or was yours a rare position and hard to find a replacement??
ReplyDeleteI have worked 3 months on getting the band. I was submitted this morning and actually approved from insurance within 2 hours. I was blown away. So a lot of people are getting approved quick because of the new year. ? Not sure if that helps. Try Linked In as well. Amazing spot to network and contact people directly.
Oh Robin, I am so sorry! And I really don't what to say about your decision. Wow! I will say prayers for you. My thoughts are with you!
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry about the job. I am not sure what they job market is like in California so I can't really comment on what I would do.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. I have been moping since Friday, but tonight I had an epiphany. Why wait until I am banded to start my journey? I have read some bloggers that say they can't even tell they have it. First I will start drinking 64+ oz of water per day - sipping no gulping and making sure I get 65+ grams of protein per day. No more waiting or excuses for me.
ReplyDeleteRobin So sorry to hear this! I hope and pray that things will work out for you ASAP!!! Keep pressing forward!!! Be positive!!! Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the news. Keep us posted. Such bad timing.
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