The relief of disability

ImNotDeadYet
ImNotDeadYet Member Posts: 244

Well, I did it. Effective yesterday, I'm officially out on disability. And I have to say that I feel lighter, like a burden has been lifted from my body. I don't think I realized just how much the stress of trying to manage the workload was taking a toll on me. I knew it was, but now the difference is palpable. Now my primary focus is on my health and managing my care. This may be as close to actual retirement as I ever get, so I'll take it!

Gary

Comments

  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    Good move

    I am glad I took disability. The first several years I was very strong and healthy. Motorcycled, camped, golfed, exercised, and worked around the house a lot. I look forward to spring clean up soon.

    Being able to do the things I like keeps me going.

     

  • stub1969
    stub1969 Member Posts: 966 Member
    Happy for you, Gary

    I have to believe you will benefit from your decision.  Wishing you only the best.

    Stub

     

  • Cinnamongirl
    Cinnamongirl Member Posts: 199 Member
    Good for you

    So happy to hear that everything worked out for you. It's important to limit stress. Now go enjoy. Best wishes to you always. Stay well.

    Cin

  • ImNotDeadYet
    ImNotDeadYet Member Posts: 244
    I'm amazed

    It blows my mind how much better I've been feeling with that work stress gone. I really had underestimated the importance of focusing on myself full time. Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement and support. 

  • amandac2018
    amandac2018 Member Posts: 26
    so happy to hear this Gary

    as you say, focusing on you and your health is number 1. I still toss this around each day, but so far still feeling so 'okay' that I am going to hang in there as long as I can. wishing you all the best!!!

  • kiwi68
    kiwi68 Member Posts: 110
    edited April 2018 #7
    Glad to hear

    that you are going to have the time to live and work on your health.  You did sound like you had a lot on your plate.  I try to remember something a very wise coworker told me  when I used to stress at work (big corporate 20 years).  The graveyard is full of indespensible people.  Eventually it clicked that work will always let you work, it's to their benefit.   Only you can make the decision to step away and see if it is better for you.   If you can make it financially on disability then I think it is a really wise move. 

  • JoeyZ
    JoeyZ Member Posts: 210 Member
    edited April 2018 #8
    Congrats to you! That's a big

    Congrats to you! That's a big milestone, and a huge relief for you! It will make your life a lot easier now. Just being able to relax a little and get rid of that worry is fantastic. Good for you!!

  • Abunai
    Abunai Member Posts: 173 Member
    Scary

    What is your household dynamic, Gary?

    Were/are you supporting a family still or have they all moved out?

    Is it SSDI disability?

  • ImNotDeadYet
    ImNotDeadYet Member Posts: 244
    edited April 2018 #10
    Abunai said:

    Scary

    What is your household dynamic, Gary?

    Were/are you supporting a family still or have they all moved out?

    Is it SSDI disability?

    Yes, a little scary

    I live with my "spousal equivalent" - we really haven't found a better term for it. She works full time (works from home), so I'll be able to go on her benefits when mine run out. We've both been married before, but neither of us has kids. (Though don't tell that to the dogs; they think they're our kids.) In the short-term, if AFLAC doesn't approve me for short-term disability, I may have to pull something out of retirement. After six months, I should be able to get on my company's long term disability policy, which would be 60% of my salary until retirement age or death, whichever comes first. (I'm 53 and there's still  no cure, so that one is a crap shoot.) If I'm still around at 65, then I'd take a "pay cut" and go on SS. There are quite a few "what ifs" in the equation, so nothing is in stone, which,  given the situation, is rather fitting, I suppose. But yeah  definitely a bit scary. However, based on how I've been feeling, I simply can't work right now, and I don't expect to be able to in the foreseeable future. So, however this plays out, I think it was the right call. 

  • Abunai
    Abunai Member Posts: 173 Member

    Yes, a little scary

    I live with my "spousal equivalent" - we really haven't found a better term for it. She works full time (works from home), so I'll be able to go on her benefits when mine run out. We've both been married before, but neither of us has kids. (Though don't tell that to the dogs; they think they're our kids.) In the short-term, if AFLAC doesn't approve me for short-term disability, I may have to pull something out of retirement. After six months, I should be able to get on my company's long term disability policy, which would be 60% of my salary until retirement age or death, whichever comes first. (I'm 53 and there's still  no cure, so that one is a crap shoot.) If I'm still around at 65, then I'd take a "pay cut" and go on SS. There are quite a few "what ifs" in the equation, so nothing is in stone, which,  given the situation, is rather fitting, I suppose. But yeah  definitely a bit scary. However, based on how I've been feeling, I simply can't work right now, and I don't expect to be able to in the foreseeable future. So, however this plays out, I think it was the right call. 

    The right call.

    Sounds to me like you're right.

    I've bee battling that choice for a while, but as a sole financial provider. If it were just me, My long term disability is only 50%

    Anyway. Best of luck.

  • ImNotDeadYet
    ImNotDeadYet Member Posts: 244
    Abunai said:

    The right call.

    Sounds to me like you're right.

    I've bee battling that choice for a while, but as a sole financial provider. If it were just me, My long term disability is only 50%

    Anyway. Best of luck.

    Good luck to you too

    You may want to look into whether that 50% is tax free if you pay the premium. I read something like that somewhere, but haven't had the chance to verify it with my accountant yet. Worth a look at any rate. 

  • AnnissaP
    AnnissaP Member Posts: 632 Member
    So happy to hear you are

    So happy to hear you are relieved. Enjoy "you" time and take care of yourself without the added stress.