i am eager to start working again. Due to anxiety, alcohol detox, mental health and depression, I have not worked in 8 years. I’m nearly 45 and have lived with extended family for these 8 years. I filed for disability 3x and I’m at the federal level of appeals. My doctors have all cautioned me against returning to work. If I do work here in New York, they collectively have advised against working - yes, even part-time, advising that’ll negatively reflect my disability case. Has anyone had a similar experience?

8 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 21,2026 at 11:51PM UTC

   Sounds like you are permanently disabled.

2. AnonymousApril 22,2026 at 12:35PM UTC

   Here's my question. Are the doctors cautioning you about returning to work because it will hurt your case or because it will hurt your health? If it is because it will hurt your case, that is honestly the wrong reason. If it will hurt your health, by all means, do not return to work. You are recovering and healing and cannot thrive if you do not try to stand up and do things for yourself. This is about you. This is for you. Do it for nobody but you.

3. AnonymousApril 23,2026 at 2:39PM UTC

   No offense intended, but simply a reality check. I wouldn't hire you for all those reasons even if you were the most perfectly qualified candidate. I just wouldn't risk it.

4. AnonymousApril 24,2026 at 11:39AM UTC

   Appreciate your honest feedback and candor. A prospective employer will not be privy to my restrictions or disabilities. I simply want to return to my ‘normal’ life. Perhaps I need to consider a new ‘normal.’

5. Zeecil KimmelApril 28,2026 at 12:44PM UTC

   I think this is not a helpful comment. If you have worked through BIG issues and are now on the other side, you have shown resilience, strength, and great character. Absolutely, you will share none of your imperfections with your new prospective employee, but your growth process is something to be proud of.

6. AnonymousApril 24,2026 at 10:45PM UTC

   Congratulations for taking the steps to recover your health. That takes strength and courage. I applaud you.

   Respectfully, I suggest that you remain unemployed until your case is settled — that is, if you want to follow the case through.

   After your case is settled (or dropped, if you should try to take that route) is the time to apply to employment.

7. AnonymousApril 28,2026 at 1:54PM UTC

   It is much harder to obtain disability if you are working. I have severe scoliosis, anxiety and CPTSD and tried 3 different times to get disability. I was basically told that since I was working that showed that I am capable of holding down a job and thus not in need of disability. Unfortunately many of us HAVE to work because we don't have anyone to support us while we go through the disability process. They did not care how difficult it was for me to work, they only looked at the fact that I was working.

   I also advise you to make sure your OWN doctors will provide statements on your behalf. Disability will have you see their doctors who will completely downplay your issues or dismiss them altogether! "Their" doctor found "minimal curvature of the spine" and stated that I am more than capable of working with no restrictions. My doctor found "severe curvature of the spine, perfect S shape, 42 degree curvature", suggested surgery along with numerous limitations. "Their" Psychologist found "normal psychological issues experienced by majority of society" with no diagnosis. My two different Psychologists both found "severe and prolonged childhood trauma as well as abuse" with a diagnosis of CPTSD along with severe associated anxiety. The point is their doctors work for them and will say whatever disability wants them to say. In my opinion this should be illegal and their licenses should be pulled for purposely misdiagnosing people for monetary purposes.

   Long story short; do not get a job until your disability case is over. If you are awarded disability be very careful if you decide to go to work because there are limitations on how much money you can make and how many hours you can work while on dissability and if you exceed those they will cut off your disability and it will be much harder to get it in the future (I had a friend that this happened to).

8. AnonymousApril 28,2026 at 4:29PM UTC

   This is why the current disability system stinks. It sounds like you want to work but might need some accommodations made due to your health concerns. Employers would rather not hire anyone than work with people who need a few simple accommodations. For example, a diabetic may need to stop an have a snack if their blood sugar gets too low or employees with back or knee issues are limited may be limited as to how much time they can spend standing or walking during a shift.