Hi Semperfi,
I can tell you that losing one's job (whether by firing or quitting) is very common among us PTSDers... it is because many of us simply cannot do the things we used to be able to do.
We aren't the same people we were before; we now have different skills, different capabilities, as well as new weaknesses. The things that used to be strengths may now be weaknesses or may no longer exist. This may mean that we are no longer suited to do the work we were doing before. This
may mean that during your worst outbreaks of PTSD symptoms, you are unable to work
at all. (I went through that, personally -- and still do at times) And, this may mean that you are now suited to do
completely different work now than before.
Letting go of our previous lifestyle, and letting go of our old way of measuring accomplishments, is supremely hard. Incredibly,
incredibly hard. After all, we lived our lives measuring our successes that way for how many years???
But it is
necessary to let go of previous measurement methods, because your life is no longer measured in the way that you've been measuring it up 'til now. You're using a measuring system that doesn't even
acknowledge the things being measured now. It is like trying to use a test tube to measure how tall a skyscraper is -- clearly, a test tube is the
wrong tool for the job. A test tube has no way of even acknowledging, let alone quantifying, the many unique aspects of a skyscraper.
However if you insist upon looking at things in the old way (using your trusty test tube) then all you're going to see is
failure - failure - failure ... because in the past, all you were measuring was test tube things.
Now, in terms of "where to go next," I agree completely with waif123, I would get a full report of my human resources file including all documentation for what the employer's complaints are as well as why you were fired (
DO NOT tell them you are talking to a lawyer. Don't tell them
anything. Just ask for a copy of your file,
period. It's your file, so you have a right to it --
no explanations are necessary.). An initial consult with most lawyers are free... I would contact a couple of lawyers for their opinions. Also make sure you file for unemployment in the meantime.
You may realize after some soul-searching that you don't actually
want your old job anymore, that it is no longer suited to you.
That's okay. Many of us have gone off in a totally new direction, to new lines of work. There is
nothing wrong with that. Keep in mind that the smart thing to do, no matter
what illness we're talking about, is:
- Treat the illness; and
- Get a job well-suited to our abilities, weaknesses and personality.
There's also nothing saying you couldn't collect a wrongful termination settlement and then turn around and dump their sorry asses for a job that is a much better fit. :) Contact a lawyer and see what your options are; it doesn't cost anything to do so.
Bailey