So, I have been going through the SSDI process for a couple years now, and I’m just waiting for my ALJ hearing. During those two years, I’ve depleted my savings and investments, and finally had to sell my house. Actually got an offer on the house yesterday, and we’ll be downsizing so we can live within what my wife makes. I realize that some folks end up homeless and so saying that I can live on my wife’s income is a pretty good situation compared to a lot of people, and I’m not complaining. I’ve been in six major accidents, had 4 fusions, and have been less and less able to work after each one, and as I age, of course the pain gets worse. (I’m 54.) But like a lot of you, I’ve done my best anyway. Every time my condition has gotten worse, after each accident or surgery, I’ve done whatever the doctors thought would keep me working for a few years and did what I could until I had to try something else.
So… at this point, my wife and I are now living check-to-check, in debt, and had we not sold the house yesterday, we would not have been able to make the mortgage payment next month. And lo and behold, today I get offered a full time job. I know I won’t be able to do the job long term. I may not even last a couple weeks. But I need the money. Here’s my concern- if the ALJ is suddenly scheduled tomorrow, am I going to screw myself if I have just accepted a full time job? What if I work there a month and then quit, a week or a month or whatever before the ALJ hearing?
Anyone that can provide any insight here? I’d sure appreciate it.