I know it is well intended to say it will all work out. But it so difficult to see the end. Right now, she is unemployed in a few weeks and will have no health, eye or dental coverage. She is 26 and can not be covered by us, parents. She has savings,in part because we strongly imparted this to our kids. Hate that she may have to use it.
I guess I am being so dramatic or negative because I have seen a lot of people take a long time to find a job. Let alone after being fired.
On the positive side, she graduated magna cum laude and outstanding graduate in her major from a top liberal arts college.
Ugh, ugh.
I understand how painful this is for you and your daughter, @morrismm. You’ve probably already thought about this, but in case you haven’t, be aware that loss of insurance because of loss of job is a qualifying event for purposes of being able to sign up for health insurance through the insurance marketplace.
https://www.mahealthconnector.org/get-started/special-enrollment-period
I would pay her Cobra for her if you can. She doesn’t have to say she was fired. Switching jobs no longer has the stigma it used to. In fact, neither does getting “laid off”.
Check individual insurance plans in MA. You may find something that will work that is far less costly than cobra from her current company.
Morrismm, I know. When our kids hurt, we bleed. It so hard to stay positive and strong when they feel down. Right now, you need to help her focus on applications for new jobs. Help find affordable health care coverage, even if Cobra. Clearly you believe in her, and will continue to to be her best admirer, even when she doubts herself. :x
At least here in MI, the plans on the exchange- even without subsidies- were way cheaper than my COBRA. Something to consider.
She’s unemployed in MA, the original Obamacare (Romneycare) state. It definitely has expanded medicaid. Her next employer might have a delay in coverage even if she starts work immediately so she’d be covered by medicaid.
Have her refill any prescriptions before she’s terminated. It’s easier if they do cancel her coverage. Any eye or dental coverage may end on day of termination.
Cobra is expensive but is always the best option in terms of coverage if you had a good corporate plan. You are looking at a short term expense. It’s always a gamble to give up good corporate insurance for an individual plan.
@morrismm - it is hard to watch our children struggle with a bad job situation. One of my daughters had a problem with sexual harassment and ended up leaving her job. She could have gone to the EEOC but didn’t want to lose any more sleep or energy over it. The loss of her hopeful and positive outlook about that job, and the world in general, was what hurt me the most.
She did move on and find a better place. Live and learn.
We continue to pick up the pieces, even after college. D2’s situations still drag on me and a chunk of it is things she just has to learn on her own. Al I can do is love her and give occasional advice. I said she got fired. After that, she also had another job that she chose to resign from after some stickiness (not her fault. An office politics situation that wasn’t worth it.) She lined up another job before quitting, started it, today. Fingers crossed. In that odd way life can work, this one is another small step up.
Even my other girl, who makes things work, has big frustrations with her boss, his moods, and a business situation affecting the whole team. I’m reminded of something I often said to myself, over the years: there is no perfect.
It is hard to know how to help our kids navigate the workforce. It’s worse than college, for sure! My daughter is a priest and has dramatic philosophical differences with her boss, who happens to be the Bishop and is one of the few hold-outs in not allowing his clergy to perform same sex marriages! Not unusual for a young clergy person, but challenging to navigate. My son is job-hunting at 5 years out of college and weighing “is it time to go get MBA” question. I try to be supportive but it’s not my life and I can’t control it.
True that MOWC.
D2 and I spoke today. She seems to have a good attitude about the whole thing and is looking to a fresh start. She made an eye doctor’s appointment, which she is due for. Then she will at least have a years worth of contacts. She also has a doctor’s appt. Not sure if it is time for a dental. She did find out about cobra and its cost. She has to get clarification about her retirement. She thinks it was immediate vested.
I would love if she went back to graduate school. But that is not my decision. Luckily, she has no student loans.
@morrismm excellent update.
I also had a kid who was let go from a job…but then oddly was asked to stay. He elected to leave. There were some bumps in the road…but he has landed on his feet in a place he likes a lot.
One door closed…and another opened.
Wishing the best to your daughter.
An update. D was just offered a permanent job working for a college in Boston. She has been working there as a temp for two months and they encouraged her to apply for the job.
So it pays between 15-20 % more, is a much better fit overall for D2 and is a more interesting and challenging job.
So you were all right. It worked out better and it is best not to worry. Worrying helps nothing!