Guest guest Posted October 13, 2009 Report Share Posted October 13, 2009 Thanks so much for your post. Your timing could not be better as I have a meeting tomorrow morning set up to see what my employer can offer. Like you, I have decided that I can no longer live in cubicle hell.I know that this will make it tougher to continue to find workbut I have to consider my mental health and quality of life.Please feel free to share what you have learned. You cancontact me off the list if you want at cogman1@....Thanks again.CurtGood always wins. So be good! Hi Curtis, I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to "cubicle hell." I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with "cubicle hell" and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate. If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Just left the meeting with my employer andthey will not do anything to accomodate me regarding my issues with 4s. The reasonthey gave me is that by putting me in anoffice with a door or allowing me to workfrom home they would be showing me preferentialTreatment. They were sure to have another person inthe room during the meeting I am sure to act as a witness.This person was also my boss and the person I confided in aboutmy 4s. Up until today, my wife is the only other person that knewabout my 4s ( and of course the folks on this list ). Bottom line, they said that they wanted to do everything toaccomodate me but that they could do nothing. Right this minuteI feel humiliated and really pissed off. Even though I went togreat lengths to describe this condition to my boss when I confided in him, it was obvious that he had not read any ofthe information I gave him and did not at all understand whatI was asking for. I don't want preferential treatment I just wantsome goddamn quiet so I can concentrate and be productive!!!I guess I could have pushed back and challenged them and askedthem why they allow people to do such unprofessional thingslike pop gum or floss thier teeth at their desks in the first place.But to be honest, I was so drained and shocked by the end ofthe meeting that I just sat there like a kid that just pissed hispants.I realize by re-reading this that many of you may think that I amthe shy and timid type or that I am spineless. Couldn't be anyfarther from the truth. Before I was forced to take this shifty jobI owned my own software company for almost 20 years. In normal life, I am a leader, self made, businessman. Problemis once the business was gone, so was the control over my life. Up until this past year I have managed my 4s very welland rarely was it an issue in a professional environment. Now,because of the circumstances, 4s has taken over my life andI feel crippled by it. Today was a new low. I'm really startingto wonder if the rest of my life is doomed to be as miserableas this past year has been and if it is even worth it. I am reallystuck because we need the money but I am losing my mindwith no help or hope in sight. Thanks for letting me vent. I have until 5:00pm tomorrow todecide if I accept this position on a perm basis. I really do notknow what to do or what I will decide. Of course the sensibleside of me says to accept the job and then spend every freemoment trying to find another better job. But what if the newJob is just the same bullshit? Then what?? It is clear that I need out of cubicle hell but that is where they always putsoftware engineers. Arg!!!!!Good always wins. So be good! Thanks so much for your post. Your timing could not be better as I have a meeting tomorrow morning set up to see what my employer can offer. Like you, I have decided that I can no longer live in cubicle hell.I know that this will make it tougher to continue to find workbut I have to consider my mental health and quality of life.Please feel free to share what you have learned. You cancontact me off the list if you want at cogman1.Thanks again.CurtGood always wins. So be good!On Oct 13, 2009, at 9:44, Martha Spear <marthamaverne> wrote: Hi Curtis, I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to "cubicle hell." I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with "cubicle hell" and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate. If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Wow that was a surprise to read. I feel sorry for you. If it were me I would weigh up how many debts I had and how easy it would be to get another job, if both of these were not an issue I would tell them that if they wanted to keep me they would accommodate me. Could they be testing how serious you are? Otherwise maybe accept the job find a new one ir again start from scratch on your own. I just quit my job without a fall back plan and although I saved up enough money to keep me going for a few months its very stressful. Fight for what you believe in what you feel is right and then create the world you want to live in. Can't be any harder than living in hell right?Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on 3Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:40:38 -0700 (PDT)To: Soundsensitivity <Soundsensitivity >Subject: Re: (unknown) Just left the meeting with my employer andthey will not do anything to accomodate me regarding my issues with 4s. The reasonthey gave me is that by putting me in anoffice with a door or allowing me to workfrom home they would be showing me preferentialTreatment. They were sure to have another person inthe room during the meeting I am sure to act as a witness.This person was also my boss and the person I confided in aboutmy 4s. Up until today, my wife is the only other person that knewabout my 4s ( and of course the folks on this list ). Bottom line, they said that they wanted to do everything toaccomodate me but that they could do nothing. Right this minuteI feel humiliated and really pissed off. Even though I went togreat lengths to describethis condition to my boss when I confided in him, it was obvious that he had not read any ofthe information I gave him and did not at all understand whatI was asking for. I don't want preferential treatment I just wantsome goddamn quiet so I can concentrate and be productive!!!I guess I could have pushed back and challenged them and askedthem why they allow people to do such unprofessional thingslike pop gum or floss thier teeth at their desks in the first place.But to be honest, I was so drained and shocked by the end ofthe meeting that I just sat there like a kid that just pissed hispants.I realize by re-reading this that many of you may think that I amthe shy and timid type or that I am spineless. Couldn't be anyfarther from the truth. Before I was forced to take this shifty jobIowned my own software company for almost 20 years. In normal life, I am a leader, self made, businessman. Problemis once the business was gone, so was the control over my life. Up until this past year I have managed my 4s very welland rarely was it an issue in a professional environment. Now,because of the circumstances, 4s has taken over my life andI feel crippled by it. Today was a new low. I'm really startingto wonder if the rest of my life is doomed to be as miserableas this past year has been and if it is even worth it. I am reallystuck because we need the money but I am losing my mindwith no help or hope in sight. Thanks for letting me vent. I have until 5:00pm tomorrow todecide if I accept this position on a perm basis. I really do notknow what to do or what I will decide. Of coursethe sensibleside of me says to accept the job and then spend every freemoment trying to find another better job. But what if the newJob is just the same bullshit? Then what?? It is clear that I need out of cubicle hell but that is where they always putsoftware engineers. Arg!!!!!Good always wins. So be good!On Oct 13, 2009, at 12:41, Curtis Dunne <cogman1> wrote: Thanks so much for your post. Your timing could not be better as I have a meeting tomorrow morning set up to see what my employer can offer. Like you, I have decided that I can no longer live in cubicle hell.I know that this will make it tougher to continue to find workbut I have to consider my mental health and quality of life.Please feel free to share what you have learned. You cancontact me off the list if you want at cogman1.Thanks again.CurtGood always wins. So be good!On Oct 13, 2009, at 9:44, Martha Spear <marthamaverne> wrote: Hi Curtis, I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to "cubicle hell." I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with "cubicle hell" and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate. If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2009 Report Share Posted October 14, 2009 Wow I feel for you man. You should feel proud though that you had the courage to do what's right and ask for you needed.I'm planning to do the same thing at my next review - I'm thinking of just making it clear that I need to occasionally escape to one of the smaller conferences rooms for a couple hours at a time to cool down. Maybe you can ask for a compromise like that? You did the right thing though. We all deserve the right to concentrate in peace if not an end to disgusting noise. Please keep us informed about the decision you make about the job and good luck! I'm software engineer to in a completely open concept (not even a cubicle wall).- Adeel Just left the meeting with my employer andthey will not do anything to accomodate me regarding my issues with 4s. The reasonthey gave me is that by putting me in an office with a door or allowing me to workfrom home they would be showing me preferentialTreatment. They were sure to have another person inthe room during the meeting I am sure to act as a witness. This person was also my boss and the person I confided in aboutmy 4s. Up until today, my wife is the only other person that knewabout my 4s ( and of course the folks on this list ). Bottom line, they said that they wanted to do everything toaccomodate me but that they could do nothing. Right this minuteI feel humiliated and really pissed off. Even though I went to great lengths to describe this condition to my boss when I confided in him, it was obvious that he had not read any ofthe information I gave him and did not at all understand whatI was asking for. I don't want preferential treatment I just want some goddamn quiet so I can concentrate and be productive!!!I guess I could have pushed back and challenged them and askedthem why they allow people to do such unprofessional thingslike pop gum or floss thier teeth at their desks in the first place. But to be honest, I was so drained and shocked by the end ofthe meeting that I just sat there like a kid that just pissed hispants.I realize by re-reading this that many of you may think that I am the shy and timid type or that I am spineless. Couldn't be anyfarther from the truth. Before I was forced to take this shifty jobI owned my own software company for almost 20 years. In normal life, I am a leader, self made, businessman. Problemis once the business was gone, so was the control over my life. Up until this past year I have managed my 4s very well and rarely was it an issue in a professional environment. Now,because of the circumstances, 4s has taken over my life andI feel crippled by it. Today was a new low. I'm really starting to wonder if the rest of my life is doomed to be as miserableas this past year has been and if it is even worth it. I am reallystuck because we need the money but I am losing my mindwith no help or hope in sight. Thanks for letting me vent. I have until 5:00pm tomorrow todecide if I accept this position on a perm basis. I really do notknow what to do or what I will decide. Of course the sensibleside of me says to accept the job and then spend every freemoment trying to find another better job. But what if the newJob is just the same bullshit? Then what?? It is clear that I need out of cubicle hell but that is where they always putsoftware engineers. Arg!!!!!Good always wins. So be good! Thanks so much for your post. Your timing could not be better as I have a meeting tomorrow morning set up to see what my employer can offer. Like you, I have decided that I can no longer live in cubicle hell. I know that this will make it tougher to continue to find workbut I have to consider my mental health and quality of life.Please feel free to share what you have learned. You can contact me off the list if you want at cogman1@....Thanks again.CurtGood always wins. So be good! On Oct 13, 2009, at 9:44, Martha Spear <marthamaverne> wrote: Hi Curtis, I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to " cubicle hell. " I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with " cubicle hell " and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate. If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 Curtis, you are front runner and a brave pionner in this field and your personal attempts to find justice will not be in vain! Small steps can lead up to the tops of great mountains. You need your MD or a medical provider to put some teeth into your situatin. Dr. J > > > Hi Curtis, > > I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. > > Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to " cubicle hell. " I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with " cubicle hell " and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate. > > If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 And to know that the law requires employers to give preferential treatment, for example a deaf person would have preferential treatment in the provision of a sign language interpreter, so we need different and preferential treatment too as a reasonable accomodation. Good luck Curtis in whatever you decide to do. Best wishes Dianne Subject: Re: (unknown)To: Soundsensitivity Date: Thursday, 15 October, 2009, 7:17 AM Curtis, you are front runner and a brave pionner in this field and your personal attempts to find justice will not be in vain!Small steps can lead up to the tops of great mountains. You need your MD or a medical provider to put some teeth into your situatin.Dr. J> > > Hi Curtis,> > I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. > > Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to "cubicle hell." I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with "cubicle hell" and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate.> > If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 My experience is that since this is not a federally recognized disability, then they do not have to do anything about it or accommodate you. I tried to get help for this condition years ago in college from the disability office and that was also their answer. So I couldn't get any help. My sister who went with me was able to get help for her dyslexia, but they would not help me, and needless to say this condition is hell to deal with when trying to go to school, and so I've never been able to finish and get my degree. I feel totally discriminated against having to deal with this condition in our society. I am currently trying to get disability and have a lawyer who took my case. In addition, I am fortunate that I found a therapist who believes me about the pain and difficulty I go through coping with 4S and the hyperacusis I have, and who is helping me be able to manage it better. I thank God for her, not only because she is now seeing me on a sliding scale rate since I lost my insurance, but because so many people just don't understand what we go through... or believe us. Thanks to you too Dr. ! You are such an important person to all of our sanity. I have appreciated all the help you have been able to give to me and others who struggle with sound sensitivity. It has made a difference. So far, my case hasn't been heard in court, but I will let this group know how it goes. -Randall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2009 Report Share Posted October 15, 2009 Curtis, I understand how you feel, I work in cubicles as well. It is a nightmare. I identified about what you saif about shyness. People have this perception of me, until recently when someone told me, " you are not shy, you are reserved " . I don't really consider myself shy, however most of my life people say that I am. My mother was telling me yesterday how she wished I was more social, extroverted like my brother. The truth is that I am all those things and I also enjoy being alone and spending quiet time alone. What can we have that alone and quiet time, specially at work, what is wrong with that? Also the truth is that I do not become more social at times, to protect my 4S. For example, if there is a crowd and they are smacking gum, although I may want to share and be social, I remove myself for the sake of my 4S. People don't understand this. My boss knows that I like quiet environment, mostly because she told me that when she was talking with my former boss when checking references, they discussed it. Taling about my former boss being discrete, but I guess that helped me in some sense. Still my boss, does not seem to grasp the effect the work environment has on people. My team is going trough a tough time and in the mean time instead of bringing more knowledable people, the brought this girl that has given us the perception of being the complete opposite. I try to get away from her as much as I can. I am not trying to be disrespectful to her, however I was raised to look at behavior and get away from bad behavior as it may affect you, so this is what I am doing. Waleska > > > > > > Hi Curtis, > > > > I hope this goes to the right post. An employer is required by law (Americans With Disabilities Act) to make reasonable accommodations for you. I went through this last year - luckily I had a psychologist to back me up. I was given an office with a door. There's info on the Internet about this kind of stuff that I found helpful. > > > > Unfortunately my company transferred their offices to other states and I have been laid off. I will not go back to " cubicle hell. " I'm looking for jobs where I can be isolated - and to add that requirement to this economy is really discouraging. I've spent well over 25 years trying to deal with " cubicle hell " and I'm not going to do it anymore. Life is too short. I'm 56, have been dealing with 4S since I was 8 and each experience seems to get worse. So I'm determined to find some way to make money where I can be comfortable. I look at as a disability that I have to learn to accommodate. > > > > If I can share the little I've learned about the ADA and reasonable accommodations let me know. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2010 Report Share Posted May 25, 2010 My advice to parents starting out would be to have an opiate peptide test done. If the opiates are high, then try the diet, but I would include the removal of soy protein since it is so similar to casein.We did not do it all at once. We took away casein first, and our son went through horrible withdrawal phase for about three weeks. a couple of months later we took away gluten, and then about six months after that we took soy away AFTER another peptide test showed the levels of opiates had come down but was still high. I wish I had known about soy sooner. Four days after removing soy, my son said his first sentence! I know the diet doesn't work for every child, but if the opiates are high, a strict six month trial of removing casein, gluten, and soy is worth a shot. I do believe it is all or nothing if one decides to try. I know even a little of these proteins to this day has a profound effect on my son's behavior and other autism markers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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