I got paralyzed from the waist down in a logging accident 32 years ago. That worked out well in the sense of getting workman's compensation insurance to cover related medical expenses, wheelchairs, etc, along with providing a steady pension that is enough to live a life free from economic insecurity—as long as I don't spend all my money on drugs.
In 1988, I was going to graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara. Due to the regulations for Washington State's Department of Labor & Industries workman's comp program, I would have lost my lifetime annuity and medical coverage since I was vocationally rehabilitated. I made the right economic decision to not graduate—my health is and was too fragile to trade potential employment for secure income and medical coverage. Until 2008, that decision always ate a hole in my heart. Watching engineers my age that worked their way up the income ladder to making 100k+/year lose their job and then their house gave me a change of heart towards how I felt about not graduating.
Today is payday. I am grateful to have a steady income that is sufficient to pay for all I need and for many extra little creature comforts such as paying my bills and a Costco shopping trip later today.
No comments:
Post a Comment