I became ill and lost my job two years ago. I almost died. I also lost my job because of not being able?
to go back to work. I have recovered and now I have an opportunity to get a better job. The only problem is that this employer may run a credit check along with a background check. He asked if there was any history of arrest or anything and I told the truth and said no. He did not ask about my credit. I had to file bankruptcy two years ago because I was not able to return to work right away and the bills piled up so bad that I would have been in debt for the next 40 years! Other than that I have been responsible for my bills and always pay them on time. When I filed the attorney said that there is a federal law that keeps an employer from discriminating against a person who files. Is this true? Why is a perspective employer able to eliminate a person from a job in which they are otherwise well qualified for when he or she has had to file? I will not be working with money. I have never stolen anything in my life!
July 19th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
just tell him that—if he’s rational, he’ll understand
July 21st, 2009 at 10:48 am
your credit and heartships is nun so thier bussiness that would be discriminating the whole world falls on hard times one time or another best of luck to you
July 24th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Bonnie, Bonnie Bonnie, BANKRUPT……sheesh, you didn’t have to do that.
There are many ways to skin the financial burden that scares most people into thinking they are doomed.
I owed more than $700,000 in debt and cleared it all up in four years without bankruptcy.
Bonnie you goofed.
July 27th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
* i know in the uk it is illegal to give a bad reference employers can refuse to give a reference though.i also though it illegal to sack someone while they were of sick.it might be worth contacting a solicitor and asking if it is the same in the usa.good luck.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
A friend of mine was in a similar situation. He had become ill, lost his job, and was deeply in debt. When he had the opportunity for another job, he was honest with his prospective employer, and told him that his credit was VERY bad, and also told him why.
It was not an issue, and he got the job !
Since they didn’t ask about your credit, I don’t think it will be a problem. If they do check your credit, and question you about it, just be honest with them. Good luck..I think it will work out for you !
July 31st, 2009 at 12:23 am
I know what you mean the sheriffs department does the same thing.It sounds silly that point in having a job is to get your credit back on track so you can pay bills.The equal opportunity’s act specifies you can’t discriminate against sex(which is fun to have),religion,color but does not specify credit checks.
August 1st, 2009 at 10:17 am
Depeding on the job you are applying for different rules apply. We had a medical emergency a few years back and I was applying for a GREAT job and was scared about the background check. I was honest with the prospective employer and they assured me that for this position, they would only be checking criminal history. I got the job and am getting the credit fixed now
Good luck.
August 4th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
What your lawyer said is true, but hard to prove. However, it is not unusual (did I just hear Tom Jones?) for what you have gone through to happen. Your employer could look on it as a factor. But he will know that people do get ill and return to the workplace. He will also know that unemployed sick people often have to file for bankruptcy — it’s survival plain and simple
However. you can preempt any negative effects by getting reference letters from former employers, former co-workers, former clients\customers and from former volunteer work organizations you have done volunteer work before and even from friends.
Furthermore, your credit record will show that you have been current with your bills since the illness. If asked be sure to point this out.
Good luck!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I am unable to work because of health issues also and so will not be further injuring to your self-esteem when I tell you.
Your post of…..and the bills piled up so bad that I WOULD have been in debt for the next 40 years!….says it all:
Your need for answer here at YA towards the truth of your lawyers claim regarding this federal law being truly on the books or not leaves me stymied, and so you want to become an attorney?.
The ask of what a perspective employer may do towards your display here, which cries for your display in the cause towards wishing to work, and also the strongly-worded and seemingly odd and unecessary posting of exoneration of guilt regarding…..not working with money, never stole anything in my life…..shows me you already know what you want to do, already know what you are doing, and so you should.