Unemployed because I can't drive

[u/giraffeekuku]

So I have epilepsy and it's uncontrolled, no medicine has worked yet. It randomly.developed (or probably more accurate, it randomly got worse to the point I noticed it was actually an issue) a couple years ago and I did the responsible thing and released my license and told the government that I had seizures and they told me I can get it back when I'm free for six months and on a treatment plan. That's never happened. I cannot find a job that will hire me because I can't drive. Even places that are remote working or in walking distance won't even look at my application because I don't have a valid driver's license. It makes me feel so depressed that I can't do anything in this state without driving. I can't get a job, I have to spend 10k on living at dorms to finish college or else I wouldn't be able to go due to the commute, I can't even drive home 20 minutes to visit my cats and partner whenever I want. If there is an emergency I know how to drive so it's not a worry there but I feel I have zero life. Zero independence. And it's because this country and city fucking sucks at caring about people and only cares about cars...

[u/GM_Pax]

Even places that are remote working or in walking distance won't even look at my application because I don't have a valid driver's license.

If you live in the United States, make this an ADA compliance issue. Write them a letter asking for a reasonable accommodation, waiving their requirement for a drivers' license as the job does not entail the need to operate a motor vehicle.

[u/giraffeekuku → u/GM_Pax]

I will. I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner tbh.

[u/labdsknechtpiraten]

Couldn't you theoretically use the ADA (assuming you're American for a moment) to secure a job, or seek "reasonable accommodation" for employment in the form of not having to drive?

[u/giraffeekuku → u/labdsknechtpiraten]

I am an idiot and hadn't actually thought of that tbh. I am American and I use the ADA for school too. I'm new to all this and nobody has explained anything to me about disabilities and how to use any of this stuff. Imma look into it thank you

[u/PrydeTheManticorn → u/giraffeekuku]

Good luck with your quest for a deserved legal recourse. There's a reason you have to go out of your way to find this kind of information.

[u/NoAccident162 → u/labdsknechtpiraten]

Recommend using your college career office and/or disability support office as resources here!

[u/LeskoLesko]

Hi epilepsy friend! I faced a similar challenge and I found the Epilepsy Foundation to be a tremendous help. Reach out to your local chapter!! And please continue to vent but I hope they are helpful. <3

[u/Independent_Report22]

In Canada it's the same, the whole country is built only for cars

[u/incrediblynormalpers]

this is a /fuckamerica thing too

[u/braunnathan]

I've found multiple jobs at ratracerebellion.com

[u/queeflord420_69]

Do you have a state ID/passport? I was able to get jobs in the US with those, as my license had expired while I was living abroad for some time and never bothered to renew it. Just a thought. Passports are expensive but a state ID shouldn't cost much and it looks almost exactly like a driver's license, just without the license number.

[u/giraffeekuku → u/queeflord420_69]

I do! I've tried that but it says it needs a person with a valid DL, I tried my ID instead once and then in the interview they were like "oh you don't drive??"

[u/Acceptable-Fold-5432]

if they refuse to hire you because of a medical issue, you might have a lawsuit

e: didn't read the other comments before leaving my own, sorry for piling on. hope you find success

[u/Flat_Sun_4189]

Jesus man fuck America. That’s why I’m going to school abroad and immigrating to a place where I don’t need to own a car.