Same Goal…Different Journeys

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to visit the MEO Blog, a journey through my navigation of the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style). Making my way through the Ticket-To-Work Program (TTWP), I can honestly say, was one of life’s greatest challenges and blessings for me. I had to move scared sometimes, sick, and in the midst of setbacks, while still believing I could…even though it certainly didn’t look that way at times. If these blogs can help anyone with hesitation, or discouragement, not give up on their goal of returning to the workspace…helping them to be better off today than they were yesterday…that’s a win for them and those connected to them.

While writing this, I thought about my time walking through the maze of making my way back into the workspace. When I entered, I was on SSDI. The workspace was on the other side of the maze, but there was no clear path and all I could see was what was in front of me…right in front of me. Many days, I couldn’t look up to even try to see what was ahead. The goal was to just get through the day. But as I look back, I realize that even when it’s hard to look up, if you just keep stepping, keep moving, keep waking up and trying again…rest or adjust if you must…but don’t give up. Those of us with (dis)abilities have to do some things differently and others, maybe not at all. A journey isn’t a journey, unless we are moving. The journey is what moves us from where we were to where we want to be or ought to be.

I’ve had my own journey through the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style). And if you’ve been following this blog, you know a lot about my journey; and for my forever gratitude for my Employment Counselor (EC) and Benefits Specialist. I had to do my part, but they helped me to see what I couldn’t see. They didn’t have to find me; I pestered them for sure! 😊I know we hear it all the time…but it is so…two-way communication is a very important key to success. In the maze of returning to work, we don’t wait to be found, we keep moving, job searching, applying, interviewing, etc. My EC provided the tools and encouragement I needed to gain and maintain employment, but whether I used them or not was up to me. My Benefits Specialist provided information and guidance regarding how working affected my Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits and what a safety net looked like. I was able to stay on top of what was very confusing to me…not based on my own understanding of all things SSA…but hers…the SSA Guru.

I share a lot about my journey from SSDI back to the working world, returning to a field that I love, working with some of the most amazing humans, who have a heart for people and especially people with (dis)abilities. I’m grateful and I don’t take it for granted. But I want to pause for a moment and appreciate those that I’m watching complete the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style), just as I did. I’ve worked here long enough now to see some of my own clients navigate the maze and multiple terrains to exit the maze into the working world as graduates of the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style). For me, the only thing sweeter than accomplishing that goal myself, is watching those who come behind me accomplish the same goal. I think that’s because I know what it means, personally.

Completing the TTWP means that all we’ve experienced while in the maze, supported by our EC and Benefits Specialist, has molded us into a version of our professional-selves that can now return to the workspace with the tools we need to be successful on our own. Just as it is in any training or race…don’t stop short of the finish line, to be sure that you don’t leave anything behind that may benefit you as you step outside of the maze back into the working world.

I can’t tell you the joy I feel when I see my clients finish the Ticket-To-Work Program (MEO Style). I think it’s also because when you have watched someone fall and get back up…fall again…and get back up…multiple times…see them grow and be open to help in whatever form they need, for healing and wholeness for the journey back into the workspace…it’s amazing to see their strength and determination pay off. Although they fell, they kept getting back up, got what they needed or did what they needed to do…and finished the program strong…no longer on SSDI or SSI. Once outside of the maze, we can look back with gratitude for the support and guidance…but most of all…that we didn’t give up!

As always, thank you so much for sharing some of your time with us today. We don’t take it for granted. I really appreciate our MEO CEO and manager for giving me the space to share with you in this way!! Take good care of yourselves and until next time…

 **If this is your first visit to our blog site, please feel free to visit previous blogs. If you’re interested in more information regarding applying for the MEO Ticket to Work Program…click here: https://myemploymentoptions.com/apply-now/