My story is probably similar to millions of others.

I was raised in the generation where you were taught that you get your education, get a job in a big company, work there for 30 or 40 years, retire, and live happily ever after.

We were also led to believe that for our loyalty to this company, they would reciprocate this loyalty to us.

Only the sad truth remains.

I worked my tail off for 20 years at a large transportation company (who will remain nameless). Every year, I would receive wonderful reviews from my facilitators.

Then, I made the mistake of developing Fibromyalgia. The pain, depression and fatigue is unbearable. Still, I tried to come to work each day and do my best for the company.

I started calling off sick and my facilitator warned me that I should probably get on FMLA (The Family Medical Leave Act). This will protect your job, he said. So I did.

My work was suffering due to brain fog that comes with this disease. I admit it. I even asked to be put in a less-stressful position, where I could still help the company. They said there was nothing available. They said we cannot put you in another position just because "you can't perform your own". Well! Thank you so much!

I got verbal warnings, then written warnings for my performance, then the "FINAL WRITTEN WARNING".

I'm less than 6 months away from early retirement, and they are not even going to let me get there.

Lord, help me.

When I thought all was lost, my manager called me into his office. He said, "since your final written warning, your performance has not improved, and we just cannot have that in this job". Oh My God, I thought I was getting fired right then and there.

Then, he told me there was an opening in another position he could put me in. Under the condition that I send him an email with the date of my early retirement. In other words, take this position, submit your retirement papers, or you're fired.

Yes, I was grateful that they were going to at least let me get my retirement benefits, but that stung. Big time.

My new job is low-stress and I am counting the days until my retirement.

Never again will I depend on corporate America.

I have started my online business, and I will never look back. I will work for myself and try to help as many other people as I can who find themselves in the same situation I was in.

We, The People...NOT Corporate America...will pull together to help each other succeed.