I’ve tried moving around this site and other links to your name, but cannot locate an email. If you click on my name, it takes you directly to my website and email. My resume etc is also on my website.

I do appreciate your sincere concern. It seems there are very few people around me who understand this amount of frustration and concern about the well being of my family.

Karen (contact info on website, would put it here but don’t want to bait the spammers!)

I’ve tried everything on the list, but it works for a “while”. After a while, it turns into another (this is getting nowhere).

I think the best tip is helping others to help pass the time. Just staying busy.

Those with small kids like myself. I feel for you. It is impossible to just get out of the house and do something for yourself. You have a greater responsibility.

Yes, I’m pissed, depressed, but not giving up. my mornings are job hunting, every day. Till I feel like I want to throw my PC and DSL out the window.

That’s life and gotta keep moving.

*Watch what you eat. High fat and sugar may feel like comfort food but will actually make you feel worse.
*Get out of the house! You may not feel like being around other people which is exactly why you should.
*Spend some time around children. They are instant mood boosters and remind us of the simple things in life.
*Take an in between job, treat it as an adventure or stepping stone but having some income will relieve your pressure and help you to see things clearly.
*If depression lingers, see your doctor. Blue days are normal but clinical depression requires treatment, don’t ignore it.
*Have a timed pity party, 15 minutes, let it all out, cry, scream, feel sorry for yourself and then get on with it.
*Hold your family and friends close, share your struggles and know that you can recover from job loss and financial hardship.

In all likelihood, you won’t get any ‘pity’ from many people – if any. There are millions of people who are floating on the same cruise ship. So… as so many others have said, “Pull on your pants. Get dressed. Move on. It’s your life. Deal with it.”

Make the most of the time that you would otherwise not have to yourself. Put a list of ‘honey do’s’ or ‘action items’ together. Get that will or living trust written. Go see your 9investment broker. Join AARP and take a “Driver improvement course” for $12 – you might save money on your car insurance. Get your finances in order. Volunteer. Paint the kitchen. Vacuum the car. Yes! Set some direction for yourself. Read that book you’ve been putting off forever. Or, as I’m doing: I go to the community pool and swim 3x per week. Best exercise there is… just $3.60 for 1-2 hours.

I’ve been visiting my broker – repeatedly. Going to job fairs. Visiting disabled friends. Helping others with their new computers. Investigating some courses at my local community college. Assessing my station in life and going to career networking meetings (lots of them).

Love yourself. Love your family. Love your life. Make it happen.

This is not a dress rehearsal folks – so get on the stage and as Star Trek’s Piccard says, “Make it so.”

What the heck is wrong with this picture. I’m gripping because I’m too young to retire and too old to get hired and here you are with your own insurance getting penalized for not signing up for Medicare.
I have so much to look forward to don’t I?!

Here’s YOUR list with MY comments:

1) I gave myself a make over, new clothes (not too many and not expensive) hair cut, makeup, the works. (NOT SO MUCH. JUST ENOUGH CLOTHES FOR JOB SEARCHING)

2) Set up agents with every job board I could find. (LIST OF JOB BOARD/AGENCIES NOW at 75)

3) Tried some work from home suggestions, (they are a waste of money and usually a rip-off).
(NOT GONNA TRY THIS)

4) Got really bored and started watching too much TV (BIG mistake) gained a few pounds.
(SAME HERE…TOO MUCH DOMINO’s PIZZA)

5) Read a few books (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – excellent book, Eat, Pray, Love another good one)
(READING, WHAT’S THAT.. I HAVE NO PATIENCE)

5) Springtime – planted a garden and keep working and weeding (lost a few of those pounds).
(LUCKY YOU. I WISH I HAD A GARDEN. I CANT EVEN GROW PLANTS IN MY APT)

6) Depression never too far from the service, but trying to add in more exercise to curb this.
(GOOD IDEA. I WAS THINKING ABOUT JOINING A CHEAP LOCAL GYM)

7) Re-wrote resumes and cover letters again, signed up with Twitter, Facebook and of course LinkedIn.
(SIGNED UP FOR SAME…….MY RESUME’S ABOUT AS GOOD AS I CAN GET IT. I DONT HAVE STD COVER LETTERS, BUT I WRITE INDIVIDUAL LTR/BUT MOSTLY EMAIL)

I am so frustrated and sad…..and so tired of agencies rejecting me for what I KNOW is my age…. Now I’m having a fight with Social Security. Signed up for Medicare at 66.5 yrs….until oct 08 I HAD HEALTH INSURANCE SO WHY SHD I SIGN UP FOR M’CARE. But turns out I am penalized by 10% for NOT SIGNING UP…BUT I HAD HEALTH INSURANCE…>ROUND AND ROUND WE GO. ANd just TRY and get a real person on the phone at SS or M’Care…..(OK…RANT OVER!!! THanks for listening).