What do you do ?

[blues90]

When you find yourself at 56 jobless and no promising prospects in the near future . The few friends you had moved away . you live in hollywood and don't fit in . Your spouse is agoraphobic and feels like less and less every year and you are powerless and can't seem to get her out of the depression and you have been together 26 years . All what you know and are used to in the working society does not exist much anymore but you have skills in carpentry but have'nt worked as one for some time .
All i have been able to find is subpare policical fundraising work and panic every time as the day to start grows closer and you feel like a fish out of water . What do you do ?

[yewberry]

1. Wow.

It sounds like you're really struggling, and I'm sorry to hear that.

I don't know what to tell you about the job situation; that's a really hard thing. Keep trying, and find something that might help bring a sense of consistency to your life.

You should consider getting some help. There must be support groups in your area for families dealing with mental illness. Please, please look into this.

I wish I could help.
:hug:

[Deja Q]

2. Cope; by any legit means necessary.

Despite every dumb thing I've said the last few weeks; I am coping. I am one step from being in your position, jobwise. I'm a loner, so I can't say I've got friends to visit and the "fish out of water" feeling is as natural to me as breathing. The feeling of powerlessness at my job, the one I'm about to leave, is like a dagger going through my heart, shoved in from between my shoulder blades. (or I could just say I feel like I'm being stabbed in the back.)

Yes, it hurts - I know how you feel. But the only thing TO do is to press on; keep finding something that passes the time. Don't let it overpower you. And I'm also an example of what happens when you do let it overtake you. Keep finding something. Anything. Don't mull. Don't give it the power. That's what my counselor says and yesterday evening and today I took her advice to heart. I do feel a lot better.

[PassingFair]

3. Keep working.

Work at McDonald's if you have to.

Keep talking to people.

Keep volunteering.

Keep fighting the good fight.

You must muster the strength to go forward,
because going backwards or staying still
are not an option. Especially with a fragile-
minded wife to care for.

The world is RANDOM. Get out into it, and things
will begin to happen.

[Deja Q]

5. K&R

[flvegan]

4. Were it I

I'd first seek help for my spouse (and possibly myself). I'm assuming that being "jobless" likely means you're also "insuranceless" which makes that a tough prospect.

I'd make a list of all the things I can do, together with what I'm good at, and figure out how I can translate that into marketable skills for a job. Sounds like a mature fella with a successful political fundraising backgroung, coupled with the ability to envision, measure and effectively construct something (as is the deal with carpentry, right?) with a side order of "not afraid to get his hands dirty" would be one hell of a right had man for an elected official.

A diamond in the rough is still a diamond.

Oh, and welcome to DU.

[blues90]

6. I hope so

Today for some reason has to be one of the worst in a while . Looking through job sites and other adds is really depressing and the worst part I don't have much time left since the 3 month unemployment ran out end of may . Even through that period the jobs were rare and have become rarer.

I hate sounding like a depressed looser , I only brought this up because I need an outside objective opinion . So thank you who did comment .

I know well and good I am not alone but when you reach this point this doesn't seem to matter . Maybe tomorrow or next week will show some promise , who knows , I certainly can't see it now .

I don't have any insurance , what a surprise , i did have one shrink that actually listened and I was making some progress in finding out who I am but this was 7 years ago , since then with changed ins plans at the last long term job I ended up with a shrink as many are who offer valium to keep the panic and anxiety attacks away , now I am to numb even without drugs to notice panic .

Neither my wife or I see much hope , it's one day to the next at best with a very few when we both feel calm and ok . Her troubles go way back and things affect her much more than me since she is more in touch with herself and emotions than mr blocked me can ever hope to be .

[Deja Q]

7. Additionally, think of it like this:

You have a spouse. Many couples do break up if one loses their job. Some people don't have anybody. You two are still together. THAT IS AWESOME. That must surely help keep morale up. Your partner is something to keep continuing on for.

[blues90]

9. That's the only thing

that keeps me around right now . I certainly don't want to take her down with me .

As you can see today I hang around here posting and it helps keep my mind off things for a bit . Man i hope tomorrow doesn't feel like today . I found a few possible jobs on Craig's list one repairing powered wheel chairs and one installing ergonomic fittings in offices which I can do either and they pay pretty well if my old car holds up .

I just wish I would have had more foresight and saved money in the past and not been such a damn loner . Lots of things I wish i did or should have with regret holding on tight .

I can't stay away for AAR even though a lot of the issues are horrid and depressing but at the same time I feel connected somehow . I have to admit things don't look very good right now .

[wildhorses]

8. have you considered the medical field?

some types of technical positions can be had with very little training or schooling. Check into CNA's, phelobotomy, or pharmeceuticals...

get a job, any job, then worry about bettering yourself from that point..

I will remember you in my prayers.

:hug::hug:

[reyd reid reed]

10. Stay positive...

I know it's hard but it's the best thing you can do. If you're positive and confident, others will see that in you and they'll have confidence in you, too.

Stay strong...things seem to have a way of improving. And in the meantime, I'll send some positive energy your way.

:hug: