I've been in private practice as a mediator for 22 years. The Depression has hit us hard, since the vast majority of my clients are the less well-to-do. I'd say my income has dropped 80% over the past three years. At least we have social security. But reading this thread gives me lots of ideas about how to do things. I wish I'd run across it a year ago. I don't want to go into the details, which I've done before and which make me sick. One unfortunate consequence of the situation is that I began drinking a whole lot more than I did before. If you're tempted, people, don't do that. It's a whole waste of time and money. I'm completely on the wagon now, and it does make it easier to face the situation instead of doing it through a terrible hangover. I'm 65 and I can't even get a job as a bagboy at the supermarket (overqualified). Nor is s*****e an option; it hurts too much for those left behind. Somehow, a lot of people made it through the Great Depression, and we can make it through this one.

Take care.