So. I am going through a lot of challenges in my life right now.

The country where I live is going through some serious civil unrest. This has been continuing for over a month, and there’s really no end in sight. There are times when it’s been a bit calmer, but it always flares back up. It has made living a normal life a challenge.

On top of that, I am unemployed. I sensed I was going to lose my job some months back; all the signs were here. I used everything in my arsenal to drag it out as long as possible. But, I was finally given my termination letter on November 5th. I got my severance payment on the 15th.

I am just getting a little frustrated when people who don’t understand what we are living here just try to tell me they know it’s all going to be fine soon. When I was supposed to go to a meeting with my boss and her boss (which I managed to avoid; they were going to fire me), some would tell me, “I’m sure it’s not what you think, maybe it’s to offer you a promotion.” With the situation here, friends often say, “there’s no way the unrest will last for much longer.” And as far as finding another job, similarly, it’s, “you’re smart, you will find a job soon.” The economy here is imploding hard due to the instability. The job market is grim to say the least.

I feel like they do mean well or maybe just don’t know what to say. However, if I contradict them and say, I don’t think this will end soon, or the job market is going to be very tough for the forseeable future, many people almost seemed offended I contradicted them, even though I am observing this first hand, not them.

Does anyone have thoughts about how to respond in these cases, or even if I should respond? Part of me just feels like saying I don’t feel like discussing it, just to avoid being frustrated or offending others.