[Homeira]

I have been in and out of the work-force for the past four years. I find that as a result of that I am completely without any motivation to go back to that cycle of working /getting worse/not working/looking for job/working/getting worse/not working... just tired of that. I am only in my forties and used to have a very productive and rewarding job. I miss that! And I know that I have a lot to offer in terms of my experience and education. But I am really not up to the struggle that working has become for me now. Anyone else have this problem?

[Mrs. Mania]

I had a similar experience when I lost my job in May. After years of what you mentioned, this time seemed to just turn me away from the job scene period. I am also in my early forties and know I have a lot to offer employers. I've always been the breadwinner, sometimes working as many as 3 jobs at once. My husband is really struggling with the fact I now work 24 hours a week instead of 50-60. I say I will get another part time job weekly, but the truth is, I'm tired of the job-go-round. Besides, time for him to do the heavy lifting for the family for awhile! Maybe we're just getting too old

[Junia]

If by that you mean the rewards of the job no longer outweigh the effort that goes into the job? Yes, I know what that's like. I can't say as certainly that it's due to BP2 --it could be my age, or it could be that this job is a bad fit.

I'm old enough that if I can slog through it for a couple more years, I can retire without public assistance...so slog I must, and slog, I hope, I will.

Homeira, I've been struggling with bipolar depression for the past year and haven't worked. I worked as an attorney for probably 10 years but, due to my illness, I am not up to working as an attorney - - maybe never again. Part of me wants to work because I'm really lacking in feeling productive/ accomplished, but part of me is scared that it will make my depression worse or I won't be able to hack it.

Have you considered trying to get disability? I have a friend who keeps suggesting that to me, but I'm just not ready to go that route. I've been looking for a job for the past 6 months with a few interviews but no offers. I just wonder if my year "off" is hurting my chances. Could be.

[Homeira]

Newgal2, that is how I feel exactly about getting disability. Dont know if that is for me, not just yet anyhow. Still have this wish to go back to working, but it seems like that is far away right now. But I am doing a lot of volunteer work these days, and have gotten back into my good old social activism-me. It is very inspiring, and actually gives me a lot of energy. So maybe what I need to do is to find a job that will have those aspects in it. But I am afraid of commiting myself to any big project (I was asked to be an organizer for the Red Cross), and I have this fear of getting sick and letting everyone down.

[Gray Rider]

Been through several good paying jobs the past few years, start out strong then eventually burn out. I'm fearful of the future because of this. Its hard to let go of having a healthy bankroll.
I'm waiting on short term and or long term disability so hopefully I can get more time to recharge.