[underwhelmed]

I feel like a caged animal. Unemployed for two years. I am 60 but cannot afford to be not working. I spend my days alone - totally isolated. I have been turned down on hundreds of jobs – internet-based listings. I have tried contacting local agencies, temp employment agencies, specialized job sites, etc. It is clear that I will not be hired at a manager level --I used to have a very respectable job and have worked my entire life. But something bad happened to the business, and I lost my job. Now I am doomed to boredom and loneliness every day, while I financially dissolve into nothingness – I never saved my money and am in serious trouble. I have no hope or sense of self-respect. I am willing to take pretty much any job but don’t know how to get one – everyone tells me that I am over-qualified (and they probably think that I am too old as well). I am a failure and my depression (which I have had for decades) has reached an all-time high. Meds and counseling do nothing for me (and I am running out of money for both). Thanks for reading. Best to all of you.

[regretful]

I do wish that there was a clear answer for you that I could provide. If you are willing to take any job, give a shot to some industry that you have not had the experience in; I've often found that employees with the best attitude are the best candidates - in most careers, you can train for aptitude, but not for attitude. I do hope that your situation improves. Maybe your state/location has a vocational educational program that you can try?

[alone in the world]

Think positive, that ideal job is just around the corner. I know the struggle of looking for work going on 3 years unemployed. while looking volunteer at something it takes the boredism away and gives meaning to your life. just don't give up on the job . Are you receiving UE? that got me along for a while. I believe you will succeed and all the $ problems will slowly go away. keep your chin up,

[whimsygirl]

Originally Posted by underwhelmed

I feel like a caged animal. Unemployed for two years. I am 60 but cannot afford to be not working. I spend my days alone - totally isolated. I have been turned down on hundreds of jobs – internet-based listings. I have tried contacting local agencies, temp employment agencies, specialized job sites, etc. It is clear that I will not be hired at a manager level --I used to have a very respectable job and have worked my entire life. But something bad happened to the business, and I lost my job. Now I am doomed to boredom and loneliness every day, while I financially dissolve into nothingness – I never saved my money and am in serious trouble. I have no hope or sense of self-respect. I am willing to take pretty much any job but don’t know how to get one – everyone tells me that I am over-qualified (and they probably think that I am too old as well). I am a failure and my depression (which I have had for decades) has reached an all-time high. Meds and counseling do nothing for me (and I am running out of money for both). Thanks for reading. Best to all of you.

Hello underwhelmed.....I'm so sorry about all you're going through and wish like crazy I could help. I also have some things in common with you, as I am in my 50's, have not worked in over 10 years, and can not survive for too much longer on the money I inherited when my Dad died. And yet I suffer from depression and arthritis in my spine. But I'm sorry, this is about you and not me....I guess I just told you all that so you'd not feel completely alone. Sending out lots of good thoughts to you, and prayers that something good happens for you as soon as possible ~whimsy

[Leed]

Bless your heart. First you have to realize that you are certainly NOT a failure!! It was not your fault the company folded. And demand of yourself that your self=respect come back. LOL You are a great person with integrity, intellect, great work ethic, and you're just an all around good person! How do I know? Just by the way you talk and word your post!

It's a crime in this country that companies get away with age discrimination even tho it's illegal. I wish there was something that could be done about it, but obviously there isn't. I get so DARN mad when I hear about things like this. Unfortunately I cannot work, as I'm disabled -- I'd much rather be working than this, but i imagine I'd be in the same shape as you because companies find ways of "weeding out" us older folks. I'm 63 and I doubt I'd have the same job I had when I became disabled --- I was an optician and I can see it now. They wouldn't want me working with patients. I'm too OLD .

Check with your local Social Services agency and see what resources they have --- they might be able to help in the way of job search AND financial aid. Have a talk with them and see what comes up. You may qualify for SSI. So don't be proud. Talk to them.

I wish you the very best my friend. I'm no stranger to depression either, having had it since I was a small child. I've been taking medications for about 40 years! If you want to talk, private message me. I wouldn't mind at all. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

[jelly-bean]

I'm going to have to agree with Leed. You are certainly not a failure. Here in Az the Department of Economic Security has a book of resources they give to seniors (55 or older). There is all sorts of information in it. You might want to ask if there is something like that available in your state. Good Luck and God Bless! I'll be praying for you.

[underwhelmed]

Thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. You are all kind and caring people. I only wish that we did not find ourselves in such difficult circumstances. I believe that we are all entitled to better days and can only hope that our situations can be changed for the better. Wishing you all the very best.

My heart goes out to you! It's a terrible situation to be in without depression. Depression just makes it so much worse.

I don't have any great advice, unfortunately. I'm sure you've told your prospective employers that you would be happy to take any job, even if you're "overqualified." Is there any kind of freelance work you could do? Accounting, tutoring, writing, personal assistant ...? What about sales on eBay? I have a friend who did that; he bought jewelry from a wholesaler and all he had to do was take the photos of the products and write the ads. He didn't even have to store the stuff or ship it out. I can't remember what it's called, but I think there are ads on eBay for this, or maybe you could google it.

I am in a VERY similar situation to you, so I can understand a little bit of the fear and discouragement you feel. Sending lots of hopeful thoughts that your situation will turn around soon.

[underwhelmed]

Thank you again for your ideas and compassion.