[Rogies]

I used to work in IT, have been unemployed for half a year, haven't been invited to interviews, and I am desperate.

My therapist was unable to help me when I brought up this issue. She told me I should live my life according to my values, and when I told her my values (receiving education, having a rewarding job) she told me I should work toward those goals, but she left it at that.

I asked for more help but she was unable to give it, so I quit.

I found another therapist, she was direct and told me that she is not a career advisor.

What should I do?

I would like to get a job... but I can't give one myself.

I would like to go back to school... but my concentration is so poor I can barely read and retain information.

I would like to get meds so I can concentrate... but my doctor says I am not getting them because I don't have ADD.

What should I do? Should I buy ADD medications on the internet and deal with the consequences if I get caught? Move to a country where they can be bought without a prescription?

[Broom Hilda]

Rogies, Hi I'm so sorry you are unemployed and in a financial bind. Why do you think you can't concentrate? Depression over not working and feeling trapped because you can't afford the education you want? Maybe the cure to your inability to concentrate is doing what you really want to do deep down. I'm assuming you are at least on unemployment. I don't know anyting about your family life.. if you have a spouse or children... but when you really reallly want something-- just do it. You want an education in a field you really truely want to get in to-- make it happen. If you have to rent a cheap room in a house, working part-time at starbucks (hey they give you health benefits) or holding down two jobs to pay for your education and rent. Live on cans of beans and rice for a while. Frozen veggies are cheap. Whatever you have to do, find strength and motivation and make a plan and dive in. Don't worry about whether or not you will fail. you won't because you can't. Dive in and don't look back. I did that a long time ago. I worked 2 jobs and got through college. I shockingly made things work. I have the career I wanted. To get what you want you have to make some temporary sacrifices. If you make a plan and just keep moving towards your goal I think you may find you are too busy and have too much on the line to be inattentive. I have concentration issues myself. So what if you have to read something twice. You will eventually get into the swing of things.
About the meds... belive me I have considered doing that... but I think you have probably researched it as I have and know that drugs from south america is not the best idea. If you have money to pay the price for those drugs over the internet or move to another country then maybe you have the money to get your new life started with that education and working whatever job you can get to put you through. I hope this is helpful to you. I wish you the best.

[Liam Grey]

Originally Posted by Broom Hilda

Rogies, Hi I'm so sorry you are unemployed and in a financial bind. Why do you think you can't concentrate? Depression over not working and feeling trapped because you can't afford the education you want? Maybe the cure to your inability to concentrate is doing what you really want to do deep down. I'm assuming you are at least on unemployment. I don't know anyting about your family life.. if you have a spouse or children... but when you really reallly want something-- just do it. You want an education in a field you really truely want to get in to-- make it happen. If you have to rent a cheap room in a house, working part-time at starbucks (hey they give you health benefits) or holding down two jobs to pay for your education and rent. Live on cans of beans and rice for a while. Frozen veggies are cheap. Whatever you have to do, find strength and motivation and make a plan and dive in. Don't worry about whether or not you will fail. you won't because you can't. Dive in and don't look back. I did that a long time ago. I worked 2 jobs and got through college. I shockingly made things work. I have the career I wanted. To get what you want you have to make some temporary sacrifices. If you make a plan and just keep moving towards your goal I think you may find you are too busy and have too much on the line to be inattentive. I have concentration issues myself. So what if you have to read something twice. You will eventually get into the swing of things.
About the meds... belive me I have considered doing that... but I think you have probably researched it as I have and know that drugs from south america is not the best idea. If you have money to pay the price for those drugs over the internet or move to another country then maybe you have the money to get your new life started with that education and working whatever job you can get to put you through. I hope this is helpful to you. I wish you the best.

Beautiful post. I can't do nothing but agreeing with everything written.

[lastyearisblank]

Sorry it's rough, are you in therapy specifically to deal with this issue? Because if so then if that's what you want and the T disagrees it is basically going to be a zombie therapy. You will walk your way through it, and that's not how therapy should be.

Yes therapists are not trained to be career advisors. The truth is it just SUCKS, they can not give you references for a good career or relationship. But they can identify the anxiety or depression that might be keeping you back career wise. It's definitely just the economy. There's not a lot you can do if you're not getting interviews. But especially if you are young I suggest you find a therapist you personally admire and look up to, who can actually inspire you to be the best you can be. "Live by your values lady" is not wrong exactly but it just doesn't come off as authentic for me for someone to say, "you lack good values" when what they really mean is, "I have no idea and can't offer you anything."

Good luck!!!!

[Perna]

I would try to find an IT job at a local college, university, trade school, etc. and get reduced-cost or free tuition.

[venusss]

I would like to go back to school... but my concentration is so poor I can barely read and retain information.

Have you tried to buy a book on "how to study", etc.? Many of us have bad study habits than can get in our way. Each person is different, so you may try several techniques before finding what works for you.

Maybe you lack the right motivation too. What do you want to do? Meds will not help you on tasks that require creative thinking either.

with jobs... it's hard now. Crisis. Keep looking and keep sending out your CVs...

[Can't Stop Crying]

Have you thought about seeing a career counselor? What about volunteering at something you really love doing? (Great additions to a resume) It sounds like you're stuck and maybe a change in activity will help you break outta the slump?