[Noreen Seiler-Dubay]

I'm in mid 50's and type of job I've done for over 20 years, plus 5 years of schooling is in decline. Plus twice as many of us needed for existing jobs. It's tough to think of starting new career at this time.

Not to mention that after unemployment compensation, etc. runs out, I will have to hit up my retirement or kids' college funds. Most days I can hang in there, but I go through all kinds of emotions--anxiety, depression, frustration, etc.

Anyone else ever go through this at my age?

What did you do in terms of finding new job? I am fortunate to have lots of support from family, friends, therapist, psychdoc. So, issue is really more vocational, I suppose. Maybe I'm avoiding the emotions some of the time, too.

[pgrundy]

Yes, I had to look for a new job when the bank I worked for folded in 2008. I got interviews but I'd get there and be up against 20 or more people MORE qualified than me, then I'd find out the job paid $8 or so per hour part-time, then I wouldn't get the job. I'd say for each interview I got I put out at least 100 apps. I applied at literally hundreds and hundreds of places over the course of two years.

In late 2010 I got hired as a part-time retail cashier. I'm still there. I make $7.40 per hour. I have two college degrees, an insurance license, 10 years in the financial sector and over 15 years in retail and marketing. I'm 58.

I've never seen it this bad. I supplement my income freelancing (I'm a writer), but I still make a quarter of what i once did. My husband also lost his job of 25 years in late 2008 when they shut down his local workplace, and now he drives 70 miles back and forth to a branch in another city to try to make it to 65. He's 60 now. It's very hard on him.

Both of us are working much harder for much less.

My advice would be: 1) Don't take it personally (easy to say, hard to do), because it isn't you, it's the times, 2) look for ways to make cash on the side on your own, multiple ways if possible. 3) Talk to everyone--you need emotional support, grounding, and contacts.

I am currently learning web design and have created two websites of my own. No revenue yet but at least I learned to do it and they are up and running. Trying to decide if at my age going to school is worth it. My t wants me to go to a voc rehab place but I have to say I'm crazy in order to go and I'm not feeling like doing that, but I may cave after Xmas as they might be able to help me pay for web training. (Might.) It's sort of humiliating.

Hang in there! It's tough time, get all the support you can.