[eggplantlife]

I'm putting this here as I don't know anymore. So to start off, I have depression.

I haven't had a real job in about 8 years. I've had jobs, but not a real full time job. I did volunteer work. There was one full time job from nov of last year to February, but that full time ending up becoming part time as hours got cut. I did have very part time job at a retail place meaning few hours a week. It seems that how they seem to hire people these days. I've walked dogs. I also tried making money from making some things but I don't do that anymore. I tried to start a business with someone selling something but the other person wasn't interested and I lost money. I came to another state so I can work with my friend's business but they aren't doing well. Right now I have a flexible job where they call me when they need me. It's not many hours and it's kind of hard labor. It's tough for me because I'm a girl and used to office kind of setting. I could try for another type of job but I feel like it's the only thing that I can do and be hired for. I know I have wrong thinking.

I really believe it is my thinking. Even before or maybe there was depression already, I can't seem to get back working for real. My interviews went badly for the field I used to be in. I know I'm behind on the skills so I tried to learn them but I couldn't.

I really need help getting a job!

A friend took me in to help me. I moved to a foreign state where I didn't know anyone but her. I really need to make my own life. I really need help.

Many years ago before I found out I had depression, The work situation was the first thing to go for me. I had a burn out and I tried to figure out a way to get better. Maybe do other things. Took classes...when I was married and had some money...hell! See I even got a divorce and I still am not able to work right.

I am tried of blaming.

I don't know where to turn for this problem so I came on here to see if someone can help me...or put my head straight. I pray to god.

Please what am I doing wrong? What can I do to make myself get a good job. I'm really getting old in my mid 40s. I never expected m work career to turn out like this. I have many personal issues but I really want my work thing to work out.

I don't know why I am scared. Can someone help me?

[Little Lulu]

Have you checked with a social worked at your state's Dept of Human Services to see if there are any job retraining or back-to-work programs you might be eligible for?

A desire to work is a good start. But after being out of the work force for eight years, you now you need help/support getting back there.

[Perna]

First off: You're the right size, it's the pants that don't fit!

The economy is not doing well what with still trying to recover from 2008 and then the massive changes in insurance and how it works, etc. I think there have been some major sea changes since 2008 and we're awash in service jobs and not many other.

I have an imagination and like to build on things. I get a job and then "imagine" why it's a good job to have, what else can be made from it, where it can lead, what I'd really like, etc. I have a degree in sociology and almost decided to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Ehrenreich: Barbara Ehrenreich | Nickel and Dimed I love Barbara Sher's books, especially WISHCRAFT and doing the exercises in Julia Cameron's, The Artist's Way.

[eggplantlife]

Originally Posted by Perna

First off: You're the right size, it's the pants that don't fit!

The economy is not doing well what with still trying to recover from 2008 and then the massive changes in insurance and how it works, etc. I think there have been some major sea changes since 2008 and we're awash in service jobs and not many other.

I have an imagination and like to build on things. I get a job and then "imagine" why it's a good job to have, what else can be made from it, where it can lead, what I'd really like, etc. I have a degree in sociology and almost decided to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Ehrenreich: Barbara Ehrenreich | Nickel and Dimed I love Barbara Sher's books, especially WISHCRAFT and doing the exercises in Julia Cameron's, The Artist's Way.

I have read "the artist way" and have took a class way in the beginning when this whole thing started that dealt mostly with that book. I think I read wish daft. I read almost all he books out there in self help.

My friend keeps telling me about 2008. I really wasn't aware how bad that year was.

[eggplantlife]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

Have you checked with a social worked at your state's Dept of Human Services to see if there are any job retraining or back-to-work programs you might be eligible for?

A desire to work is a good start. But after being out of the work force for eight years, you now you need help/support getting back there.

I as part of back to work program when I was in ny and part of food stamp. I don't know what to retrain and get money doing it. I'm not really good for much.

[eggplantlife]

I'm really losing it today.

[Little Lulu]

eggplantlife - be gentle with yourself today. You are good and you are enough just the way you are today - you just can't see it right now. This feeling of desperation will pass.

[IceCreamKid]

Please consider contacting Goodwill to help you. http://www.goodwill.org/locator/

Goodwill helps people Get Training | Goodwill Industries International, Inc.

[Love&Toil]

My husband has a good job protected by a union, he used to get A+ in university, but due to anxiety problems, he is stuck in an entry level position. His anxiety and panic trigger is connected to employment. There are lots of benefits staying at the job where he is now: he has a great benefit package, even though salary is low, it's a job he actually loves and he loves many of the people he works with.

All this to say, perhaps you don't have to shoot for the sun. Perhaps the moon is enough. Be gentle with yourself because you DO have a disability or illness that is an extra obstacle to overcome. Take good care of yourself and don't give up.

[Rose76]

You need some stability. It sounds like moving around and shifting course frequently didn't work out too well for you. So make up your mind to stay put where you are for the next 6 months, or move again, and then stay put for 6 months. Sign up at the local state employment office. Go there every day that you are off and follow their suggestions. Put in time there just like going there was your job. When you get a job, stick with it for at least 6 months no matter what. I think you're rushing too fast from one thing to another.

One year, when I was young, I had 6 different jobs in one year. Then I said to myself: "I'm going to stick 6 months with the next job, if it kills me." I hated it. (It was a pretty lowly job.) Then, by the time the 6 months was up, I was doing good in it. I stopped hating it and it became the foundation for a career. I got more training in the field and I came to be able to support myself.

If you have a diagnosis of Depression from a doctor, you can go to a state agency that will help you. I think most states have something with a title like "Division of Vocational Rehab." Look that up for your state, then hook up with them. You're still young enough to get out of the pattern you're in. Forge ahead. You need to have a place to report to on an almost daily basis. That gets you in the habit of showing up faithfully somewhere. That breaks the spell of paralysis that you feel staying at home thinking how bad things are.

You might be surprised at how much better you can feel taking these steps. I know it's hard to start.