Tim- I am so sorry you are down. It is sooo hard to feel good about yourself (I've been unemployed in my past too). Remember, however, that you are super great guy and don't beat yourself up. This has nothing to do with YOU-- it's just life, and life is, unfortunately messy. Can you enroll in a class or do something you always wanted to do, but never thought about. I do think you should think about writing-- you are soooo good at that. When I was 'reassessing career options' I took a class on career development to determine what I would be GOOD at and enjoy doing. I also took some computer classes, and some pottery (wheel) classes. Just putting myself in different exposures made me feel better about myself, kept me busy and helped me think. Honestly, when I think of all my friends and family, VERY few people didn't have a career crisis in their life. My father lost his business, drove a cab for years and ended up working for the city of Yonkers in consumer protection because he became interested in politics. My sister quit her PhD program, temped for a year and became a lawyer. Later she was fired by a psycho boss and spent 6 mos. looking for a job. She is now much better off at her new company. My cousin Susan was the victim of a merger and spent a year and half doing consulting jobs until she got a new job-- which is BETTER than any other she had previously. My friend Vanessa managed a bar for years and finally became a public defender. Maureen (who you've met) started out as an accountant, then became a dancer-- She started in theater managment b/c she was working part-time at a ticket office for a theater in Chicago to pay the bills. Just last month, she finally put her foot down and demanded a new job or she would leave. She is now going into the marketing side of the business. Hey, remember how much soul searching Michele from California was doing (from our board). She is now doing great in Customer Service. I know it doesn't make it easier to deal with, but I am just trying to show you, THERE IS A LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. Just hang in there. In the interim, here is a big (((((((((HUG)))))))))) for you.

Oh Tim! Im so sorry sweetie. I once heard it said that women define themselves by their families and men by their jobs. Being unemployeed can really mess with your sense of identity and self-worth. I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks. It seems more like 3. You will find work soon. You are very employable! You have a solid work ethic, strong work history, you are a smart guy and you are skilled in your field. You're just at the top of the sifting heap. It will take some time to work through this process. It seems like many of us are working through some hard times here. I NEED A STIFF ONE TOO! Oh wait.....I don't drink! Sh*t! Maybe I'll start! JK! Loves to you Timmy! Malibu

Tim if I could get drunk I would say let**** a cold one and for get it all......... things suck for me real bad now too.... the car wreck has got me so down I don't want to even hold my head up............. bad luck is all over me.......... I need a voodoo doctor to get this bad luck away!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know in my heart things will be ok. But my head is saying some thing else. Yeah I really do wish I could get drunk as a skunk.....Hope you find a job soon. Wish I could help you. god bless amy

Been 6 weeks since I got laid off from my job and I feel like total **** I've been out looking, posting my resume and working my network of contacts but have found absolutely nothing. I feel unwanted and useless. Even with as much as I need to do around the house it's not enough to fill the void of having a real job. Too much hanging around the house, too much eating, not enough self esteem. My ego is pretty much in the trashed and I've been crawling into my old fat shell. Good thing it's physically impossible for me to eat like I used to or I'd be even worse off Maybe I just needed to vent a little. Express my depression. Thanks for listening Tim

Pattiann- That is so horrible! I am glad you are doing better, and are recovering. hugs to you honey.