I have just about had enough

[blues90]

All this crime and such a slow process , it will take decades to fix most of this and I don't hold any faith in 2009 , it's too far away .

I have not been able to find a job no matter how much effort I have put into this .

My wife goes in and out of depression and so do I , we try desperately to help eachother stay sane .

It has gotten to the point where I feel completely useless without a job and it is next to impossible to watch people out and about working .

I feel like I have hit rock bottom . Politics is really dragging us down .

We have even tried to join the peace corps but they require college which we don;t have , don't even know at out age if we could even do the work .

Reading about college grads having a ruff time finding work certainly does not help us close to 60 years old .

My wifes brother who is not to be trusted with his past called and said we could move to NC where her other brother has land and wants me and my wife to move there and for me to build a house on this property . He said we don;t have to pay rent since he drives a truck he would only be there a few days a month . This land is 80 miles from Charlott , west . It is in no mans land .

Man if this becomes our only option it is a shakey and sad one indeed because we could end up in a strange land stuck with no way out .

We really don;t know what to do now , we have at best until sept before the little we have in funds to run out and it's been 13 months without a job and my wife cannot work do to medical issues .

Just listening to AAR or Nova M has become difficult because these people at least have a life going as do many people out there .

Even all my neighbors in the building we live in still have their same jobs and life goes on for them . We are at a standstill here .

I even went to vocational rehab since my shrink who put me on SDI said I should try this , it does not look good , even the counsuler there said jobs are hard to come by and the process is long .

I have no idea what NC is like other than it's the south and jobs are not great anywhere across the USA now . They said they would pay me to build this house but at my age and not doing this work since 1967 i can't say I could even pull this off with confidence .

I never dreamed things would turn so bad so fast and I know well I am far from alone .

I just had to vent here before I go nuts , they should issue cynide pills .

[Demeter]

1. You Need to Be With People

Any kind of voluntary connection--even if it's cleaning cages at the humane society, or aide to a mentally disabled adult, will help give you some connection to the world.

[kimmerspixelated]

2. Sometimes it is really hard to hang in there, but you must, please.

First, visualize EXACTLY what you want, imagine having it, really having it, and try to feel good about it every day. Also do things that make you feel good. Now, this is part of the Law of Attraction, which is not nonsense, as some have disputed. Read "The Secret" or " The Amazing Powers of Deliberate Intent" and get FIRED UP!!!! Really, it is powerful and can change your life. All that aside, I wish you all the best, truly. Best of luck!

[JuniperLea]

4. Excellent advice!

This is not a new idea and it's not hocus pocus! It's tangible and real. I've seen it work with my own eyes. Norman Vincent Peel... The Power of Positive Thinking... that was the very first book I read on the subject. Good stuff.

[JuniperLea]

3. I know this will be hard

But please count your blessings.

You are literate, you have a computer at your disposal, you have family who want to help you.

And on the other side of that coin, no matter how bad off you feel you are, you are still far better off than an emaciated, swollen-bellied, naked orphan in Dufar.

When I'm feeling overwhelmed by my problems, I do somewhere with a view so I can get an idea of how big this world is and how many people there are in it.

I also agree with the poster above who suggests you volunteer somewhere. Great advice.

Hope things look up for you soon! Make it so!

[CJCRANE]

5. I think you should post a question in GD and/or the Lounge

asking what NC is like. At least then you'll have a better idea of the pros and cons of moving there.

[CountAllVotes]

6. I have a friend that lives in NC

She has lived there her whole life near St. Helena Island. She really loves it there a lot. I quite recently bought something from a man that makes chairs in No. Carolina. He was a very upbeat sort of man despite his many problems in life (an autistic son and health issues as well).

You need to try to keep your mind busy and stay optimistic if you can. Look at the fine gifts that we have left on this earth.

We the People can make a difference and we will make a difference.

You say you are receiving SDI - can you work and still collect SDI or is it just temporary and about to run out?

As for building the the house - no is my answer to that as it is too big of a job, esp. at your age IMO.

Will you brother (that cannot be trusted for *) allow you to live on the land - like in a trailer for free?

Is this a possibility at all?

Can you possibly afford to rent? If so how much can you afford?

If it gets that bad, please go to the ER. Don't kill yourself, it is not worth the karmic backlash IMO.

:hug:

CountAllVotes

[Horse with no Name]

7. Let's accentuate the positive here

You have a computer. You have an internet connection. You are literate.
Have you thought about maybe doing some home medical transcription?
The start up costs for this are very small (books, foot pedal), and there are even some companies that will train you. It is a thriving industry, you may end up working for a shady company or two until you get experience, but there are some companies out there that offer full benefits if you know what you are doing.
Here is a place to get started:
http://mtdaily.com/
There are jobs listed, training materials, message boards, used and new materials (Ebay is also a good source).
Good luck on reaching the first day of the rest of your life!:hug:

By the way, the caveat here is that you can move to NC and get help from your family and work from home until you get established.

[CountAllVotes]

10. great advice

Wow, what a great answer to have right there just like that!

I agree, he'll be near family. Whether they like each other or not doesn't really matter right now.

What I do is make a deal with myself. I say, "OK, we are going to give this six months."

A philosophy that has worked pretty good most of my life.

[Horse with no Name]

11. If you are interested

Here is a job that requires no experience:

A Stat Transcription Service Inc
Contact: A Stat Transcription Service Inc
5967 Hensel Rd., Port Orange, Florida 32127
[e-mail]
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Title of position: Transcriptionist
Experience: No experience.
Location of position: United States: nationwide position
At home or company: Work from home
Full or Part time: Full-time position
Type of Transcription: Many types of transcription.
Specialty: Any Specialty
Job Description: Multiple positions for experienced MTs. Proficient in acute care with a specific need for MTs who love operative reports. Demonstrated ability to transcribe all providers, (ESL, accents, fast dictators included). Must be dependable and detail oriented.
Hardware/Software: Hardware requirements include a minimum of 500 MB RAM, Windows 2000 or XP. We utilize Dictaphone ExText and ExVoice plus Transnet.
Method of sending/receiving dictation: Necessary to have high speed internet access.
Compensation Information: Commensurate with experience and within the limits of the individual client contracts.

Here is a training program at a reasonable cost:
$800.00!!! CAREERSTEP ONLINE PLATINUM-LEVEL PROGRAM. This normally would cost you $1560.00 but selling it to you for almost HALF the price!!! This program is good through February 16, 2008, so you have ample time to complete the course at your own pace. The Platinum-Level Includes: 1. THE CAREERSTEP MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION PROGRAM--Designed to be completed in 640 hours, or full time for a period of four (4) months. CareerStep provides access and services for a period of eight (8) months beyond the initial four (4) month period, providing you with access to ALL materials and services for a period of twelve (12) months. (extensions are available) 2. CAREER STEP GRADUATE SUPPORT PACKAGE. Employment and Referral Directory--Access to national, regional, and local transcription services in the US. Personal Employment Consultations--Correspond with one of their senior counselors to develop your career plan. Contracts and Pricing Guide--Know the basics of employment in the medical transcription world. Personal copy of Start Your Own Successful Medical Transcription Business. Evaluation of your resume or sales letter--Send them your draft for review. Help Hotline after employment--Call toll-free when you need assistance you can't get (or don't want to ask from your employer). 3. ONLINE COURSE MATERIALS 4. Make your computer a "transcriber" using the included PC transcription foot pedal and software. 5. Access to the CAREER STEP STUDENT FORUM AND CHAT ROOM via the Internet. 6. Access to the CAREER STEP STUDENT SUPPORT STAFF Hotline 7. Six month BOUNUS subscription to CS newsletter STEPPING UP. 8. Final Examination testing and grading. 9. Career- Step CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION upon graduation. 10. Comp- limentary Personal Reference Library! (Valued @ $135) The Online Platinum-Level Program is the recommended choice for the best training experience because it is combined with their graduate placement support package! If you have the desire for a comprehensive, competency-based education, and you've determined that the Online Platinum-Level is the best choice for you, please Email Mary at [e-mail]. This offer does not the include the shipping or the transfer fee. You can check out their website as well. http://www.careerstep.com/site/type=mt/page=enrollmentpricing-mt#onlineplatinum
Mary Nelson
<[e-mail]>
- Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 21:06:15 (EST)
Date Posted: 2007-03-29 15:01:16.0

[KT2000]

8. You have a heavy load right now

maybe you should shelve politics for a while - it can be so frustrating and depressing.

You are definitely not alone. Everyone in that situation is isolated so people are not aware of the numbers of people with such problems. Illness is a huge monkeywrench that few realize until it hits them. This is something I am very familiar with.

You are not ready for the cyanide pills - there are still some avenues to try. The previous poster had good advice. You need to get out with people. In the town where I live, volunteering is a good way to make contacts that will get you a job too.

When people say that jobs are hard to come by please do not accept that as an iron-clad rule. People also luck out into jobs at the same time they are hard to come by.

If you live near a community with lots of retired people, they always need help with misc. chores, driving to appointments etc. Someone here just started a business cleaning out dryer vents which is a terrific idea! Anyway, such jobs are another way to make contacts.

Believe me, I know it is frustrating but hang in there - sending you best wishes and good vibes.

[loudsue]

9. I live in N. C., Blues90, and I, too was transplanted here.

There are some good people in N.C., and in some areas, there are a slew of DUers, too! Some of us (me included) are your age. And in some areas of N.C., there are jobs to be found.

A move later in life is really difficult. Moving away from friends and familiar surroundings isn't easy, nor is it easy to pack a lifetime of "stuff" and transport it, and get it resettled (but a good opportunity, nevertheless, to get rid of some things that have outlived their usefullness).

It's a decision that only you & your wife can make together, but when I'm totally out of options, except for ONE, I usually take that as a message that it's time to move in that direction.

:shrug: But that's just me.

If you do make the move, I wish you the VERY best of luck with it! We could use every Democrat in this state that is willing to move here!

:kick::kick::kick:

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

12. I have sincere compassion for you having struggled through similar circumstances.

Look at it this way: you've had the strength to get this far giving you the strength to hang on until your situation changes, as it WILL CHANGE.

Breathe in and out, each day. Invest in YOUR LIFE, FIRST; otherwise, you are too empty to contribute much of anything beyond your life (eg get the hell away from the ugliness of politics,...*seriously*). TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH. Give and receive hugs as often as possible.

You will get through these hard times.

:hug:

[KoKo]

13. Maybe focussing on what you CAN DO...might help you in your decision.

West of Charlotte isn't a bad place...and if you can grow some food or locate local farmers you might find you can get into things you might not have thought of to survive (eating is surviving) and whatever skills you have might flower in a quiet place.

I'm not a person who likes dealing with "relatives" about things...thinking of "strings and obligations" but a certain times in one's life...those folks just might be giving you an "Open Door" to a New Opportunity.

It's up to you...and I didn't check to see where you live now..but sometimes just a change spawns new ways of thinking about problems.

Good Luck to You!

[Whoa_Nelly]

14. It is tough

And it is the Bush Regime that has made things so expensive and jobs so hard to find.

And living in CA is even harder since things here are so way over the top expensive.

Have been trying to get my Interior Design biz up and running after moving back to CA after 23 years away to be near my grandchildren. But, am going to have to return to teaching in order to be able to stay here. And moving again at this point could inancially wipe me out.


Have you looked beyond SoCal for employment?

What kind of jobs have you been looking for?

[ninkasi]

15. It looks like DUers have come up with good suggestions

I don't have any suggestions myself, but want to tell you that I'll be sending good thoughts your way. I feel so very bad for you, and so many others who are struggling just to survive. It's people like you and your wife who make me so furious about the multiple tax cuts given to the wealthy. Before we cut taxes on those who already have more than they need, we need to invest in our fellow citizens, to make sure that help will be available until they can get on their feet again.

Best of luck to you. Stress can cause a lot of other health problems, so please, even if all some of us can offer is a shoulder to cry on, or lean on, then we are here to listen. :hug:

[blues90]

16. I do thank all of you for your replies .

Positive is not my middle name . I had hopes I would find a job and thought it would be easy . Twelve years at the last job and I never really looked beyond that to see how bad things were out there . No one I knew talked about it either .

After so very many apps and interviews and 6 months going by it finally hit home just how bad things were out there .

By this time I began losing all hope but continued to put in the efforts until I almost had a nervous break down , this is what put in in the shrinks office and I did'nt realize how bad I looked until my doc told me . Not that I went in unshaved or unclean it was the look of lost soul she saw . I dealt with her since 2000 when I had insurance and a job so she know the old me .

Something inside me died was the only way I could describe it .

I can't even pick up my guitar anylonger , a first since 1964 .

I have had dreams bringing me all the way into the past with such clarity that it is startling to say the least , it is like I am going back through my entire life , then I wake at all times of the night to the instant shock of where I really am right now , this is horrifying .

Part of this I know is my mother passing away last Aug and still I have not got this into my head . Out of the six in my immediate family my two sisters and me remain , my younger brother died of liver cancer in 2001 june .

I worked in the service dept at a ford dealership as an assistent service manager but now ford has gone right down the tubes as well as most american car companies and the only other thing was wood working , well that's dead too . All I have left is customer service left with my experience at ford dealing with customers .

I have an old computer running 98SE with no money to upgrade .

I live in Hollywood ,CA so here it is really a young city vibe and expensive . If we moved we would be broke after the move and the SDI is state so I will lose this and my wife has SSI which is part state part fed which my be difficult for her to get transfered to another state .

I have thought almost every second of everyday what sort of job I can handle and not much left these days interest me , I am not into new technology but may try the at home medical transcripts thing suggested here . Everything has changed so much I am lost .

I heard about a fellow with his wife who is walking from CA to DC while his wife drives their motorhome and parks it 20 miles ahead of him , sounded cool , just free and traveling but then they sold their home and bought a 20 year old motor home but have funds to live off of .

I think what weighs me down the most is the horrors we have left that was the USA at one time and I am not up with the new generation at all . Change is good if gradual but not like a shot to the head as the last 6 years have been .

It is really difficult to think clearly these days or to have hope for a future in this race against time .

[rebel with a cause]

17. Blues90, hang in there.

I know how you feel, but then I am relieved just to have SSI after four years of nothing. But I also live in an area (rural & small towns) where living is cheaper than it is where you are. I also have two adult children that moved back with me to help me make it through these times. If it was not for all three of our lower/moderate incomes, I don't know what we would do even living here in the boondocks. I am holding on and hoping that my ex will get his SS soon, so I can try for full disability on it. I will be sixty-two in December, so I can even go for early SS if he gets his. His problem is that he is a legal immigrant and a naturalized citizen, has worked here for thirty-plus years and now suffers the same fate as you. His job went south of the border, and he was left unemployed at sixty-four, and now SS says he cannot get his benefits without a certified birth certificate. This may mean a trip back to his old country to get it certified at worse, or a trip to N.Y. or Washington D.C. to get it done at the best. Both choices take money and he has a new family that he supports. Who knows, but I am hoping for the best.

And that is what you have to do. Hope for the best. I wouldn't recommend going back to school, I did and I have a Master's degree and no way to use it. I did transcribing for a private doctor for a short time, but he died, so that is a good way to go. I don't know anything about the ones recommended by Horse with no name, but I would try it if I had the money to invest in the training. You can work with SSI if you keep what you make within a certain limit, so I imagine you can with SDI also. Do you have any college at all? If you do, you may be able to substitute teach, which is what I did for a couple of years in the 90s. I even considered trying for a job as a Wal Mart greeter at one time, but I cannot stand for over an hour, and most of the time not that long. I know that is not the type of job you would want, but sometimes we do things we don't want to. Just hang in there.

Good luck to you. I am a testament that things can get better, a year ago I was close to death and today I am a survivor. Things are far from perfect and my health is not good, but I am on a regiment of medicine that gets me by. I hope things will get better, and I am sure they will, but I will remain happy just to have them not get worse. ;-) That is one thing that will help you get by, have a sense of humor. If you can laugh in the face of disaster, then survival becomes that much easier, and success becomes more attainable. So fight that depression, and smile as much as you can. Find humor in the things that happen, even when it is dark humor, it is still humor. :shrug:

Anyway, you get what I am saying. Keep your head up, look inside yourself for the strength to get by. Take help when you can get it, but don't take the hand that is reaching for your throat. Good luck to you and your wife. Even in these times there is usually a light at the end of the tunnel.

[leftofthedial]

18. I can't find a job either

I've been looking for two years now, in my career field, in other fields . . . I've sent out my real resume, dumbed-down resumes, partial resumes . . . I'm willing to work for a fraction of what I used to make . . . I've tried a dozen or so different cover-letter techniques. I have sent over 750 resumes in that time and I've had ONE interview. That didn't even come from a resume, it was set up through a friend. I don't know where all these new jobs are or who is getting them, but it's sure not me.

[Horse with no Name]

19. ***MORE INFO FOR ANYONE WANTING TO TRY TRANSCRIPTION**

Medical Transcription Employment!
Reply to: [e-mail]
Date: 2007-03-31, 11:53AM MST


Are you suffering from tension for filling up financial requirement of your family? Do you want to relieve? So,come to work with transcription relief Services.It is completely Full or Part time home based jobs.Our team members will provide necessary training.Great opportunity!Your basic computer knowledge and typing speed will fetch both respect and reward.

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* Compensation: US$6000-US$9000/MONTH
* This is a part-time job.
* This is a contract job.
* OK for recruiters to contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.


PostingID: 303763258