suggestions for online support groups for older unemployed workers?

[zazen]

I keep having a really, really hard time. The circumstances feel bizarre and situational, but I know so many people are experiencing hardships that are as bad or worse.

I don't want to go into details, really, but are there support groups for the emotional aspects of long term un and underemployment (and bankrupty related to medical problems) and trying to keep a stiff upper lip for your kids and just stay alive long enough to see them into adulthood? I'm not that old, but post-40, which is enough, apparently, to amplify everything.

Any thing that's working for people--face to face support groups or online resources?

I'm not sure where to post this within DU. It seems like the career board on DU isn't full of people like me who are falling apart emotionally because of all of this. I'm familiar with the Transition literature and Carolyn Baker and the Long Descent and John Michael Greer, et al--their work gives me a framework within which to understand the broader patterns--but in terms of coping with this on a daily basis, I feel so damned alone. It's really terrifying and devastating.

Resources that have worked for you?

[PassingFair]

1. How about a hug?

:hug:

All I know is that activity generates....

Generates money, connections, goodwill.

Make sure that you have GOT to be a couple
of places at a certain time every week, whether
you are volunteering or helping a loved one.

:hug:

Things change.

[zazen]

3. thanks . . I'm actually in a doctoral program to pay the bills

but that's only serving to exacerbate the sense of isolation. Outdoors and exercise . . . and volunteering. . . all good 12 step principles, actually, are what's important. It's just hard to remember that when you're in it.

Thanks for the reminder. :hug:

[elleng]

2. Ditto PassingFair.

:hug:

Volunteer somewhere(s) and check Seniors group.

:thumbsup:

[zazen]

4. thx--funny cultural phenom that at age 44 these are senior issues

Yet they are. Declining health. Larger responsibilities. Less hope of reliance on long-term earnings to ameliorate the condition. Assumption by others that we can't be good employees, either because we're too competent or not competent enough.

Under our current circumstances, are we all seniors? Or people with the reality of being "senior" but without any of the safety net that our society (barely) provides?

[elleng]

5. I'd say you're not officially 'senior,' but sounds like your issues may be.

I'm definitely senior, and have some similar issues. Helps that we're all together in this.

:hi:

[zazen]

6. deleted subthread n/t

[jtuck004]

7. Call AARP. There is almost always a support line that you can call. In

some cities you can dial 211 to get access to resources for non-emergency help.

You are in the boat alone. I'm 57, haven't been able to land a full-time gig in well over a year. So I went to a tax class last fall, doing taxes this Spring, found out I am pretty good at it - and volunteered for the VITA program. Still looking for something that pays. If you are able, (my wife brings in a little) volunteering is a good way to help you deal with the stress of not being able to find a job.

[roxiejules]

8. My family has been the biggest help

There is a complete listing of available health and human services at this website: http://www.211.org/

You also might try calling the Unemployment Office to see if they have a resource list for support groups.

I often look for ways to help my family and elderly neighbors with my extra time - it makes me feel better knowing I took a small action to make life easier for someone else. The blessing in all this has been how much time I've been able to spend with those I love.

Perhaps the most important thing is to remember you are not alone, even when it seems you are.


Take care -

:hug:

[grasswire]

9. what is your field?

Is it possible to make your own job somehow, as a consultant or advocate?

I am personally on a venture currently to open a business that is a "social entrepreneurship" where all the profits after overhead are donated to public school arts programs. I will pay myself a salary, and donate the profits. This means that I can seek sponsorships for startup money, and donations in kind. I am making my own job.

Those who have a business idea and no startup money might consider a social entrepreneurship. Google the term, and find info.

[grasswire]

10. oh, and I am much older than the OP. n/t