I really feel like nothing is worth it.

[ellid]

No jobs. Environmental catastrophe around the corner. And now this.

I've struggled all my life, and for what? I'm in grad school again, and I probably will end up with another damn clerical job that turns sour because the museums will all be closed, if anyone will hire me at all given my age.

Is it ever going to end?

Comments

[patrikia.livejournal.com]

As a returning grad student in an obscure field as you are, let me say this. When you 'find your bliss' (as they say) and practice it, whether it is medieval quilts or Coptic textiles or cleaning floors with pride as a janitor, it sends ripples of energy out into the Universe that changes teh world. If more of us were doing it, instead of worrying about how much money we were making, the world would be what we can only imagine it to be.

Have faith. Make quilts. Make your magick.

[ellid.livejournal.com]

I hope you're right...the idea of being an office worker the rest of my life is just gruesome. *crosses fingers*

[varianor.livejournal.com]

My personal retirement plan is to re-evaluate at age 75. Is your own bank possibly going to go under? If not, then you're fine. If it is, you'll find a way to go on. Truth to be told, you've sounded a bit depressed lately. Maybe visit with your doctor?

[ellid.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of contacting my therapist. I've found that meds only mask symptoms instead of attacking the root causes.

And yes, I'm depressed, and more than a bit scared. "Retirement" is sounding like it's never going to happen....

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

We are feeling the same way. In fact we think my worry over the economy is part of the reason we had to up my Pristiq dose. L is in construction, I'm writing stories. We own our home and vehicles outright and have investments that have lost about 60%. We will not qualify for any of the programs being bragged about unless he loses his job and insurance. We stand to lose all our retirement money that we earned in Iraq. It's very scary to go from finally being financially stable to struggling again. We just hope he can keep his job and insurance until his treatments are over. Then we will have to hope that we can somehow afford my meds.

I don't know if I can even compete for the few office jobs that will be out there. At least we have the garden started and I can sew.

[ellid.livejournal.com]

At least you own your own house; I have a very small home equity line, so at least I don't have to worry about that. But investments...*wince* It's awful and getting worse.

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

Yep. That is a comfort, but it disqualifies us for most of the help out there. But we'll have a place to live, as long as we can pay the HOA dues and taxes every year.

[briony530.livejournal.com]

I know...this is the first time I've EVER really comtemplated cashing out my savings account and putting it in a safe under the floorboards. It would earn about as much interest as it does now anyway. :-\

[helwen.livejournal.com]

It's hard to say, but it does look like things may get worse before they get better. And, better may look completely different than what we have now. A different way of living, different way of doing business, etc.

I don't think all the museums will close, at least not in the decade or so. People are still fighting to keep most of them open. And Ed Maeder will write you a recommendation, which is more than some people applying for jobs at museums will have.

We aren't investing in anything -- well, except for Kass's business. Even in the Great Depression, when thousands of banks were closing, not _all_ of them closed. But, I'd think twice about having so-called investments in the market. If the dollar goes the way a lot of people seem to think it may go, those investments may very well be worthless.

We're with Florence Savings specifically because it's all local and they have always had conservative lending policies.

The best things to invest in are: you (skills and health), your house (energy, insulation, repairs), and things you can use in the future (food, fabric, dependable tools and equipment, etc.).

This might also be a good time to start stocking up on foods that keep well -- a good buffer against possible unemployment and one less thing to worry about -- don't forget extra food for the kitties, and also things like tp, shampoo, and kitty litter.

I think school is still worth it -- it not only broadens your skill/knowledge base (and in an area of work you enjoy), but it may help you with writing those quilting books. Will people still want to buy books? Yes, I believe they will.

I really think it would be good if you keep working away on that, maybe there are several books you could write. And especially, don't forget to write the history lite/how-to books --- more and more people are getting into handcrafting for additional income, for gifts to others, self-therapy, etc. This could be a nice bit of additional income, plus you could be lecturing, teaching classes, etc.

I agree that a trip to the therapist may be a good thing. Also, get out there and exercise. Go for walks, at least 20 minutes, work up to 40-45 minutes. Good for both your physical and your mental health. Eat as well as you can, take care of yourself. The better shape you're in, the better you can handle whatever life throws at you, and the more confidence you'll have.

[edelweiss68.livejournal.com]

I know how you feel. I'm 40, in a job I ADORE, but am living with my father again after a third failed marriage, have no house of my own now, an okay-but-not-great salary, no bennies, no 401K, and no savings to speak of. Retirement is useless for me to think of at this point - all I can do is TRY to save SOMETHING and hope for the best.
*HUGS* It *WILL* get better.