I have admiration for you..Why because you have come on bared your soul so first big hugs for all that you are going through...Its all soul destroying frustrating and then things get on top of us small things seem worse my doctor he calls it losing your coping skills..I have a chronic illness and so many things going on I sat in front of him and was reeling off this list tears streaming down my face he goes shut up J you going to head for a breakdown he was right...But how do you get yourself back on track when things are so tough specially at the moment...I had a job for fourteen years and I loved it and then along came the words credit crunch..I have a chronic illness which a great team of people supported me not pitied they supported me and then they was gone..So here I was sitting in the job center amonst people I can say what I have because my chances of getting a job even slimmer I sitting in tears almost through frustration then I think no I get through my lets say invisible disabilities I will find a way..Applying for jobs oh the fun so many people Im up against sending off letters does not work as so many not answered so there I was unable to go in the work I love there not much around although its picking up so I ask the question what is around now although theres redundancies and shortages alot of places still need people even though they have got rid of aload of people they do use it as a reason to get some people who are not so good at their jobs..So I joined a temping agency ok you have to not be fussy but even if it one night its work..The other job I found walking my dog searching adverts on windows in the local shop...People and friends sometimes look like they have everything but they dont they have problems up to alsorts so its not about them..Im looking after people with dementia just cleaning helping out so different to what I was doing but do you know it just a few hours and its hard work but Im getting to like it Im in the door more hours might come up...As for you and your wife they say you take it out on the ones you love and you do they say but you can see you are doing this so again admiration for being a wonderful guy whos holding up his hand and asking for help..My advice probably has been not good but just take one thing at a time this is about you and you loved ones ...Application forms mine although does not lie I just dont say and when you get in the door hopefully they see you have something to offer there a big world out there and its a needle in a haystack but its finding that needle and with patience believing in yourself some hard work bit of faith it can be done..Ive gone on a bit much here but good luck wake up each day and have hope you are a great guy all the best JJ

Many HUGS to you Jackson!. I'm also college educated as well so I know how frustrating the economy is for everyone right now, especially in higher cost of living areas.

My best advice would be to take a couple days for yourself to truly deal with your feelings of being hurt and other feelings you have. By giving yourself both time and allowing yourself experience how you truly feel are you able to truly move on from being hurt.

Losing a job of course is by no means easy, but once you let your emotions out in a constructive way, moving forward will be much easier.

In addition, I know that finding a job to help support your family is your ultimate goal, but developing a plan of action might also be helpful. By plan of action I mean developing a personal and professional support system. For example, is there a way that you could work as a volunteer in your field one or two days a week while job hunting? I know volunteering doesn't pay money, but creating a professional support system through volunteering might lead to a great chance to professional or personal networking, you never know what contacts you might meet that could put in a good word for you or give you a good heads up about a current job opening.

Not to mention volunteering is a great way to pay it forward to others since you could be meeting others who are going through the same thing as you are where you could help mentor them through overcoming their situation.

Also are there any temp agencies in your are that you could try? Some temp agencies out here have temp to permanent hire programs Also, if you are still in school you could see if your school's career center has any employment resources. .

Lastly, I know its easier said than done, but I think you should really try not to be so hard on yourself as one's self- worth isn't measured in dollar amounts but rather by the love and support they give or feel from others. From your post it sounds like you already have a great support system at home. By developing a plan of action together might give you both something to look forward to.

I know its tough, but try to hang in there :D

I also agree with sweet pea on volunteering although I know that does not pay bills and even some places you dont hear from..But theres places smaller overlooked places so need people ...I said something to someone we was chatting and we was laughing and they said youve made my day..things youve been through yourself could so help someone and thats priceless when someone smiles at you because you understand the world is waiting for a caring sensitive man a man whose been through things who could relate to others Which comes through on this post go for it Mr J :)

I can't even get a job flipping a dam hamburger at fast food. I usually have to lie on application because I am over qualified for most job. My pride and my self worth is crush.

i dont do fast food. but you piss me off.

that pride of yours, isnt near being crushed. if you feel youre so high above others because you bought privileges from school for a higher education, then you still have a lot to learn.

Well, i might have to add that you should be gentle on yourself. You have been going to school. I don't know whether you're a part-time or full-time student, but studying is difficult, for sure. I decided to go back to school full-time last year to pursue a second degree and i really don't work anymore, so money for me is stressful.

i agree with some others that volunteering may be some leads, and also temp agencies. Don't go to just one: go to several. Have you considered going to a career counselor as well? And this may seem like a strange idea to you, but perhaps talk to someone at your school in that department. There is a career center at every school, as well as job postings.

And think positively! I know it is difficult in these times, but it really pays off. I am a true believer (without being a hippie) that what you put out there will come back to you in return. I have been stressing out about money and then i decided to try and let go of my fears, write affirmations on it, remind myself that I have made it this far and everything has and is being taken care of, and then two days ago a good friend of mine called me about some freelance work his company has and told me, "You were the first person I thought of for this job."

I am 30 years old. I have had physical problems as a child and now as an adult. I have a lack of skill training and skills. But I write well, have great ideas, have passion for people as well as can talk in front of groups of people. I have very few jobs under my belt not simply because of the backlash of my sleep apnea and didn't find that out till I was 19, I lost a big part of my childhood as well as my teen years, now in the past 10 years, I've had a lot of catching up to do! I've had very few jobs but I've had an eduction and have my associates in art. I've had to go homeless and sold papers on the cold streets of Chicago for a few days before I moved to Michigan, probably the worse place to move during this time! I have had to take a lot of time to myself, a lot of time to step back and see where I have to go, what I have and what I had to do and to bring out the courage and guts to do what I have to do to not just survive but live, and I'm still having to do this. So I encourage you, Jackson, when you have the tears out, stand up, be the man that you know you can be, and step up the possibilities, but at the same time, be open to what will happen when you do this: what you can do and what you are WILLING to do, and what you must do.

As mentioned previously, go try a career counselor, some times that can help, I've started to do that myself. Some times that can help give you something. And also may I suggest a book, "How to Win Friends and Influence People". I am still in the process of reading it, but it has great advice. It does come down to attitude, but it is okay to cry and be frustrated, as long as you don't let that rule you. Be strong.

(((HUGS))) - I know it's hard. At this point I would say keep looking for a job and in the meantime support your wife any and every way you can. If she is working 2 jobs then IMO she shouldn't have to lift a finger around the house. Give her back and feet messages.

I am sure she knows your trying. The job market stinks right now no matter where you live. I know I am over qualified for some of the positions I am applying for yet under qualified for others.

Hang in there.

The response is very warm. Thank you for the bottom of my heart. I know it is tough but people are having tough time too. I have 3 month to go till school is finish and I study for boards in pharmacy technican. I thank everyone for their advice except the other person who referring to me to tough up. Go to hell is my reply to you. I have try to apply for every job out there. So don't you give me a damn lecture about stuff you don't know what you talking about.

Hi Jackson,

Thanks for the update. That's great news about school. Glad to hear that everything is going well for your lately. GOOD LUCK w/ your Pharmacy Tech board exams :D. You seem to be well on your way, GOOD LUCK! :D

Hi J..Thankyou for the update...Good luck from me also all the best in the world JJ