jump in with both feet to get a job done

Agreed. The point is, age discrimination is alive and well, and probably always has been. I find it pathetic when even the 50+ crowd starts to go down the entitlement pathway. Seriously? We are the last of the greatest generation. Remember? We’re the ones who pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, roll up our sleeves and jump in with both feet to get a job done.

I’m not saying people aren’t unemployed due to a very lousy market and age and other discrimination. I know, I was completely out of work for two years. I have been fortunate in that I have work now, but it’s a grant-funded position so who knows when this ride will end? We as humans must have value in our lives. Being broke is one thing, but having no focus or purpose leads to despondency and we begin to die. Broke is a temporary condition, but depression starts to scar us, eventually permanently.

It is crucial to find a cause; something you can contribute your time to.After all, you are in control of your time, even if you have no money to control. If you ever want to see how much worse things could be, go serve at a soup kitchen sometime. Often you will find people who have literally lost everything. Another option is to read to children. Better yet, just hang out with some third-graders for a couple hours sometime; they will amaze you and remind you to find peace in the simple things. They will also surprise you with their questions and keep you on your toes.

Find a purpose. Even at near retirement age, it is still possible to find new direction in life. Also, prioritize. Keep the most important things, the most important things. It’s easy to forget just what is important in life. If you want to gain a better perspective on that, go to a nursing home or hospice, it will make you evaluate what to be thankful for.