I Feel Old and Useless

The job I lost

I've worked for auto dealerships as a warranty administrator for over 20 years, and when the auto industry hit the skids my job was one of the first to go, was laid off as I had a "higher paying' positon.

I am 50 years old, have never in my life had to rely on anyone but myself, never been unemployed unless by choice,and have been unemployed now since January. The auto industry is not eager to hire and since my job was so specalized I can't just walk into anther position that I am qualified for. I have glowing recommendatons that mean nothing. I'm ready to give up and lay down and die, I feel so useless. Help!!!!

What it's like being unemployed

I stated above, I feel old and useless, the job I've worked, trained, and excelled at for years means nothinq, I'm losing hope as my unemployment is about to run out, having been paying COBRA (which is going back up in Dec.) as I HAVE to have health insurance, I am homeless and living on the good will of friends, I have no dignity left, and have been an upstanding citizen until I got laid off, now.... I don't know what to do or where to turn. I see myself lving as a bag lady, and when I reach that point I will give up and end it all, my dignity is gone.

Advice

• Diversify your job skills, don't get into the position where you have done one job for so long that your skills mean nothing when you have to start all over again.