Been there done that... it is very important to keep the dust in the air. Just keep something happening all the time just like Renee suggested. Even if you have to wash down the walls in your kitchen and paint the bathroom "keep the dust in the air" and keep talking and journaling and dreaming and following suggestions and chasing options and go to school, learn a new trade, the money will just keep showing up, even help people, tutor if you have a degree, use every skill you have and market it, even consider selling on eBay. Some way it always works out. I will remember you in my prayers

Did you go to college and graduated? What was your major? Girl I dont know about Chicago but New York? Case Manager jobs. Look in the Human Resources Department or go to www.Social services.com 32-38 range some 40. Girl get up dust yourself off because you may not find what you want but you got bills to pay. Dont kill yourself now but try to get a job working with old people or sickly people ie senior citizens. You should like a very smart woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. I know what you are going through I was there last year for a few months. Take some city federal state tests. Go to you neigborhood district office. Stay away from the kids though this is tricky. The jobs working with kids like foster care adoption daycare stuff like this can be stressful but hey if you can hang go for it. Go on line this is the fastest way to apply. Down load you resume and cover letter. Register with yahoo jobs, carreer builder, social services.com . some will let you down load and some will let you cut and paste. Put you resume in yur documents on your computer and upload when you see a job you want and oh make sure you reister to have jobs sent to you everyday that match your criteria. Just follow the direction at the website to do this. I use to get jobs in my inbox everyday and oh dont forgt put your email on your resume most employers will contact you via email. Doont have one get yahoo its free. Good Luck!

As I read your post all I could think is 'there but for the grace of God go I'. I lost my job right after 9/11 and while it all worked out beautifully for me then, it was the most stressful time of my life. After I found work, I went back to school to change careers. After a career in IT, where it is very hard to get a job at our age, I decided to get a social work degree and do work I can enjoy. I am just hoping to not lose the job I have now before I am ready to make the switch! I know telling you to hang in there is easier said that done but try to remember, this too shall pass. I'm pulling for you!