When suicide is the best career option..
As I sit in the same default job I've had for over 18 years, doing the same thing, I can't believe how miserably I've ruined and wasted my life and why finding a way out seems limited to putting the barrel of a gun in my mouth and repainting the wall with my brain matter.
OK, melodramatic, but I can't comprehend why I haven't had ONE job offer since I took this job after a layoff to staunch the debt. Interviews used to come five or six times a year and now I get maybe one interview every year or so. My work skills and work history are both solid, if not exemplary, but nobody cares.
All I can figure is that since I don't live in a metropolitan area, I'm non-existent. But If I move to a metropolitan area without ready prospects, my next career move might involve performing "personal" favors in bus station men's rooms. I thought faith and persistence might finally trump this career dead-end, but I'm pushing 50 with no wife, no kids and not a lot of time on my side. Should I just pack the car and head where the prospects may be better, even if I have no safety net?
WT,
You are not alone and a lot of very talented people are having the same experiences.
Killing yourself will certainly end your employment concerns but it tends to be irrevocable and has no career path attached to it. I don't recommend it as a step forward since as far as I can tell, it's final.
If you are healthy, free as a bird and have a chance to go look at the world, go. What is holding you back?
Some of us would give anything to be able to pack up and see what is over the horizon. If you can, do it. A new setting may bring about a new viewpoint and that is never a bad thing for anyone. Get out of the rut you despise and move on. What are you going to lose?
Pehaps suicide is the "best" answer for him. When you are 50 and over it is not suicide....
it is "self-euthanasia." If he moves to a metro area like I am in, he would be paying an extremely high cost of living.
He is too old to move.
dp
Oh Emil,
Being over 50 is not a prison sentence. I sent you a Happy Birthday and you accepted it. Once you accept a Happy Birthday you can't return it to the sender.
Now, go out there and advocate, tick people off and make waves like always.
You are playing the role of Eyeore the Donkey and I am not convinced. You have a life ahead and much work to do. You will do it, too, even if you feel older than you did yesterday. Go kick butt, DP.
Emil, suicide is never the best answer for anyone. It's a permanent solution to a temporary problem! And in cases where the problems are permanent, people need to find a way to live successfully with these problems rather than pulling down the curtain or taking a permanent vacation!
You should never put your stamp of approval on suicide on a public forum over the Net even if you really feel that is the answer.
Most people, if not all, will find that they have more reasons to live than reasons to die.
Besides why have you not killed yourself already if you are a fan of suicide or self euthanasia as you call it to somehow make it sound more acceptable? You have hinted at this more than just a few times over the years; yet - you have not done it. Why? What are you waiting for?
I do not think you really want to and that's why! So quit talking about it.
Also stop the pity party about your "advanced age" already! You sound like you really feel sorry for yourself.
Bunzo
Moving into the city is always the standard thing for most people.
I don't necessarily understand why you can't find work particularly if you own a car for appreciable money. I find that most people in my state would kill for employees who have their own transportation only because so many in my region take commuter trains and busses.
Blowing your head off is not a good idea. I've thought of suicide myself, but reasonable people know if you dig yourself a hole, there's always a way to dig out even if you have to dig your way to China, at least it's an exit.
You don't mention what skills do you have, are any of them technology related? Do you know how to use a computer? Are you experienced with any or some forms of software? Networks? Technology isn't a kid's game with video games, e-mail, chat rooms and text messaging, it's for everyone, just because you're 50 or over 50 doesn't mean you can't find occupational satisfaction.
Expand yourself. Widen your options. Maybe you've kept yourself limited in some ways and now it's time to do away with it.
Things to consider.
However, being over 50+ IS a prison sentence if you are in the mental death system or disability system.
dp
It's a permanent solution to a temporary problem!
Your saying above is old and trite and not always true.
Suppose one does NOT have a "temporary" problem?
Suppose the problem is "permanent"?
dp
Emil,
Read my previous post again. I made that statement but I quickly corrected it to say that some problems and issues are permanent and you learn to deal with them rather than take the rest of your life off.
Okay! That statement is old and trite and not always true which means sometimes it's very true. As for old and trite, that is not always a bad thing. After all - we are both old and trite, no?
It's morally wrong on any of these Forums for you or anyone else to encourage anyone contemplating suicide or self euthanasia to actually complete the act.
There are suitable forums on the Net for discussions about euthanasia and the right to commit suicide if you feel like it, but these forums are not for that purpose.
Bunzo
I am also over 50 and without any family now and in very much the same situation. In the past two years, I have also lost two of my closest friends.
My work experience, education, and skills all count for nothing now, what were once assets have become liabilities. As a matter of fact, I can't think of anything going for me at this time.
So, you're not alone in feeling very discouraged.
As for leaping without a safety net, it is likely to make things worse. I would only recommend it if there was no other alternative except staying at your present location and becoming homeless.
Good luck and keep us posted.