Job Hunt 2008: So, what do I do if I don't find a job soon?

[kevyn]

I'm still not getting any traction in the job hunt. No matter where I apply, there doesn't seem to be anything available for me that I am able to do (my physical disabilities limit the kinds of jobs I can take). I am not eligible for unemployment, I can't get state assistance or disability to pay my rent -- which I'm 2 months behind on -- my family can't help me, and my friends are going to get really tired of lending me money really fast. My landlord has given me until the end of the month to ride, but he has to pay his mortgage. I really don't have any prospects for working the grey market economy, and selling junk on eBay barely keeps me in cigarettes.

So, what happens when I hit the end of the month, if I still haven't found work?

The homeless shelter is certainly there, but being a resident of the shelter will probably not help either my job hunt or my mental state. And what will I do with all my stuff?

I'm not catastrophizing here. This is a VERY real possibility, and the clock is running out. I need to make plans for what to do if I do end up homeless.

I don't want to leave Bellingham, but I may be forced to. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to finance a move. I don't want to head back south. I really, really don't feel safe there.

My closest relatives are in Kentucky, and I *really* don't think I should head back there. That would mean re-establishing myself in a new state -- and a state without Washington's social safety net or public transportation system, to boot.

So, what can I do? What should I do?

Comments

[djmadadam.livejournal.com]

Try this?

[aadroma.livejournal.com]

I don't mean to pry, but I didn't even know you had disabilities. Could you elaborate? You don't have to if you don't want to ...

I hope you can find work soon. Even fast food or retail is SOMETHING.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Social Security turned me down. Catholic services... uhhhh... I'm not exactly welcome in Catholic circles anymore. Apostasy and all that. Community Action Agency said they couldn't help because I don't have a regular income. AAAAAAARGH!

Anyway. Thank you for the suggestions!

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

No no, you're entitled to ask. It's in my profile/interests... chronic, recurring lifelong major depression, first hospitalized age 16, melancholic, and a diagnosis of bipolar type II that I do not agree with. Makes it periodically difficult to work within the confines of a traditional office setting, can't get out of bed for days, no energy, worse in the winter. Mostly under control with psychiatric medication and a lightbox for this time of year. I think I *can* work, I certainly write enough on my blog, I've proven I can do that, but the temp agencies that usually keep me afloat aren't hiring. I graduated from university at the end of August, just in time for the economy to tank. Yay me!

Seriously, tho, I also have osteoarthritis in my knees, which will eventually have to be replaced. Also bow-legged pronation and flat feet. I wear customized orthodics to keep my size 16s in shape to be able to support my massive frame. I believe that I am about the upper end of the largest you can get on the human skeletal system before it starts breaking down. Look what happens when you load up your meat with growth hormone. I can't do work that requires a lot of standing or walking... which eliminates most fast food/retail jobs.

So. I apply. I call. I write. The economy sucks. I'm difficult to place, competition is fierce, and I am not always a fierce competitor. And my attitude sucks.

[aadroma.livejournal.com]

Is there an Aldi there? I know the cashiers at least get to sit there.

It's something ;_;

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Oh, I wish! I shopped at Aldi "Aldi" time back home in Kansas. The chain doesn't seem to be present out here on the Left Coast.