Multilingualism common outside U.S. ? I think so. Americans have been accused of being arrogant / lazy because we, for the most part, refuse to learn anything other than English. Because no one wants to learn my language, off to Rosetta Stone I go
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Are you going to live w/ your mom or sister after you grab the cash for keys deal ? From what I remember, you are a free man (not married, no kids ?), so you are in a great position to do what you want, really. Go anywhere. Anytime. Right ? And, you're 40 now ? So, the Marines is out. Just kidding
. Hey, I heard military enrollments are skyrocketing because there's no jobs. Although I'm not a big fan of the military as a career track (esp this war mess), the Coast Guard and Air Force don't seem bad. Another relative of mine is a rescue swimmer with the CG. He loves it. Another great guy. He goes around the country teaching rescue swimming re Katrina, lost folks at sea, etc. Are you interested in (or eligible for) any job retraining programs ? If you had UI, I think the stimulus pkg has something in it for retraining programs. Check it out. Take anything that remotely interests you where there are jobs. You don't have to commit to anything forever. This is a tough time, but I think it's really providing us opportunties to regroup, rethink our lives, what's really important, and maybe try things we may have been putting off when our lives were too comfortable. That's the way I see it anyways. From what and how you write/express yourself here, I find it hard to believe you worked with machines (computers) all day long, as you seem people oriented and quite the fire cracker ! I know exactly what you mean about not being the "same person" as before you were put through this mess. I've thought of going to Kanab, Utah and volunteering at a place called Best Friends Animal Society. It's in a breathtaking area (by Zion National Park -stunningly beautiful) and it's a no kill rescue shelter that takes animals in from all over (maybe in the world), rehabilitates them and adopts them out (all over the world) or the animals have a home for life if they're not adoptable or a home can't be found. The people who started it, run it or work there give me faith in humanity again, as I don't have much faith anymore in humankind
. Individual people, yes. Humankind. No. They are as close to human angels there, in what they do, for those suffering but wonderful animals. You've probably seen the t.v. show "Dogtown" (National Geo channel). Well, that's the shelter. I wish I were able to retire and go there and walk those dogs around that breathtaking place, day in and out. They actually took in about 20 or 30 of Michael Vick's poor dogs and turned them into adoptable, sweet companions. Those poor, helpless dogs were rescued from the gates of hell, rehabilitated and provided the best care and human companionship a dog could wish for by those angels at Best Friends. I cry when I watch that show because it gives me faith and hope in humans again
. Anyways, that's what I would do with my time if I wasn't still a working stiff. How about doing something bold or different? What do you have to lose ? What about the peace corps ? Teach English in Japan ? Something voluntary that you might enjoy that comes with room, board and soup ? I don't know what that would be, but now is the time to be creative. Everyone is forced to be creative now. We have no choice ! What do we have to lose ? What about volunteering in an area you would like to work ? Something new you've always wanted to try? I now offer to volunteer my prof services with the hopes a job will result. I only target jobs I really want. I get quicker responses / interviews now. If not this job, then the next job. I saw a great job ad the other day. It was placed by a paralegal who was having a tough time securing ANY para job. They offered to work (part-time) FOR FREE for 3 mos with the ultimatum of a job offer after the 3 mos or they would then just move on. I thought that was a creative idea. It's also a good way to keep your skills and resume current while also having the other 20 hours during the week to keep looking for a paying job. It also keeps you active, feeling productive, and in the loop. Just an idea. Good luck. Keep us posted.