While I want to try to be positive and not dwell on the negatives of my situation, it is also important that I have a plan in place for any worst case scenarios. The truth of the matter is I’m not finding a lot of positions available in my area that I am qualified for (there are A LOT of medical positions), and I would really prefer not to go back to retail again. I am also almost 52 and ageism exists, even if people aren’t supposed to discriminate by age, it happens.

The first thing I am doing is applying for unemployment. I will probably be denied, but it’s worth a shot. If I don’t find something by the end of April, I will also apply for food benefits and OHP. I should at least qualify for both of those. But I have enough money to get through May at least.

As I don’t pay rent, and Mom’s retirement covers the mortgage and most of the household bills, we’re good there and I don’t have to worry about becoming homeless again. I’m responsible for food and water, as there isn’t enough in her retirement to cover food after the bills are paid. This is the area I am most concerned about, though again, I should qualify for food benefits, so that should definitely help.

If I can’t find an administrative position, I will take retail (if I can get it), but don’t think I can do a full shift on my feet, so will probably need to be part time (most retail positions aren’t full time anyway).

Student loan payments start again soon, and I have some other bills as well that I would like to pay off. But if I can at least find something where I make enough to cover food and gas, we’ll survive.