Since I'm the one who started the thread, I figured I'd better keep an even keel and not get defensive. So I'm thinking the person who wrote it (whom I hope will register!) is someone you can rely on not to sugarcoat things.

That being said, there are a couple of things I didn't mention in the initial posting. I did have a couple of jobs that I didn't stay at.

I think the reason I didn't stick with more than two years of substitute teaching was that not only was it a soul-killer, but the money I made was just a splash in the family finances. If and when I take another job we are going to save the whole paycheck. I guess that getting a decent paycheck requires putting more time in.

I've noticed something that never gets talked about. Maybe it is up to me to bring it out:

I do lots of emotional work that needs to be done. I take what someone is angry about and get them to articulate it. Then I listen and help them feel loved even though they're angry.

I've learned that my family of origin is pretty narcissistic and that we have shells around our hearts that don't let emotion through, and I'm starting to understand how to negotiate that.

I've learned how not to let others' problems be mine, and how to support people by helping them be seen and recognized instead of stereotyped and labeled.

Still...the above posters are right. All of them.

Sometimes it appears that the days of being able to get a job, because I had the piece of paper in my hand, are over and I'm going to have to fight for what I want.