Officially unemployed

[RobertInOntario]

Hello Everyone---Rob,sorry to hear about your recent setback.Until I retired last year,I was employed by the City of Hamilton Social Department as a training co-ordinator/job search coach whose main prioity was to help individuals on social assistance return to the workforce.One of the biggest barriers facing many of my clients was low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in their abilities---once individuals were able to identify their strenghts and what they had to offer to a prospective employer,it gave them a much more positive approach in their job search efforts.With 22 years experience with your last employer you have much to offer.Above all,stay positive,determined and focused in your job search efforts---I wish you good luck.

Thanks -- I really appreciate your encouragement. I am trying to be as positive as possible and also trying to hold up my self-esteem as well. That can be hard because it's a huge blow to my ego & self-esteem.

It's early days, but I do have a couple "coals in the fire" that could work out well. I don't want to say too much yet as it's quite early. I will say that both my wife & I are feeling much better and more optimistic today. I've been in a few meetings today and feel overwhelmed with helpful information (a good problem).

Now, I need to take a break and do something totally unrelated, like watching a movie or doing something train-related! ... as Kevin says, hobbies like this can really help keep our sanity.

Thanks again,

Rob