I am single, 56, love animals, antiques, vintage, gardening and reading.  Was employed at a major university until a couple of years ago when I was suddenly let go.  Long sad story, but I am in a position of looking for work because I am not old enough to retire but seemingly too old to hire.  BA Communications and 17 years of experience hasn't helped me to find work.  Sudden unemployment has thrown a wrench into my life and made be examine myself more closely.  My therapist recommended this site to possibly help me in my quest for answers and enlightenment (or maybe just some other opinions).  I'll take any help I can get.

How did you get to where you are now?

Good question and probably too long of an answer.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I was a successful businesswoman, respected and admired.  (or so I thought)  I know you are not supposed to link your job to your identity and self esteem but it happens anyway.  Unemployment takes a lot of that feeling of success away.  I hope someday to regain a lot of what was taken from me with the loss of my job.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Retired

There is so much wasted time in youth.  Worrying about things that DO NOT MATTER.  Find your passions as early as you can and live them.  If you concentrate on the unimportant you will miss so much time doing the things that you will love and feel rewarded by.  You will feel that looks and sex and partying are the good things in life but just don't spend too much time on those.  Find what you love and do it as early as possible because someday you will realize there is just not enough time to accomplish what makes your life and your time mean something.