No wonder this Duck and local Pond Slider have kept up with each other. Trach was the first response to my first SR post nearly 3 years ago. I lost everything in 2004 after several layoffs, my profession disappearing before my eyes and a failed business. I left St Louis with a 17 year old car, some of my clothes and things I did not sell and my dog and went off to a temp job. That lasted until I landed here. Been at present job 11 years now. Definitely underemployed and getting to be seriously underpaid. That fueled depression and increased my recreational drinking into full fledged alcoholism.
I just turned 59 yesterday. Woo hoo. I admire you fellow pond dweller and keeper of the island for wanting to start over. I wish I had but it is likely too late. I have applied for better paying jobs with benefits, but I never get an interview. So I have a scary future.... hope the island is still open.
Good to see you Moo.