Hi Zita,

What culture are you from? Because honestly no parents I know would lay this trip on their child. I’d rather eat rice living in my car than have my kid take care of me. 65 is not old, retired, or dead in my book. We come from families that live well into their 80s and 90s. They’d live simply, and be as vibrant as ever.

The ex: Let me tell you, even if you did “well” he would still look down on you ONLY because people don’t like to be proven wrong! Why do you think they say “Living well is the best revenge”? All being successful will do is make him pissed. So who cares about what he thinks??

Friend: Get new ones.

Work: Just get up and show up. Showing up is 90% of life.

Grad Schools: Apply. You have several months before applications for Fall 2016 would be due. Relax until then, but apply.

Other Work: Frankly, in this economy, you might not get anything (YET!). Think of it as one more day the Universe will let you live in your comfort zone (Yay! That is secretly what you want!) but keep searching out new opportunities. Follow them, and something will fall into place.

Move: Put the ‘rents in affordable housing or senior housing and get a modest apartment with roommates. Time to live like you’re 20!

Family/Marriage/Kids: You still have a decade to enjoy yourself. Relax about this now!

Good Luck!

Inky

• This reply was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by Inky.