Is it really so deeply ingrained in us (Thank you, stupid Protestant upbringing) that our value is somehow tied into our employment status? 

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Both my parents were atheist and yet I still feel like money is all that matters. I guess having no job always makes me feel like I'm not worthy enough or something.

Moyer, I know what you mean.

And don't forget, lottery money comes handy when you're buying Action Comics 1.

Money may not buy happiness, but it does by peace of mind.  I'm not thrilled when my bank account has next to nothing in it, but as long as that's due to my bills being paid, I can't complain too much.  I'm trying to stay out of the situation in which I'm low on funds but still have bills to pay.

Difficult to meet people around the D.C. area I live in since the most common question asked is "what do you do?", as opposed to finding more about the person.  A friend of mine got slapped by a woman, who kept pestering him about how much did he make, when he said to her "are you the sort of woman that would only date a guy if you know how much money he makes?"  Though I didn't hear any denial on her part.

That's going off on a tangent with my own baggage.  Hopefully success/peace of mind will find its way unto all of us.  This thread is cheaper than therapy, thanks Tom! :-P

I think it's a lot of issues that I am dealing with and not having a job is the tip of the iceberg that sets things in motion - that's usually how it is with me.

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I understand that perfectly. Sometimes I feel like there is something wrong in every aspect of my life, but I try not to think too much about it or else I would get depressed all the time. Sure, there is nothing good in my life at the moment, but it doesn't mean everything will stay like that forever.

I'm reading Richard Dawkins' THE GOD DELUSION right now and it's making me re-think a lot of things.  Not in a sad, "there is no God" kind of way, rather in a "if we really only get one go-around, then maybe I should make the most of it" way. 

We all have regrets -- most like mine, I imagine, centering around wishing I'd handled something in a different way.  I guess I just don't want to reflect on my life that way.  I don't want the summation to be: wish I'd done that differently.  Or die tomorrow with so much left undone. 

Maybe this is part of the fun of being in my mid-40's.  LOL -- maybe it's "bucket list" time.

What about you all?  I mean, I love my husband.  I love my dogs.  The career could stand a bit of tweaking, but I'm comfortable, if not challenged.  (On the other hand, I know that's changing as of the next school year.)  Maybe I'm thinking "legacy" -- I don't know.  Thoughts?

edited for spelling -- thanks, Wha-Keem.