[notfarnow]

You mean a career coach? Never used one but have thought about it. I'm interested to hear what people say here.

FWIW, I had a career that beat the $%# out of me for 4-5 years, and layoffs around me every 6mths or so made me feel GRATEFUL for the hateful work I had. Looking back, it was an abusive, toxic work environment.

My experience there culminated in me being laid off when my wife was 7mths pregnant. It was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced, my stomach turns just thinking about it.

If I can relay anything useful from my experience, it is this...When I got laid off, I made a promise to myself:
- I will make it the BEST thing that every happened to me. That was my full time job, and it started that Monday. (I allowed myself the weekend to bit#ch and moan)
- I will do something I enjoy
- I will commit to doing the BEST that I can at whatever I do
- I will treat people in such a way that they WANT to do business with me

It wasn't easy, and it was scary as hell, but it worked out. This is probably the first time in 15 years that I feel like I'm in control of my life, and where I feel that my skills and hard work are appreciated.

Hope things work out for you, I understand your stress!