My dad was laid off after working at the same company for twenty-seven years. He was about 3 years from retirement. They were downsizing and replaced him with someone half his age, who knew nothing about the company and it's people. His job had paid well so the family was not in any immediate financial danger, but the lay off really depressed my dad. After about 5 years of retirement, he decided to go back to work. He now spends his days working at my old elementary school, teaching kids to use computers, on recess duty, and going out of his way to reach kids that seem to be having problems. He is enjoying his life more now than he had in his rat-race days of being a business man. The students and faculty absolutely love him, and despite the low pay, he feels that he is doing something meaningful and enjoyable with his life. I'm sure my father never imagined he would be teaching at an elementary school or starting a new career in his mid-fifties, but I think his life if far better having had this experience.

Good luck to you. Despite the hard times, life not only endures, it flourishes! Look at what is important to you and you will go further than you ever imagined.