Kirsten, we have an awful lot in common... two silly kitties and unemployment! I too worked for a company where people were underminding everything I did in order to save their own job. It amazes me that I let it happen and that this person still has a job - since after I left, mistakes that were supposed to be my fault continued to happen and there was no longer someone to pin blame on! LOL.

But trust me, things will get better. Right now, my husband and I are really struggling with bills ... struggling ain't the word... more like drowning! But I am soooo much happier now than I was right before my layoff. I am finally doing what I've always really wanted to do. And the best thing? No more stress! I set my schedule and nobody asks me "what are you working on?" Ugh, I hated that question!

Is there something that you can do to freelance and go into business yourself? I don't know how easy it is to open a business in Germany... I'm assuming a personal business would be somewhat easy to start. You'll find something I can just tell!