Some people really DON'T want to work!
- Thread starter LauraMax
- Start date
Yes, she really needs to go to the social security office and look into filing on an ex-spouse's account. And if she's 70??? Did I read that right? I think it would extremely difficult to find a job at that age. I doubt anyone would hire her, except as a house cleaner or babysitter. Or caregiver for an even older person.
Beth
Beth
I agree. It's easy to say "she should do something," "there is something out there for her." Please, somebody define the "something!" It is easy to say she should go out and do something. However, the reality is NOBODY would want to hire her because of her age, lack of experience, gap in employment, etc.
She probably would have to start her own cleaning business because nobody around here would hire a 70 year old lady if 20 year olds are available to clean. Same goes with babysitting. Nowadays, you have to be with a professional service who does background checks and certifications.
twinkletoes129
Cathlete
This women is 70 years old AND has bipolar disorder which is untreated. This does not make it easy for her to market herself or to hold down a job properly. She is 70 which at that age people do want to slow down a bit we need to give her some lattitude there and this is not even taking into account her illness. With that serious illness and being untreated it is very hard for these people to handle the stresses and the constrictures of a work environment and that's maybe a good reason why she is avoiding it. Also, with bipolar disorder in the hypomanic phase that some people tend to settle in before swinging into depression or florid mania due to stress/or just the illness fluctuations, when people are in this hypomanic phase which sounds like what she's in they can have high energy and be very busy however they can also be HIGHLY irritable and therefore VERY intolerant with people—lack people skills, lack insight and judgement, make very poor decisions. They also tend to be very impatient, have a VERY short fuse and all this makes for a VERY poor employee working with people (think of it as a person in psychotic PMS). The likelihood is that the work environment would be too stressful for her and exacerbate her illness. This would not be good for her. At this stage in her life and situation it sounds like it would be much better for her to live the way she is and possibly add in volunteer work if it can be flexible for her needs. And if she needs any more financial support to see if there is a way to get that additional social security and even disability insurance.
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ebonynicole
Cathlete
I agree Twinkletoes, yes there are some people out there that are just plain lazy, but in this case there are multiple reasons why she is not out there getting a job right now. Her bipolar illness I think is the main reason that she has no interest in even trying. That issue has to be addressed first and foremost before anything else can happen. I also agree that she is going to have to do things at her own pace and do things her way otherwise the situation could take a different turn.
LauraMax
Cathlete
OK fine. I'll give her a break. I won't encourage her to find employment anymore. I won't help her with her resume & potential employers. So, when she winds up in foreclosure living in a homeless shelter eating from a food bank, I should have nothing to feel guilty about, right?
Beth, she is collecting SS from an ex's earnings, but it's very minimal. They were married for about 10 years, but have been divorced for about 35, so that doesn't qualify her for much. Something like $500 a month.
And yes, thank you twinkletoes, you described this woman to a T. It is extremely difficult for her to function in society without treatment, & she does not know how to handle people. She'll get an opportunity, get all jazzed about it, & then the next day has like 5 reasons why she doesn't want it.
There are jobs out there for her. I just googled "senior friendly employers" & found a good amount of them. Barnes & Noble was one, & she loves books. Also local drugstores (Rite Aid, CVS, etc.) like hiring seniors, & I thought that'd be good for her b/c she could also get discounts on necessities. She promised me months ago she'd look into both, & hasn't done a thing. She's still waiting for the golden goose.