I've been unemployed since I resigned from a career in management on 6/13/2014.
At the time, my father, who was living by himself at home, began to suffer from dementia. My mother was already in a nursing home, also a victim of dementia. So, at 56, I relocated and moved back "home." I cared for him until he went blind in one eye and it was no longer safe for him to drive. He's now in an assisted living facility and I'm "home alone."
Nonetheless, I am scheduled to return to my former employer on Nov. 9. Ironically, I'll be returning to the office where I began my career, which is in the city where I currently reside. Unfortunately, I couldn't go back to my previous location because it is nearly 100 miles away. However, many of my former co-workers, including my best friend, are still working at the local facility.
I lost nearly 15 years seniority, along with four weeks vacation, and took a substantial pay cut. But, I've fulfilled my familial obligations and am once again employed, which means a great deal nowadays.
This situation, along with some others, including a degenerative eye condition, forced me to abandon my modeling for the last half decade. Thankfully, I'm in a better place now, and intend on returning to the hobby I truly enjoy.
I made some good friends through this site and I appreciate the welcome back I've received. It's been great reconnecting with Andy Fettes and Bob Letterman, two of the most inspirational modelers I've had the pleasure to meet in person. I could probably say the same thing if I ever met Moon Puppy, but I'm afraid we'd end up in some drunk tank.