Thread: 5.2 Earthquake In Illinois. Shakes Large Part of Midwest

Well, I hate to say it, but I'd probably be better off if the big one hit (even if I didn't survive). Can't find a job, can't get any help, declaring bankruptcy next week, and possibly homeless in a couple of months. I know a lot of people who feel the same way. My friend, with physics, math and statistics degrees just left this morning for San Diego. He doesn't know anyone, but he says he's sure he will be better off there. I just don't know what to think anymore. I see a lot of affluence around me - wonder if an earthquake would even the score for an ENGINEER like me?

Originally Posted by sofedup

Well, I hate to say it, but I'd probably be better off if the big one hit (even if I didn't survive). Can't find a job, can't get any help, declaring bankruptcy next week, and possibly homeless in a couple of months. I know a lot of people who feel the same way. My friend, with physics, math and statistics degrees just left this morning for San Diego. He doesn't know anyone, but he says he's sure he will be better off there. I just don't know what to think anymore. I see a lot of affluence around me - wonder if an earthquake would even the score for an ENGINEER like me?

Wow, Sorry to heard things are so bad for you. Is it that bad for all the engineering type jobs out there? Is this another case of H1B2 visa steeling jobs? That’s what happened to me some years back. Or did the jobs get outsourced to India? That also happen to me at another job I lost.

Hang in there; asking for an earthquake is not the answer. (Unless we could control were and who is hits?)

Sofedup.

All of these rumblings would make anyone nervous, and I don't even live in the area. Things happen for a reason. Maybe finding another job in another city would be not only finacially beneficial but safer.

Hope you find work soon. Prayers go out for your search.

Sofedup:

wonder if an earthquake would even the score for an ENGINEER like me?

I smiled a sarcastic smile for you. Come up here to the NW. There may be more opportunities up here and as well, the scenery is great (I have heard though that the weather can get to some people not used to it, see right now we keep getting snow showers).

Sofedup, I will pray for you. My husband and I have sort of been there, and with kids in tow. It was a very low point in our lives. He has work now, certainly not fantastic pay, but we are staying afloat and can at least pay for our basic needs. I will pray for that and more for you.

Thanks everyone. I've never been so depressed in my life. I thought getting physics and materials degrees (with published papers) would get me A job. Any job. Especially since my research has solar energy applications and supposedly we're on a "green" kick in the Bay Area.
As far as the earthquake remark - I'm not wishing for anyone to get hurt at all. It just seems that it's time for some "shaking" up of where our priorities are as a country. I would have to leave my son behind (he's 11) and he would miss me terribly and I couldn't be a good mom to him anymore. Still, I am thinking of moving. It's just a shame that I'm surrounded here by so many wealthy young people who are not as educated, many aren't even citizens, yet it all comes so easily to them. It's perplexing to me. If you know of opportunities somewhere else, I'm listening.
Your prayers mean a lot to me. I am thankful to have found this group for many reasons.