So, yesterday I officially turned in my uniforms and went "unemployed" for the first time in 8 years. This job paid $3,000/month but I absolutely hated it all four years. In my city, that's a large amount. I was a high-ranking Correctional Officer to be specific. I've been planning this out for months now. Glad to be a normal person again!

BUT, there's some snags. I signed up for individual healthcare only to back peddle once I realized that the deductibles for all these plans are so ridiculously high that they aren't affordable. So, the caring Mom I've been blessed with has found prescription drug coverage through a website that we qualify for. I have faxed the info, and let my PCP and Psychiatrist in on it so far so good...but no guarantees yet. I cannot function without this medication and am not yet exactly sure on how I will be able to get it, with it costing $500+/month for all my stuff.

Also, mid-month I applied for work at every automotive shop in my city, and my first choice selected me for employment, Firestone Complete Auto Care! However...there was a hold up due to accidentally talking to the wrong person set me back almost a week. A week later they called me, and I passed the physical exam and drug test, background check, etc. and was fitted for my uniforms. They say they will call upon receiving confirmation that I have passed the drug screen..being pushed back means I don't know how long this will take, but, they sound pretty sure about giving me a shot. However, nothing's guaranteed.

Basically, I'm going from $3,000/month down to about $1700 but it's for my own good, they say they will pay me to acquire all legit ASE Certifications and work on flag hours, incase you don't know what that means, it means a lot of money. However, it will be over a year before they consider sending me to make sure I'm prepared, with a bonus upon completion of each course. It would be the perfect career since I've always been a mechanic/technician/paint and body guy.

It is just so nerve racking to be unemployed and I've been drinking like crazy since the other day and if the room ain't spinning it ain't enough. I am giving up the car that I make payments on so my retirement check will buy me another Civic, I already have one so I'll have 2 cars and barely be able to make rent, but I'll manage when and if Firestone calls me with a start date and a schedule.

Any comments/suggestions/positivity besides alcohol? I've tried my usual stuff, talking to family and friends, working on my 91 Civic, watching anime, even going for long walks and to the gym, and I'm totally broke until I receive my last full paycheck on the 1st.