I figured you could and had you in mind a little while typing that. But I've also been in this situation many times before. You see, prior to this last job of 5 years, I did probably like 5-7 years of contracting (temp) work. It was usually 6 months here, 3 months there, with occasionally up to year long stints. So I'm pretty used to the situation, but it doesn't change how you feel while "in between".
That is something I don't usually fear all too much. Being in the computer field there's always something even if it's just temporary. Today's economy also adds a little to the trepidation.
But my biggest worry is that due to a culmination of recent medical conditions I'm no longer able to get around physically nearly as well as I used to. It was fine in my last job since it was like 98% working at my desk. Which in itself may have contributed to the situation. With all of the walking around and standing involved in job interviews, I'm not sure my back, hips, knees, or leg muscles would be up to it. I now have trouble walking or standing for any reasonable time that at any other time in my life I would have taken for granted.
This is where my dilemma comes in. I've thought about applying for disability, but to do so you have to declare yourself unable to work. To collect unemployment you have to declare that you are able to work. It takes 5-6 months from the date of application to start receiving disability benefits. How is a person living alone supposed to cover expenses in that time frame?
I just recently found out, though it explains a lot of what's been going on over the last couple years, I've got Hypothyroidism. It's biggest issues are weight gain due to reduced metabolism and constant fatigue. The fatigue led to lack of interest in moving around much, which also contributed to weight gain. I already had a bad back, bad knee, and osteoarthritis in my hips which also contributed to the lack of mobility. So the weight gain and lack of mobility pretty much complemented one another in a sort of snowball effect. Oh and the weight gain also gave me obstructive sleep apnea contributing even further to my fatigue.
I've started treatment for the hypothyroidism and a very basic exercise routine that I will keep building up as I go along. But I'm unsure if I'll be in any kind of condition for job hunting soon enough. I've only got a 3 month prescription for the meds and my
insurance is gone.
I've got to choose a path here soon, between staying in the workforce and trying for disability. My physical condition makes the first one uncertain and finances make the latter an almost impossibility.
