Teppy, having one job for along time actually looks GOOD to HR, because it means you're a stable employee. So that's one thing to strike off your worry list. Once you start looking for work, you can find out what kind of clothes you need and buy one interview outfit if needed. I just did that a couple of months ago and it was relatively painless and now I own a black suit. SO that's two things to strike off.

Job-hunting is not fun, but you have marketable skills and you WILL get a good job.

Also, this might sound kind of stupid, but as I've gotten older, my attitude toward job-hunting has more and more become "You people would be lucky to have me" and less "Oh, god, please hire me please please please."

I truly believe that the more confident you are (or the more you can fake it), the better. Not arrogant asshat, but confident in your skills. You're awesome! You've edited god knows how many articles about a huge variety of things! You're our walking pharmacy!

Tep, I understand, and I totally have your back. You have MAD skillz and 18 years at a company is NOT a liability; in these days, it is a boon for companies who train people and see them flit on to the Next Big Thing on an average of 3 years.

You are eminently employable, and yes, it is MAD scary. But you have this crazy advantage of a community of people which connections and skills who have your back -- you are ahead of the game without lifting a finger.

Strix, I was going to e-mail you later when I have something resembling a game plan, and hire your inimitable skills to update my resume. I'd rather hire a friend, you know?

When I get my head on straight, I'll shoot you an e-mail. Probably not this week, but maybe next.

No big, hon; you do what you need to do, and I will watch for your e-mail. I will get you through this -- no, WE ALL will get you through this.

Much love.

Steph, I have no good advice at the moment (have to run out the door soon), but I totally understand and sympathize with your pants-shitting fear. It's become a somewhat familiar companion working freelance for ten years.

le nubian's list is a very good one.

Also, try not to be so hard on yourself. If you had been the best ever greatest job seeker ever it still was 18 years ago. It isn't reasonable that you would be now. Like anything else there are vast resources on the internet. There are rules and steps to take. Get to the list making.

The hardest thing is deciding what you would like to do. You are an intelligent and capable woman. The possibilities are endless. Having an 18 year job history with one company is a plus. As an employer I like that a whole lot more than a dozen jobs in 18 years.

Decide what you might enjoy. Look at the jobs posted and formulate your cover letter and resume accordingly. You know how to write; that already gives you a step up on the competition. Trust me on this! I see lots of bad writing on cover letters. You got this.

You also have plenty of resources here for proof-reading.

Goes without saying that I will help with resumés, too: particularly if you decide you want to be hired in a college or university.

and by the way, your talents would be welcome there. keep your options open.

Hell, I burst into hysterical tears when I got word of a layoff. In the office itself. I don't do major change well.

I don't do major change well.

I am THE WORST at any kind of change. Our grocery store is being remodeled and I cannot abide it.

So you can imagine how losing my job AND planning a wedding (and refinancing the house and [though uneventful] jury duty) is affecting me.

AWESOME.