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.

Tep, everyone has given great advice. I absolutely agree that it looks great to have an applicant with that kind of steady job history. Also, this?

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!

Yes yes and more yes!

Coffee:

Also, Suzi, I meant to say that I really hope your podiatrist can shed some light on what's going on with your foot. Those types of injuries are so frustrating and painful!

Teppy, I can sympathize - I spent a lot of time with a truly horrible boss because I feared job hunting so much. But really - staying in one job for an extended period is a GOOD thing - it shows (1) you won't be hopping off to another job quickly nad (2) your employer kept you for that time.

A nice suit - or dress/skirt/pants and jacket - is good and can be affordable. I get almost all my clothes at discount stores (Marshalls, T.J. Maxx) and one of the few nice things horrible!boss had to say was that I always looked professional. So it doesn't have to cost a lot.

And your skills are transferable - the fact that you can write coherent English is a plus ... and rare. So ... the Buffistas have your back. The hive mind will help. Seriously - with the brain power you have to call on, it will all work out.

I have a suggestion to throw into the mix, Teppy. I strongly encourage you to apply for the widest range of jobs possible, even things that you probably will not want or are not quite qualified for. The idea is, 1) sometimes the results may surprise you, that somewhere in some field that is not yours is work that will use your skills in new ways; and B) having interviews for jobs you do not actually care about can give you some practice interviews that are a bit better than having a friend ask you common interview questions.

Suzi,

BTW, I am not sure if this applies, but fyi in case:

my dentist was telling me that some of his patients have excruciating jaw pain and he did all the x-rays, blah blah. Come to find out it was their posture, etc.

I wonder if your foot pain isn't related to your hips or knees or something. Perhaps your podiatrist can help you figure out what the real issue is.

Note to self: Teppy is changing her name to Job. 'Cause it sure sounds like God and the Devil are running bets on what causes you to break.

le nub - that is why I'm glad I got referred to a podiatrist rather than an orthopeic doc. I know my weight doesn't help at all, but I can't do any of my normal exercise with my foot like this so I'm stuck.

Diagnosis~ma to Suzi.

Steph, I am pointing and nodding. I will also vouchsafe that Strix is super helpful in 1) creating a game plan and 2) keeping you motivated and moving.

Of course you're freaking out, that's normal and human. It's a weather system moving through your head, it's not you.

And I just finished sending what is my company's last issue of the monthly journal to our printer and webhost. (The bi-monthly goes Wednesday). Man. I will have a malt beverage when I get home.

My inner picture of myself is of little me, bug-eyed and clinging on by my fingernails to what I know in the midst of time and tide. Change is scary, and never welcome or comfortable. Until it's past, and then things calm down--even get better. But I understand the reaction to change.

I've no advice, but everything everyone has said has been helpful. You have all my best wishes. The only thing I do have to say is, I think you're a stellar person, and anyone interviewing you should be able to see that, too.

smonster, easiness of mind to you.

Pix, wonderful to hear your positive report. No really, wonderful. I think we often forget to share the great stuff, and it's so good to hear. Balance is good.

Suzi, I hope to goodness the doc figures out what's up with your foot and how to fix it. Being hobbled is horribly frustrating, beyond how debilitating pain simply is.