Sean, I'm sorry things are so tough right now.

You can check with almost any big chain -- the grocery stores, drug stores, Target, etc. They usually have online applications.

But I would also see what's within walking distance and see if any place is looking. Some places still hang a sign out.

I'm sorry it's so tough right now.

At the moment, I'm kinda stuck with what's available within walking distance, though there's more than a few chains in that distance.

By the way, I'm *REALLY* not kidding when I say looking for a job is not (for me) like riding a bike.

I really do not know what to do, where to go, how to start, or what jobs to look for.

I was never very good at it to begin with, and I've been out of practice for a decade.

I swear to dog, when I bring this up, people are often like "Oh, well just apply for this that or the other job," and what that sounds like to me is "Make sure you flaps are set, your mixture is rich, and the engines are running, dial in your transponder frequency, contact the control tower with your flight plan, taxi toward the runway and get ready for takeoff."

Whoa, whoa, WHOA! So, you say this thing is called an AIRPLANE? And it FLIES through the SKY?? And you want ME TO DRIVE IT????????? LIKE RIGHT NOW?????????????????

And then it feels like everybody gives up at that point, like they're all... "Oh, I thought you knew we were going to be flying a plane. Okay, well... later!"

It's really not that complicated. I know it can be daunting, but it's just a matter of asking if So and So Store is looking for help, or taking applications, then filling one out and hoping to get a call for an interview.

You can also look on Craigslist for part-time stuff, and filter it to your neighborhood. Or look through the full-time categories.

Thanks, Amy. I appreciate the reassurance. It terrifies the crap out of me in ways I cannot even begin to express in words.

Sean, if there is anyone in your general walking neighborhood (e.g. grocery or convenience store, food place, coffee place) who you have a chatty/cordial enough relationship where you could do a "by the way, I'm looking for some part time (and/or seasonal work somewhere in the neighborhood," that could also work. You could get some names of places to try, or names of people to call. Who knows, you may even get an introduction. It's also a good way to find out about places you should avoid like the plague.

Also, sometimes, it's just nice to get a friendly "how's the job hunt going?" It can make things seem less lonely.

Sean, I firmly believe that by being able to tie your own shoes, you are ahead of the game. That's a flippant way of saying that you are smart and a hard worker, and anyone would be lucky to hire you. It also helps if you believe it, which is the kind of woo-woo I am normally not a fan of, but I truly believe it.

If there's anything concrete I can do, let me know. Search Craigslist for you?

Sean, I have no idea what part of LA is home to you, but I'd suggest checking in with dog walking/pet sitting companies in your area.

The company I work with is desperate for help right now. For the next month, with people on vacation everywhere, there is huge demand. Even folks just doing home renovations or preparing to move need pet care.

Speaking of the company, I have to say thank you again to Beverly for her wise counsel. I used your language in the message I sent to the boarder.

I feel sincerely bad that her dog was bitten, but the story got worse and worse as the evening wore on and I learned more about her behavior. The shakedown turns out to be a fragment of it all.

Thanks so much to everyone for the shoulder and support.