As someone who is happily retired and was only ever out of work for about 6 weeks (between university and first proper job), I know I've been very lucky. Both my grandfathers, one of whom was a skilled toolmaker, spent many years out of work or scrabbling for odd jobs in the 1920s and 1930s. As a consequence my parents always pushed me to get qualifications and what was seen as a secure job. I hung on through changes that made my career less attractive , even when my promotion path stalled, until in desperation I was offered me slightly early retirement on generous terms to see the back of me!
I feel for those of you who have struggled to find work and I feel very sorry for the younger generation who see only Mcjobs on the horizon. I hope some of you who posted on this thread have got settled now.
RtS