Positive energy over the 'net might not work, but knowing that there are a bunch of people who igve a damn does make a difference. (Speaking from experience here.) So, your genuine purebred Midwest @$#%-reduction candle will get fired up tonight when I get home from work (a bit more than an hour), and set right next to Sinsull's.
On a more pragmatic note, stores are hiring for the holidays, if you can go that route. It's a temporary fix, but better than nothing. And temp services have helped me along in times past.
Yes, the tide will turn. Mary