I lost my job in February 2009 and since then I've exhausted my savings and used up my unemployment. I tried to start a business but that failed and currently I have a few part time jobs to help pay rent and bills but I'm still falling behind and avoid debt collection calls and the bills/notices that come in the mail because they depress me and I don't have any money to pay them. I probably should just answer them but most of time, they're just rude and hard to work with.

I don't drive anymore unless I have to. Luckily I live close enough to grocery stores and convenience stores so I walk and carpool when I can. This saves me gas money and other car maintenance issues I might have. I also collect coupons, look for ads in papers, and only splurge once in a while if I can afford to but most times I really can't.

I've cut back on cable and Internet and only pay for what I need to get by. I frantically send out about 30-50 resumes a day and most times I feel as though they fall into a black hole. I'm still fortunate to have a roof over my head and make do with what I can but I miss having a decent job and being on track with my life. No one really understands you when you're poor and can't get by. Most of my friends say "I don't know what I would do if I was you." This isn't very comforting.

Right now I'm considering going back to school. However that process is also very expensive and I already owe loans from my undergrad.

I'm hanging in there. I'm waiting for the storm to clear. I'm trying to be as optimistic as I can without becoming depressed. And every day I pray that someone will hire me.