Irrational Fears

Fear and anxiety have overwhelmed me recently. I don’t know why. I do well on the phone, but I’m not perfect. I don’t know how anyone can do this job without occasional mistakes.

Whenever I have a bad day or call, I believe my job is in jeopardy.

The fear of losing a job and ending up homeless is a profoundly unsettling concern that affects many individuals. The prospect of losing stable employment can generate feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability.

Fortunately, I only have to worry about myself. It’s the first time I have not had financial responsibilities for others in my working life.

The fear of homelessness stems from the understanding that without a reliable source of income, meeting basic needs such as shelter, food, and healthcare becomes increasingly challenging.

I don’t know why today’s seniors believe you can hang up the job at age 65 when we live many years past that.

There are compelling reasons why seniors should consider working real jobs past age 65, as it can offer numerous benefits that contribute to their overall well-being.

Firstly, continuing to work provides seniors with increased financial options. It allows them to maintain a steady income, supplement retirement savings, and cover expenses that may arise later in life, such as healthcare costs or unexpected emergencies.

Engaging in meaningful work also keeps seniors’ brains actively stimulated and engaged.

By taking on new challenges, learning new skills, and problem-solving, seniors can maintain cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline or conditions like dementia.

Work provides mental stimulation and a sense of purpose, promoting a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Furthermore, working past retirement age offers seniors more social engagements. Interacting with colleagues, clients, or customers fosters social connections and combats feelings of loneliness or isolation.

It provides opportunities to build relationships, share experiences, and maintain a sense of belonging within a community.

From a physical health perspective, working can contribute to better overall well-being. It often involves physical activity through movement during work tasks or encouraging seniors to maintain an active lifestyle outside of work.

Regular physical activity has numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mobility.

Working real jobs past age 65 can have substantial advantages for seniors. It offers increased financial options, keeps their brains engaged and active, provides more social engagements, and promotes better physical health.

By considering work a viable option beyond the traditional retirement age, seniors can lead more fulfilling, vibrant, and balanced lives.

The fear is intensified by the realization that homelessness can happen to anyone, regardless of their qualifications, skills, or work ethic. Economic downturns, company closures, technological advancements, and shifting market demands can all contribute to job loss.

And remember, AI will be making many jobs obsolete.

The uncertainty of the job market and the competitiveness of securing new employment can add to the distress.

The fear of homelessness impacts an individual’s financial stability and takes a toll on their emotional and mental well-being.

It can lead to sleepless nights, strained relationships, and hopelessness.

Seniors who live alone have many resources families with children don’t have. I know many women in their 50s and 60s who openly state they don’t want to end up being bag ladies.

Coping with fear requires resilience, resourcefulness, and proactive measures to safeguard against potential hardships. This may involve saving for emergencies, acquiring new skills, networking, and seeking support from community resources.

Addressing the fear of job loss and homelessness requires a holistic approach that includes social safety nets, affordable housing initiatives, job retraining programs, and accessible mental health support.

By recognizing and empathizing with this fear, society can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment that reduces the likelihood of individuals experiencing the devastating impact of job loss and homelessness.

My company is so short-staffed that I should not worry so much, but I do. Maybe I am watching too many YouTube podcasts on homelessness.

As long as I work, I will be in great shape. All my expenses – rent, food, software subscriptions, insurance, incidentals – take less than half of my take-home pay.

This could change in December when UHC and OTC catch up with my current income.

Losing OTC will cost me $3,000 per year.

The OTC (Over-the-Counter) program, offered through UHC (UnitedHealthcare) health care, is a remarkable initiative that provides individuals with a monthly allowance of $255 for essential needs such as food, over-the-counter medicine, and electrical benefits.

This program offers numerous advantages, enhancing the well-being and quality of life for those enrolled.

First and foremost, providing funds for food ensures that individuals have access to proper nutrition. Some nutritionists claim a balanced diet is crucial in maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. I lean toward keto and carnivore as being ideal human diets.

With the OTC program, beneficiaries can purchase meat, fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious food items, promoting overall wellness.

In my case, OTC covers about half of my expenses for eating keto. I spend $10 to $20 daily on meat, eggs, and butter. I can afford better food than without the program.

I have also discovered some prepared pork and beef dishes with barbeque sauce that cost $5 per pound and taste delicious. I want to branch out from beef, butter, bacon, and eggs.

Additionally, over-the-counter medicine in the program allows individuals to take care of minor ailments without needing a doctor’s prescription.

This accessibility empowers individuals to proactively manage common health issues like colds, allergies, and pain relief.

By having these medicines readily available, beneficiaries can address health concerns promptly and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare providers.

The electrical benefits aspect of the OTC program is another significant advantage. It recognizes the importance of access to electricity in modern life.

With this allowance, individuals can pay their electricity bills, ensuring they have power for heating, cooling, refrigeration, and other essential electrical needs. This improves their quality of life and contributes to their safety and well-being.

Fortunately, electricity, water, and wifi are included in my rent. With hurricane season upon us, I did add renter’s insurance. And a couple of cases of bottled water.

From ensuring access to nutritious food to empowering individuals to manage minor health concerns and supporting essential electrical needs, this program significantly enhances the lives of those enrolled, promoting their overall health and well-being.

I have received all my free medications and surgery for years without co-pays, but that could change.

I just returned from the ophthalmologist today; another medical provider entirely covered by my health insurance.