People who've been jobless for a while, what's keeping you going?

Question

I lost my job sometime around May 2020, so it's been rather long since I've done anything for money. The job market is somewhat sparse, and it's a particularly tough slog this time round, but particularly because of the pandemic restricting travel and so on. Is anyone in a similar situation? What's keeping you motivated if you haven't just changed direction?(If you have been traveling internationally and recreationally, probably best to keep that to yourself unless you've been taking advantage of places in very close proximity)

maxharris · Accepted Answer

I haven't worked for pay in almost 18 months.
What keeps me waking up every morning? Tesla stock. I put most of my life savings into it at the start of the market crash in April and May:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22958528
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22964850
I still write software, though. I learned Swift and started writing on a digital learning app for the iPad.
I probably won't go back into software for pay. I'm moving from California to Tennessee this week, where the taxes are a lot lower. I think I'm going buy some land and build a house.

orionblastar · Answer

I am on disability because no company wants to hire me with my mental illness. I have not worked since 2002. I write books and repair computers as a hobby.

PrefixKitten · Answer

inability to suicidedesire for close platonic relationships with people who matter to methat's about it