So, six months into unemployment I'm finally figuring out 1) eventually I may get over the anger, but 2) I'm not going to get another full-time ("permanent") job.  Oh -- did I mention I'm over 60 (which is definitely over 40!!)?  It's probably a good thing that I didn't figure out I was done with permanent work at the beginning, or I might have had an even harder time.  As it is, I signed up with temp agencies and slowly have been getting more regular work, though at a fraction of what I used to make.  Still, it augments unemployment for now, and luckily Masschusetts' unemployment payments are pretty good.

Someone else mentioned that people over 40 were a protected class -- and I'd like to know WHERE??  The age range of the admins at my company was pretty wide (early 20's to 60's), but the 3 laid off were over 40, over 50, and over 60 (moi).

Hi Susan, I know that it may be easier said than done, but I think that you can achieve greater goals.  Reform and update your resume -- read "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume".  There are very good tips there to overcome perceived age and succeed.  Best,