I’ve even tried new fields. I was accepted into a training program for the Postal Service last year, but it didn’t work out. On the last day of the driving test, I hit a parking cone and was fired on the spot. I can try again, but I have to wait a year to retake the written test and then hope I’m chosen for the driving test. I also tried an insurance company but that didn’t work out, either. It’s very discouraging.

Life seems smaller living day-to-day like this. Sometimes it feels like the best part of my life is over. The worst part of the day is when I wake up to the same old thing. Some people might like the lack of structure, but it gets old. Having a job gives you a purpose; not having one makes me feel like I’m not part of the world. I miss the interaction with other people.

I joined Facebook about a month ago and have reconnected with friends from high school and college, which has lifted my spirits. Some people have left their phone numbers, and I’ve started calling.

I’ve talked to about 10 old friends and acquaintances. The first thing they usually ask is what I’m doing now. I just say I’m still kind of in the mortgage business. I’ve told one person that I’m not working and I’ve moved back in with my parents, but I try to skip over that fact with everyone else. I just want to get past the subject and move on. It’s not something people need to know. If someone else is out of work, I tell them to hang in there.

I’M still hoping that the mortgage business will take off again. I’m talking to a couple of mortgage companies about working for them. F.H.A. loans were my bread and butter, and people seem interested in refinancing their homes lately, so I’m optimistic. Our elected officials are trying to fix this mess, and Congress may come through with some helpful programs. It’s scary, but it’s out of my control. I’m trying to be philosophical.

I never saw this recession coming. I made great money when times were good, but I spent a lot. I helped my family buy the house I’m living in, and I wasn’t a good investor. When the economy comes back, I’m going to be a smarter investor.

My mother, who is in her 60s, has been so patient and supportive. She acts like she’s happy to have us, not like we’re crowding her or that she minds the dogs. We have learned what’s important since I’ve been living here.