Now What?

[Dead Poet]

****Disclaimer: I'm going to sound like a whiny baby for a bit here, please indulge me*****

I have been managing a movie theater for the past 15 years. It's what I know, and although at times I've absolutely hated my job, it's been a fun ride and I've met some very cool people, made some friends, and learned a lot along the way.

However, about 2 weeks ago our landlords locked us out (long story, I won't get into it right now). Today I handed out the last checks to my employees. It was really hard to say goodbye to some of them. My boss (the owner) refuses to tell me that we're shut down though. He told me today that I'm still on payroll (I'll believe it when I see the checks), but I know it's just a matter of time. He's delaying the inevitable.

So, here's where the whining comes in. This is all I have done for 15 years. It's what I know. It's my comfort zone (I know, bad thing but it feels good). Now I feel like I have to start over. I know that I don't want to work in another movie theater, but I have no clue where to go from here. I have been looking for a teaching job for about 3 years now, but with no experience I am not getting hired.

Maybe this is just a rant, but I really would love some suggestions of where to look or how to figure out what I can still do. Also, I know that it's just a matter of time, but I almost feel like I've lost something of myself with this.

Ok, enough whining, but please give me some constructive advise. If you're just going to tell me to get over it and move on, don't waste your time.

Thanks

[Scoundrel]

I was in this exact same spot a few years ago. I'd been in the tattoo business for about 16 years and owned my own shop for ten. When I had to close up I was lost. It was all I knew. First I tried truck driving. I don't suggest you try that, It sucked. I'm now doing security. The pay is low, but I make enough to survive and have a little fun from time to time. I do not plan on staying in security long term though. I've also worked as a pizza delivery guy. How's that for a loser job for a middle aged man? LOL

My advice is to be happy now. Spend as little as you can without giving up being happy. Live in the smallest apartment you can stand or find a room mate. Times are now and many people don't understand you can become poor through no fault of your own. Do what you can and be happy with what you have.

[Mojo]

Maybe open your own theater

[KG one]

Oddly enough, I have retired with a pension so don't kick my ass.....
I thought there were not any jobs, back in my day, the Sunday paper was pages and pages of jobs. Now, it's only a few pages. I'm just looking around, I kid I can work anywhere I want to, but not get paid.
Keep the Internet -- found lots of listing for jobs. Be totally aware of scams. You have longivity with working at the same job for 15 years. I bet businesses are tired of people/kids who work for 2 months and don't show up without any explanation.
Check other theaters. Hate to say it, but you are not going to be getting what you used to.
Check the Census (actually, I have applied....) will be part time, it's a job, but you'll have a job. People are more willing to give a person a job who has a job, but totally understood if it's going to be finished with.
Maybe even, well, instead of going out to get women, have your (secret) objective to find out about a job when you go out. Her: "What Do you Do?" You: "I'm a climber. A social climber." .... Naturally, it'd burn any bridges you may have with her, but sometimes, it isn't who you are, it's who you know.....
Yeah, what they said, cut expenses, live with roomates, live with family.... sell stuff except for car or whatever you transport yourself with. Be ready to fall into a lot of dead ends.