Unemployed, unmotivated, no self-esteem

by Jim
(Southern Calif, USA)

Hello all. Recently unemployed 48 year old male, husband, father of two teens. Having not much success in looking for work. The work I find is paying only half or maybe two thirds of what I was earning before. Perhaps that's just reality, or the world has passed me by and I am now a relic.

I find myself engaging in escapist activities instead of focusing on the job search because it's too depressing. I'll cruise the net for hours or play video games, anything to take my mind off the fact that I seem to be a monumental failure.

My wife works, we have our health, the layoff was profit-driven and not personal, but still, it happened to me and I'm not taking it well. I can't get going. While there's a lot of motivation, it doesn't transfer into action so I'm anxious all the time. Thanks for listening.