1. It's not just third world people who are raised like your husband, you are probably correct about a majority of people like your friend, but not everyone who was born here has that under-developed work ethic, I was raised by farm oriented family ... and was working (without pay) at 10 years old ...

2. I am just seeking clarification on: "she feels she shouldn't have to resort to that because she was great at her job and worked her ass off at Goldman for 7 years only to get the boot with countless others" ... so she's had 7 years to plan for these types of eventualities and did nothing? It strikes me as odd that someone associated with finance could be that short sighted as to live paycheck to paycheck in such a good paying job without planning for contingencies? Did she live that far above her true means?

3. "its hard to go back to school and find something else you are good at after so long" - this is a falsehood. I went to school at a local community college with a number of dislocated employess from many different fields who either lost work, and they were taking their college courses for practically, and in some cases completely, free. I sympathize that she would have to find something else to do with her life, but come on - there are ways to help yourself in her situation if she's willing/motivated enough. I am not trying to heap condemnation on your friend or you, but it seems as if her pity party is keeping her from taking advantage of her options, and as her friend you should be pointing her in that direction. Change is Life, not just a part of it.


Just my take, hope your friend finds peace with whatever existence she manages to eek out,

-Roon