Q: My husband wanted to retire early, and so we did! We believed we would be able to handle our finances, take care of our health and enjoy our lives more. However, our cost of living has risen more than we anticipated. My husband should have worked until he became 65. We have helped support his family, as well as our son's family, after he lost his job.

My husband has searched diligently and struggled to find even a part-time job. There is a lot of competition in the job market. Do you have any suggestions on how to find work?

A. Obviously job hunting is hard work, and not being able to find one is discouraging.

His competition is fierce. However, seasonal jobs in retail are probably his best bet this time of year. After the first of the year, employers will be cutting back jobs. Ironically, this may be helpful for your husband to land a job. Taking a positive attitude and pleasing his bosses may also lead to full time work.

As the amount of senior citizens is increasing, the caretaking field is offering more work. There are a number of online resources available for seniors. These include senior job banks with public, private and even government opportunities. A simple online search including the words "senior" and "job bank" might prove useful. Hospital and security guard positions turnover is high. Check the sites, newspaper and magazine fliers for leads. Prepare a professional looking resume and post it wherever you find an opportunity. Senior centers and thrift stores may offer jobs as well. Talking with former work peers could also prove helpful.

Getting a job today requires a positive attitude, energy, patience and actively following leads that may not appear worth the effort, but can turn out well.

TERRORISM — DISASTERS?

Q. I am a widow, and for the first time in my life I have become increasingly fearful. I believe I am more vulnerable and may make decisions I will regret in the future. I feel that smart individuals may be able to convince me of their sincerity. I may become unable to avoid their phone calls and fall victim.

Sometimes I am tempted to respond, but my grandson has coached me to ignore them. Fortunately, my neighbors are in similar circumstances and are helpful.

A. For a possible emergency, plan some preparations. Fill a suitcase with clothing, food, phones, addresses, copies of prescriptions, extra glasses and other items you use on a daily basis. A blanket and flashlight can be extremely helpful. If you have a pet, provide some food and provisions for their upkeep along with emergency contacts. If you drive, keep a duffle bag in the trunk. "Be Prepared" has been the traditional Boy Scout creed, and may be usefully expanded into the senior citizen community.

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. Betty is a friend of Doug Mayberry, whom she helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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