Dear Amy: I am in a position that many people might envy.
At 44 years old, I am single, never married, have no kids and I am completely debt free. I mean no debt whatsoever, no credit cards, no mortgage, no car loans, no student loans — no debt.
The problem is I also hate my job and my life.
One by one, my circle of friends has moved and drifted away. I tend to spend all day alone and then go to work in the evening and work alone. I work until late at night and then go home to an empty house (my dog died a couple of months back).
I am sorely in need of a restart to my life, but I feel like I have no idea how or where to start, what to do, or where to turn. And besides, I’m not even sure someone my age has all that many options. — Need a Restart
Dear Need: At 44 years old, you have as many options as anyone.
You’re in the shank of your adulthood and your wise financial choices give you the freedom to explore an entirely new future. I hope you will.
You are learning how vital it is for people to connect. No doubt you miss your dog terribly so your first stop might be at your local shelter — if you spend enough time there, your next dog will find you.
Having a dog in your life will bring you in contact with other people with similar interests (I recently attended a “doggy play group” and it was gratifying to meet other people with similar commitments to their animals).
You have a lot to offer, and you will meet other people through volunteer work. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or as a mentor will teach you how valuable you are.
Your nighttime work schedule is isolating; you should explore a shift change or a job change as a way to mix it up and bring you into contact with new people.
It’s hard work to restart your life, but the effort is worthwhile.
Each small change you make will make a difference.
Send questions via e-mail to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
