Seeing it more and more.....when I was young people used to talk about "book smart" and "street smart". The street smart kids frequently went on to become quite successful in spite of limited education. Now - a college degree is a prerequisite for almost every job out there...and frequently the degree only implies that person is "teachable" - not that they actually bring very many skills to the table. It truly is a very different world now and it concerns me, too.

Life is not always fair or fun . Sometimes life kicks us until we're down . But the strong , pull themselves up by their boot straps , so to speak . That experience , though scary , disheartening , seemingly insurmountable , is a part of who we are . Working our way through the hard times , changes who we are . Your self confidence learns you are capable . You have a reason for ambition , and a new direction . Now is the time to decide who you are and who you want to be , and work at becoming your better self . You no longer have the anchor holding you back . Choose your direction and F L Y .

It is happening to many, many people. Our society is breaking apart.

I was technically homeless when I left my husband. I stayed with a friend first, and then my mother and then another friend before I got on my feet. That process took about 5 months.

I was homeless for 18 months.
It wasn't a pleasant experience..it was at times overwhelming..fortunately the shelter I was in had programs for us..that worked. I have a lovely efficiency apt now..which I pay rent and electricity on..

That's true. On the other hand, so many skilled machinist and other trade jobs have no takers, and companies have to import workers from Europe.

Link: High-Paying Trade Jobs Sit Empty, While High School Grads Line Up For University. Students even get paid high salaries for learning the trade jobs! [n.pr]