(((((((Andrea)))))))

How much time do you figure you have, before you really need to have a job?

One of the best things I ever did in my life was to take off solo on my first bike tour when I'd been laid off. Like you, I knew it was coming, but still I was an emotional wreck. It was the cumulative stress of living under the sword of Damocles that finally came to a head with knowing I was going to be one of the ones out of a job. I kind of had a plan for the long term - it was the short term that was a bit of problem. But I just rode for two weeks and came back a new person physically and mentally.

If you don't have that kind of time, this might sound unkind, but challenge yourself more when you ride. If there's room in your head for obsessive thoughts, there's room to be working harder. Do intervals. Do hill repeats. Take it to the place where you can't think about anything but your body, and you will start to feel better.

And, one thing at a time. Don't obsess about whether you might have to move, and if so, where (in any case, as you know, there's not a lot of room for that in this economy). Get your resume out there, apply anywhere that you think you could tolerate living, and worry about the move if and when it's time.

Good luck. Hang in there!