Richard Blumenfeld

Put on a Happy Face: an American Voice for the Unemployed Richard Blumenfeld

I closed a successful company after twenty-two years and found myself unemployed with no direction at the age of fifty-two. I expected offers for independent consultation and possibly a great job from numerous good contacts I had in my industry. Instead I found myself virtually unemployable, with Presidents of companies telling me the only job I could do was theirs, and they were not ready to retire. Put on a Happy Face details my trials and tribulations trying to survive the harsh realities of overcoming age discrimination, family conflicts and lack of direction. I went through stages of serious depression, impotence and no confidence. I wrote the book as an anonymous author because so much of the contents are embarrassing but real. I did learn that I am not alone. There are thousands, maybe millions of us within these ranks. I hope my book is read by those considering a career change as a baby boomer, or individuals who have recently lost their job. If nothing else, it will prepare you for difficult times ahead. I hope it helps.