• Name: PJ Booker, 55
• Place: Atlanta

My demographic profile (displaced three years, 50+ years old, some college) worries me that I will eventually seep into the cracks of the economy and no longer be able to afford basic living expenses.

As a structural drafter, I'm well-versed in the precast concrete industry and make technical drawings for construction projects and precast concrete buildings. I was laid off three years ago, when my employer moved its engineering services from Georgia to South Carolina.

Most of my contracts have been commercial and government projects. Understandably, the manufacturing and construction industries are holding back on contracts. The economy has to rebound to be able to fund these projects.

I've updated my resume, enlisted recruiters, and applied for many jobs. I think that the three-year lag in employment, and perhaps my age, are playing against me.

My current and only means to support myself is a part-time job, which fortunately, I've held for 13 years with a globally recognized coffee company.

To reach the latter years of my life with dimming prospects of being productive for the rest of my life is a hard pill to swallow. There seems to be nothing on the table for people like me. I believe there is a need for a network of older, displaced workers. Employers could benefit from our vast pool of experience.

I can only hope to reach into my inner resolve once more to come out with some substantial improvement, idea or service to offer others that will eventually make my life valid again.

NEXT: I wanted to work, not file for disability