Get training in something you have aptitude for and there is a market for. Of course, that takes time and money. There is such a thing as age discrimination. On the other hand, some employers might consider an older person to be more reliable.
...escape a menial dead-end job...etc..
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What are you considering menial?
If it puts a roof over your head and food in your belly it isn’t ‘menial’ and/or degrading.
I consider MENIAL/DEGRADING standing in line at a shelter to wait for the ‘free meal’.
I consider MENIAL/DEGRADING paying for food with food stamps (except of course in the direst short term circumstances).
I consider MENIAL/DEGRADING standing on the corner with a cup in the pouring rain...(although those ‘clowns’ can make a pretty good buck on occasion)
I consider MENIAL/DEGRADING applying for unemployment and or welfare (again except in the direst short term circumstances)
Get a lawn mower and mow grass. If you live in a neighborhood that this isn’t feasible, walk to an area that you can ‘work something out with a homeowner’, say use his lawnmower and do his for free and be allowed to do a couple in his neighborhood using his mower so you can earn a living. You just might hit on someone with the wherewithal to ‘stake you in business’ because he admires your spirit.
There is work out there just maybe NOT quite what you are used to or willing to do.
Having been on both sides of the coin, I really can’t see a person in a public service business hiring a person who can’t speak the language or can’t add/subtract etc if someone were WILLING and/or available to do the job etc...
Have you checked out what MacDonalds pays? with Insurance?
Not a world breaker but if YOU or your WIFE needs a 2nd job or supplemental income, plus they will work with you scheduling your shifts (as long as you are reliable)— it is a start.
Look around a local Walmart. Just who AREN’T they hiring?
We, collectively, have to get out of our mind that EVERYONE is CEO / 5 Mill p/a material.
I also, have been working since I was 14 and the only ‘handout’ I have EVER accepted or applied for was VA related...which I ‘paid’ for with about 10 years of my ‘productive’ life and am now drawing Social Security which I have also been paying into for almost 50 years