So it's not worthless yet. Just potentially worthless. Maybe you've written it off because your idea of jobs that fit your training is too narrow? It would be nice if you could post what degree you have (not just so that we can give a better answer, but also to warn others if necessary).

Also, what sort of slack time can you allow yourself to get up to speed? Are you working either part or full-time to pay the bills, so you can do it at your own pace, or are you under the gun to get up to speed and make an income quickly? (if it's the latter, as we say, "good luck with that.")

These "ask slashdots" always degenerate because the questioner never gives enough relevant info.

Agreed. I think we passed it a long time ago, just like the point of no return on the federal deficit.

How about we just not do it?

I don't need my microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, fridge, stove, connected to the Internet.

Nor my TV, lighting, or sound system.

Nor my toilet.

The smarter things get, the dumber we get. How many of us, if we loose our smartphones, won't remember the phone numbers of the people we should call to give them our new number? If this keeps on, eventually we'll need an app just to call 9-1-1.

Simpler is often better and cheaper, and when something goes wrong, easier to fix.

An exiting startup manager? Is that a less destructive alternative to the HCF (Halt and Catch Fire) instruction?

1850 called and would like it's broken window fallacy back.

Unlike building and junking fridges, going into space increases both our scientific and our technical abilities. You probably wouldn't have a PC today if the race to the moon hadn't happened.

I don't need a kitchen sink in my computer, or my computer in the kitchen sink. It's not like chocolate and peanut butter. I wish them the best.

Try this one on for size: The money spent on space programs is 100% spent on earth.

People see the headline "$800 million spent on Mars probe" and somehow feel that that's $800 million that was packed in a suitcase and blasted into space. That's $800 million that was spent on jobs, either directly or indirectly. In comparison, keeping the money in a suitcase or a safety deposit box is ineffective.

And some of that $800 million gets returned in taxes on wages, and some of THAT tax money goes to aid programs. Putting the money in a suitcase would generate zero dollars for aid programs.

And that includes those of us with mental illnesses who have internalized those values.

Selling cars used to be about sex and status. Bikini-clad models, lots of chrome, the hood of a Cadillac Eldorado that could double as a helipad.

Then they discovered that women influence 80% of all car purchases ("You buy that convertible and you're sleeping on the couch. We need a station wagon for the kids!") so lots of commercials with young couples, lots of commercials with kids.

Today? Throw everything at the wall and sees what sticks. Except for bikini-clad models - too darned cold!!!

I agree that there are a ton of different mental illnesses, which is why people have to understand that not everyone has the same symptoms, in part because they're individuals, and in part because the illnesses are harder to quantify because we can't poke and prod and rummage around in the brain to find out what's not right.

Congratulations for finding an effective way to deal with it.