The majority of the posts on this site are real, my friend. Some are written more eloquently than others, but the messages and responses show the worry and desperation a lot of the folks have.
It's not easy to have given most of your working life to a company and are now comfortable with your job, the company culture and are at an age where to start over elsewhere is really difficult. We are in a global downturn and the markets are in a tailspin.
Getting a job after 50 years of age in this economy is scary enough, especially when you have a mortgage, bills to pay, kids to feed and school. For men, especially, being the "provider" for the family makes these trying times an extra burden. It's hard to get a good nights sleep for a long time now.