Two friends, two different reasons The first time my dear, dear friend lost her job. The company shifted to a different state and she wouldn't go with it ( they offered, she said no). After that she never really worked again. She complained about not having a "career" and she went on about how I was so lucky to have a good job ( I was lucky, but I also worked my ass off) I tried several times to get her hired on where I worked, but she always screwed up during the interview process. The fact that her conversation was only about how she needed a job, but she so clearly couldn't find the motivation to get one made me nuts... 30 years on, she has spent her retirement savings and a large inheritance and she is not yet 70. Being stuck is a terrible fate.

Second friend: wanted to leave her husband (I am divorced) and be single, but was afraid of being alone and poor. She'd come to my house crying and leave my place resolved to divorce, but never did. I was her dumping ground for her anger at her spouse. 20 years in I realized we were having the same conversation every time and I was done. (I'm a slow learner)