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Need some advice…

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Anonymous

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Need some advice…

I am 63, working full time in sales job - low base plus commission. I make high five figures total, which is challenging as a single person in a high cost of living city. I am doing fine in the role, hitting goals. Commission varies month to month. I have a good relationship with my manager. She has been with this company many years, probably there till she retires. I am in somewhat of a struggling industry but like what I do and felt like I would stay with the company till I retire.

About a year ago, my company was bought out. Parent company laid off about 2/3 of the staff. They retained sales but benefits were cut - no 401K match, now, reduced company portion of medical and my premiums went up 60%, etc. also got rid of admin folks and downgraded tech. I find I am spending most of my day on administrative tasks rather than sales which is effecting commissions. With the new ownership - they want us in the office 100% of time so I have a bad commute each day versus before I worked hybrid. What I am spending on gas has gone up a lot.

A few weeks ago I was approached by a recruiter about a sales job - $20K increase in base, six figure earning potential, 100% remote, great benefits. New industry to me so learning curve, but good onboarding/training program. I thought, what the heck, would go through the interview process. Now they have offered me the job.

But I am hesitating accepting- getting a lot of advice from friends- why do you want to start over at your age? Do you really want to work that hard? What is the new company isn’t great - devil you know versus one you don’t, etc.

I am single and had to support two kids on my own (now grown and flown) so have low six figures saved for retirement (and being encouraged by my financial planner to work as long as I can) which I am told is not enough as a single person no pension just social security when time comes at 67 (full retirement age).

I feel like this a huge financial decision and I am paralyzed about making the wrong one - staying in comfortable lower paying job versus taking the new one. Being single, it’s scary.

Help!

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  1. misskelleyp

    Go for it. I know it's scary, but where you are isn't great. If the new place doesn't work out, you can plan an exit there.

  2. Mimi

    Hard decision! Look at Glassdoor reviews of the new company, talk to people already working there (if possible- reach out on LinkedIn), and do as much due diligence as possible. Is the new industry one that has high growth potential? Truthfully, your current place, based on your description, seems no safer than taking a bet on yourself in a place that pays you more. Rooting for you!!!!

  3. Anonymous

    Thanks! I read the Glassdoor reviews - they were mixed. I had an opportunity to talk to someone that is currently in the role, although for only a year, who is working for who would be my manager. She had positive things to say about the role, company, boss. Industry is somewhat recession proof. I think my age is what is making me pause - starting over again when so many of my peers are retiring or treading water till retirement.

  4. Mimi

    I completely get it. A recession-proof industry is huge right now. Ultimately, all changes are scary. Sending many hugs!!!

  5. Anonymous

    Agree with Mimi's response.

    Due diligence on new company, then make the jump. You're not doing yourself any good remaining with your current company.
    I started a new job at 55, 60, and 65 due to company reorgs, and was not even ready to retire at 70. But, laid off again, so now job searching again; this time for a decent fun job, probably part time, but with less responsibility and maybe fun company perks.
    Wishing you the very best!

  6. Anonymous

    Agreed here. Do your homework before you leap. It sounds like your current job is getting a bit toxic and a change will be good. Having dealt with toxicity in a previous life, it is not worth the mental toll. Good luck, keep us posted!

  7. Anonymous

    cannot believe you would hesitate. The company you are with now does not value professional sales people and will continue to squeeze and mess with your commission and resources. Get out. This is becoming very common

  8. Barbara M.

    After reading this it seems the new role reduces several real risks: higher guaranteed base pay, better benefits, remote work, and lower day-to-day costs. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but structured on-boarding helps manage that.

    No new job is going to start out perfect. The old job has already eroded with reduced benefits, increased your out-of-pocket costs, added admin work that directly impacts commissions, and took away flexibility. So, the question to ask yourself is which job gives you more control over the next few working years, financially, physically, and mentally? Here's wishing you well.

  9. Katherine Akbar

    Why do you want to start over at your age? You answered that. Do you really want to work that hard? Only you can answer that, but why not if it will improve your financial security. What is the new company isn’t great - devil you know versus one you don’t, etc. This is just fear speaking. You should be able to find out what it's like from Glassdoor and networking. Also, you may need less wimpy, more empowering friends. Best wishes!

  10. Debra Myers-Adams

    Do it! Make the move. The writing is on the wall with the company you'd been with for so many years. Benefits are super important. Think about the increase in your health premium...it sounds like the bump in your base makes up for more than that. Then look at your retirement/ 401K. That's your future. When your commissions start coming in, either put the extra money into your 401K or invest, so it's liquid. People are looking for years for a new role....take this new opportunity. Good sales people can change industries with little to no difficulty. And think about the reverse stance in technology vs an organization that values technology.

    Make the move and don't look back! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

  11. Anonymous

    Only you can decide, but no 401 K match would be the big deal breaker for me to stay. That other company sees something in you even if you don't see it in yourself. Take the job and go for it is my commnet.

  12. Dolores Perez Priegnitz

    Congrats for raising two children on your own & considering a job change - at any age! YOU ARE BRAVE & WISE! As a retiree, I will say a 401K is key to our security in retirement. Questions:

    1) Can you save a % of your new salary for retirement by mapping out a plan with your financial planner?

    2) Does this new company offer a stock purchase plan?

    3) When do you have to make your decision?

    I wish you blessings & the best in 2026 & beyond! Peace!

  13. Anonymous

    Hi and thank you!

    1. The increase in compensation will make it easier to put more money in my 401K. Right now I feel like I have been living paycheck to paycheck and it had been a struggle to save.
    2. No stock options.
    3. They want an answer this week.
  14. Tami Cannizzaro

    My first thought was, "Wow! Congratulations on securing a job offer!" If you like the offer, if the company sounds relatively good, along with the benefits; you like the commute; etc., it seems like a good opportunity to 1) learn something new and 2) advance your career. It's always a good idea to add new skills/industries to our resume - makes us more appealing to the next employer. And it's simply good for us. Sounds to me like those "friends" making comments/discouraging you are either jealous that you've received a great offer, or thinking they would be too scared to do something like this themselves. If it were me - and I've done something similar myself - I'd go for it.

  15. Dana

    A lot of good suggestions here. Yes, you should definitely go for it. You are NOT too old to dream and go after those dreams. I would also strongly suggest find new friends. Your friends sound like “Job’s friends” so find friends who believe in you and want to celebrate your successes. Good luck.

  16. Anonymous

    Friends are not “job friends”. Actually the contrary. Most are older than I am - I am 63 - retired or looking to retire from civil service type jobs so they can’t understand why I would want to start a new job at my age rather than coast towards retirement. But I have always had to support myself so I have been much more career focused than most.

  17. Anonymous

    I believe the "Job" friends refers to Job from the Bible as his "friends" were awful.

  18. Aaliyah Serianna Olson

    Girl, take the leap of faith! What does your gut tell you???

  19. Zeecil Kimmel

    The devil you know is not your friend. The company you are working for now does not appreciate you, and they do not deserve you. Go for a new challenge and earn some more money for your retirement.

  20. Anonymous

    I have been laid off twice since 2023 and got a new job in 2024 I am 68 and looking for new job because I am not happy with who I currently work for and willing to take a chance to start again. I have a couple of interviews lined up and may have to relocate but decided it is worth my piece of mind (and more money) if I get the job. It is the luck of the draw nowadays when getting a job and I think you have to consider preparing for retirement. I went on Medicare in between jobs and insurance is super expensive on SS. Take a leap of faith. If you find it is not right for you, start looking while working. I am a single income household also. Are your friends?

  21. Anonymous

    Some single, some married.

  22. Anonymous

    Go for the new role and count your blessings that you were offered this opportunity. Keep your health as a top priority. Workout, keep moving, take supplements if you need to. I am also 63, and I will go until 90 y/o. I'm not kidding. I lost everything from Covid, layoff, divorce (you know, the complete package).

    Yes, I have friends and family who are planning trips to Europe and Bora Bora. Meanwhile, I get excited because I learned about MidJourney AI.

    If you keep that mindset about being old, too late this, and too late that. You will fall into that trap.

    I came across this video, which is a summary of my life. "I can never retire, so I’m finishing grad school & starting a new career. Life isn’t over at 60!" I found her to be positive, even though she may not sound too positive. She's just genuine:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0IQtQoaNUc

  23. Anonymous

    Go for the new role!! It sounds like a great opportunity!

  24. Antonia Calzetti

    Go for the new role. Your current employer isn't giving you any reason to stay.

  25. Tamara

    Go for the new role! I’d rather face the challenges from learning new things than those with the current job

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