Hi there, hoping for some support.

29 Comments

1. Victoria ClearyNovember 15,2022 at 10:48PM UTC

   Recruiters are in short supply and I’m sure firms would appreciate someone with solid experience over a new grad they have to train. Good luck to you!

2. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 10:29PM UTC

   Thanks!

3. Terrie McWhorterNovember 15,2022 at 10:49PM UTC

   See this as an opportunity!!!!! Look at it as a sign for bigger and better to come! We can't live our lives on hutches and assumptions. They are downsizing. Woot Wooooo Own your worth! Girl, get out there and get something else. Take this opportunity to search out something different or to redefine you. Their decisions do NOT define you. YOUR decisions define you!!! Best of luck.

4. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 10:29PM UTC

   I like your perspective. Thanks!

5. Crystal Belinda OliverNovember 15,2022 at 10:56PM UTC

   50 U have life expirence

6. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 10:30PM UTC

   Well you have a point! :)

7. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 12:38AM UTC

   I'm conflicted on how to comment on this post. I want to validate your feelings about being targeted because of your age yet an attorney said you don't have a claim. I agree with another poster, the company was downsizing and you have an opportunity in front of you.

   My conflict comes in because I think this board is quick to jump to ageism and while I'm confident its out there, I'm hard pressed to think this is the case in every single situation!

   I hope you can shift your perspective on this upcoming job search. I'm concerned that you'll rest on this age crutch as you interview and you'll self sabotage any chance you have at a new role.

   As you state in this post, you've already convinced yourself that you're in for a lengthy job search. Please be very careful that this underlying sentiment doesn't permeate your job interviews. This WILL come through in how you present yourself! Being over 50 is NOT a professional death sentence.

   Does getting laid off blow? It sure does! Will you have a search in front of you (not by choice) you will! So its time to start negotiating for the best severance package possible, ask for a job coach or career counselor which is typical when a position is eliminated. Think about your health insurance and making sure you get paid out for unused PTO. Your glass is half full!

   Best of luck in your search.

8. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 10:29PM UTC

   Thank you! I'm going to redo my resume and get it out there. Just needed a kick in the butt.

9. LynnNovember 16,2022 at 2:29AM UTC

   I’m sorry you are going through this. I was in the same boat earlier this year. Early to mid 50s, laid off with half the company due to financial reasons. Just landed a great role. And hoping it’s great and carries me to retirement. You can do it too! Use the fact that you are unemployed to your advantage by outpreparing others, to really shine at your interviews.

   I was concerned about ageism too, which is natural. Don’t listen to other posters who say you might use that as a crutch. You’re just recognizing the potential., just being realistic. There’s lots of great advice out there on how to position yourself in the best light. Best of luck!

10. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 10:28PM UTC

    Awesome, thanks for your reply! Thank you. I am definitely feeling better today. :)

11. KarenNovember 16,2022 at 8:48PM UTC

    Go to https://www.roberthalf.com and see what they have. They look for talent in tech and they are recruiters. So who knows what may open up for you. Be brave!

12. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 10:42PM UTC

    Thanks, I'll check it out! :)

13. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 18,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

    They recruit for many different industries

14. Gisele CloutierNovember 17,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

    Focus on all the advantages a company can have hiring an older worker (and you're not old, my friend):

    • They're hiring experience - we don't have to waste time learning our craft, we can hit the ground running, we've already been through the trial and error stage and know what works - that saves the company time and money
    • Mature employees tend to stay with a company longer than young folks - and not having to replace a young employee who bolted after a year far outweighs any myths about older workers costing more
    • We don't have to prove ourselves, we already have :)

    Go get 'em!

15. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 7:04PM UTC

    Thanks, I appreciate your perspective!!! I'm feeling better about my situation thanks to all of these comments. Have a nice day!

16. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 7:03PM UTC

    Thanks! I appreciate your response. :) Have a great day!

17. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 9:42PM UTC

    My former company recently did a layoff. I suggested to my former coworkers to use any and all staffing/ employment agencies in the area. Someone earlier suggested Robert Half, and they are located everywhere. They can help you find something even temporary work if needed while you find your new work home.

    However, the first thing I would do is make sure to breathe and take care of yourself. It is hard and it is not fun, but you can come out on top. I would get your resume up to date, make sure your experience is up to date on LinkedIn. Then I would reach out to staffing agencies for some leads. Add people you know on LinkedIn and see if someone there has a lead as well. Good luck!

18. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 18,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    This is very good advice. Robert Half is excellent--all this advice is what she should do. Refrain from talking about your age...

19. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:13PM UTC

    All excellent ideas, thank you so much!

20. Rebecca AliNovember 18,2022 at 1:14PM UTC

    I am over 50 and also in HR so I hear what you're saying. I will say I love my age - I'm more sure of myself, more confident in my business knowledge, and less likely to put up with unnecessary drama. Take stock of what you've accomplished, how much you've survived (hello multiple recessions, 9/11, the 90s ;-)) and use that energy to find a role you will love with a company that will love you back. You may want to consider hiring a coach to get you through some decisions, build your confidence, and prep for what's next. Good luck!

21. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

    Thank you so much!

22. Kimberly G. SmothersNovember 18,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

    Consider having you resume professionally written. You will have to put some work into giving them the information to prepare it but an experienced writer will guide you and ask the right questions. Do you want to target a general field or is every industry open? Also, take off your graduation dates from any college or university and only have the last 10 years on your resume. Be prepared to discuss gaps. Good luck!

23. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

    Thanks, I appreciate the insight!

24. Charla DubesNovember 18,2022 at 4:24PM UTC

    Austin Community College (ACC) offers a free class for everyone (you don't have to be an enrolled student) that began as part of an AARP grant focused on helping women age 50+ to find and obtain jobs that provide a sound, living wage. The grant ended but ACC believed in the program so much that they have kept it going. Now the classes are open to all, no matter your gender identity, age, or career level. Classes are held virtually so I don't believe there is a location restriction. The Career Coaches who teach the class help with all the things, resume, interview-skills, elevator pitch, and employer connections. If interested, please visit https://continue.austincc.edu/strategies.

25. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

    Thanks, this is great info!

26. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 5:19PM UTC

    My personal experience is that the job market is still very strong for job seekers after Covid and the Great Resignation that has caused a shortage of workers. I'm 2 weeks into a great new job in the educational field as an admin asst and I'm 63. As a Recruiting manager, I'd do research on what industries are strong right now as they obviously need recruiters. Education, Health, and other non-profits are good ones.

    Also, update your Linkedin profile (or create one). I got a lot of solicitations for open positions before I landed this position. Good luck!

27. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:11PM UTC

    Great idea on the industry exploration. Thanks for the advice!

28. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

    Hi there, I had the same thing happen to me after I turned 60. After 2 years of searching during a pandemic I finally found another job. The money is not where I once was but I am thankful for the opportunity. 50 is too young to retire. Have you given any thought to striking out on your own by finding talent for hiring companies for a finder's fee?

29. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:10PM UTC

    Yes, I am! Definitely am exploring that option. Thank you!