Hello! I hope everyone is having a blessed day, thus far.

21 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 10,2026 at 6:35PM UTC

   I think everyone is having some level of difficulty in the current market.

   Don't ever lead with anymore than 15 years of experience in order not to appear out of date or too experienced.

2. Geniene PernottoMarch 11,2026 at 12:58PM UTC

   I've had difficulty since turning 40 and returning to Ohio from NYC. I'm now 60 and have settled for a low-paying county government job with great benefits. Sometimes, you have to trade off. I am still looking for copywriting and marketing jobs but at a stress-free pace. I've experienced ageism ever since turning 40.

3. AnonymousMarch 11,2026 at 8:53PM UTC

   I appreciate your feedback. It sounds like you are doing good in the career dept, because it's difficult to find a gov't job for the most quailified person (which is what I have been told, so they doh't discourage my job search, that I am just aged out for the position). Copywriting and marketing are great industries! Searching for a sressfree position is understandable for sure.

4. Geniene PernottoMarch 12,2026 at 6:07PM UTC

   I've always dipped in and out of political or government work. I prefer branding and copywriting but ageism is fickle even though I don't look my age and don't intend on retiring before 70 (if ever). The world is so unfair to women (still) and one of my highest frustrations.

5. AnonymousMarch 11,2026 at 2:35PM UTC

   Yes, ageism is definitely real, and discrimination starts early, around age 35-40. Things I have done to be proactive about it are to 1. look as young as I can on my budget (color hair and get a little Dysport once in awhile to get rid of 11s between my eyes) and keep up with work fashion. I have also emphasized that I learn new technology quickly so that they don't think that "older" = out of touch. Emphasizing that I hardly ever miss work and that my children are grown, so child care is not an issue, has been helpful for me, too. Good luck!

6. AnonymousMarch 12,2026 at 1:02PM UTC

   Yes! My position was eliminated after 12 1/2 years with this company. It took me 10 months to find another job and if it hadn’t been for someone I worked with before hiring me to work for him at a different company, I believe I would still be unemployed. It’s brutal out there and there seems to be no interest in experience in even talking to seasoned employees. Best of luck to you!

7. Joan Marie VerbaMarch 12,2026 at 1:15PM UTC

   Yes.. I was laid off in 2018 (age 64). It took until 2022 to find any job at all, and then until last year (2025) to find a job that paid enough to cover my bills (I was living off credit cards in between).

8. AnonymousMarch 12,2026 at 7:33PM UTC

   Taking opportunities where we can during today. I see so many jobs that I wish I would enjoy, however, I know I would be passed up!

   Congratulations on getting that job! I hope it's a relief not having to live off credit cards anymore.

9. AnonymousMarch 12,2026 at 1:30PM UTC

   Not only is it a difficult market, but it's also not untypical - at all - for women to "age out" (or be "aged out"), starting from about 40. Why? Ageism (conscious or unconscious), sexism (conscious or unconscious), less experienced and/or younger people are cheaper - none of which are in your control. Ageism is probably the last bastion of discrimination against protected classes which doesn't seem to bother anyone unless it happens to them.

   Things in your control, and echoing from the other comments: 1) look as young as you can (yes people can be that dense and shallow) - Hair color goes miles, update your hair style, makeup too for your skin (potentially older skin and facial shifts), keep your clothes up to date, and stylish, stylish glasses, and do whatever you can do for your skin: facial, neck, hands are all key - there are all kinds of non-invasive techniques now that are worth it. Of course staying fit with a good core will also provide good posture, and how you move. Should we have to do all this if you are very good at what you do? No, of course not. It's crap. You will have to discern what works for you and what you are comfortable with. 2) No more than 15 years/1 page (if you can do it) for your resume. 3) Stay on top of and ahead of new technology; learn everything. Otherwise you look out of touch, too old. 4) Build your network within your expertise and external to your company. 5) If possible, build deep expertise in your field and anticipate upcoming changes.

   The higher up you are/more senior, the more these actions are necessary. If you are in the mid-range of your field, these are still valuable actions to take. It sends a message about how you value yourself.

   Alternatives: take a lower paid job, less stress, good benefits etc., stick there for the rest of your working life.

   Another is to start building another revenue stream from a hobby, something that's always interested you, take temp jobs while doing this.

   It's useful to keep in mind that most of us will live to 90 or 95. And besides the financial aspect of this, I'm always focused on what is my purpose, how do I feel a part of my community, what do I do with my time and most importantly to me, how do I continue to use my brain and contribute.

   You may be at a point in your life where you need to consider other things and pivot to something new. Look into the Modern Elder Academy as a way to kickstart. (https://www.meawisdom.com)

10. AnonymousMarch 12,2026 at 4:47PM UTC

    I remember taking part in the interviewing process; many times I would see the differences of skills brought from each candidate, but there was a time in our world when age was not a thought, but what it was to have a person who would deliver to the role and to the company; a good conversationalist, understanding, skilled, and willing to learn person in front of you that meant more than a numbers (by that, I mean age). I think the talk of "value and speak up for your worth" doesn't seem to apply much in this job market. I appreciate your input on the alternatives. I am reconsidering a hobby as revenue, but so much is changing in our world, the fluctuation; People are selective with how they want to spend their money more so, and moving forward. Thank you and lots to consider. Have a wonderful day!

11. Boby BryanMarch 12,2026 at 3:10PM UTC

    Hi! I totally understand — it can be challenging for professionals over 50 to find roles that match their skills and experience. One thing I’ve noticed is that staying up-to-date with new tools and trends really helps. I recently read about the future of AI in customer service, and it made me think about how learning new technologies can open doors, even later in your career.

12. AnonymousMarch 12,2026 at 4:41PM UTC

    So very true; I use a lot of Youtube for that, such a helpful online tool. I really appreciate your input. Thank you.

13. BarbaraMarch 17,2026 at 3:53PM UTC

    That is soooo true. We have an unearned reputation of not being tech savvy. Just because we are not social media savvy. Not the same thing af all. The bleeding edge skills are key for sure

14. AnonymousMarch 12,2026 at 5:20PM UTC

    63 and looking for 2 years.

15. Jody LaflenMarch 12,2026 at 5:47PM UTC

    One hundred percent yes. I have even tried taking my two master’s degrees and my 15 years of executive leadership experience off my resume to see if that would improve my hire-ability, but then I leave off crucial skills. I can’t even get a callback for part-time work in a bakery or as a bartender (and I got licensed and training for both). I have been unemployed since 2024.

16. AnonymousMarch 13,2026 at 12:50PM UTC

    Yes. Absolutely. There are ways they ask questions that will definitely reveal your age. Although it is discrimination…….. They still want the year you graduated High School. So my question is how do I successfully get past this barrier. Thanks for all responses.

17. AnonymousMarch 17,2026 at 3:50PM UTC

    Why get past the barrier? Confront it head on. They will know you’re not 25. When I was job hunting and got the first interview I’d let them know I’m a seasoned professional and ask if that is what they are looking for. It always sparked good conversation.

18. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 5:41PM UTC

    Yes, most of us, to be honest.

    It is infuriating and hard to keep your chin up. I am hoping that opportunities with hiring managers who are my age or older will be the way forward.

    I don't mind reporting to a younger boss, but they and the recruiters often have age bias in the screening and interview stages. After learning that I am no longer being considered for a role, I ask for feedback -- crickets. Even after 3-4 interviews!

19. AnonymousMarch 25,2026 at 7:23PM UTC

    Yes! 53 and have been looking for a year.

20. Dawn ColoradoMarch 28,2026 at 3:55PM UTC

    Definitely! 56 and I've been working waaay below my skillset for a couple of years now.

21. AnonymousApril 4,2026 at 12:20AM UTC

    I truly wish there was a way to change the new way of hiring, especially since there is such a high turn over in these roles.