Hi, I'm coming on here because I'm feeling a bit hopeless in the job market.

18 Comments

1. Elizabeth Stiles WestAugust 8,2025 at 9:35PM UTC

   It's definitely hard and ageism is a real thing. If you can do something to update your skills, whether it's taking a free class at the public library or doing a trial of LinkedIn Premium (remembering to cancel before the deadline so you aren't billed unless you like it well enough that you actually want to subscribe) and earning a new certification, that may help. Sometimes meeting an employer in person makes a difference, too; if they can see you are energetic and well put-together, it can help to overcome some of the ageism. The way I FINALLY got a job as an "older worker" was to confront the issue. I let them know that I hardly ever miss work and can dedicate myself to the job fully because my children are grown. Someone said that when there's an elephant in the room, introduce it. At least sometimes, it works. Also have someone knowledgeable review your resume to make sure you have the proper keywords and that it doesn't give away your age. Best of luck! You will find something eventually!

2. Farah BajwaAugust 9,2025 at 12:24AM UTC

   If you feel your skills are becoming dated, are there courses or trainings you can take to update them?

3. AnonymousAugust 9,2025 at 1:40AM UTC

   I am struggling. I'm in my mid 50s and I am miserable in my job. My manager is horrible and the job is well below my skill level. I just want to be happy in my job. I continue to search and the market is dismal. You are not alone. I'm trying to continue my education in spite of a manager who wants me to believe I am worthless.

4. AnonymousAugust 9,2025 at 3:36AM UTC

   I am so sorry and I feel it too. Why are managers like this?

5. Dr. Patty GrossAugust 10,2025 at 12:28PM UTC

   I went through this in 2011 when I was laid off. I ended up being offered a position selling cars, which I thought I would/could NEVER do, just as my unemployment ran out. I did that for two years and hated it, because I never knew what a paycheck was going to look like (commission/small draw type job), and we were struggling to pay our rent. I stuck with it out of necessity, and a job I had tried for twice before came open and was right in my career path, so I jumped ship and stayed there until I retired. I like the person who suggested getting an independent look at your resume, preferably by someone who knows you. Network with your social groups and volunteer when you can (that also looks good on a resume). Good luck, and hang in there.

6. Maggie SoldanoAugust 10,2025 at 3:44PM UTC

   First, you are NOT alone. It's more difficult than ever to get the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. But I have good news: You’ve actually given yourself the answer in your post. Update a skill and use that process to reconnect with people. Pick one in-demand skill in your field, start learning it, and then reach out to people in your industry who work at places you're interested in working to ask how they use it in their work. That way you’re gaining fresh experience and building relationships with people who might later advocate for you. Your experience has value. And the best way to be seen by a potential recruiter or hiring manager is to get someone inside the company you've targeted to refer you into the role. You've got this!

7. Kelly OlexaAugust 10,2025 at 6:01PM UTC

   I would mirror and support what others have said here about taking this time to augment your skills. I feel that there is nothing more important than to always be continually learning new things= both for personal edification and to have those competitive skills as well. Additionally, it can be crazy frustrating to look for jobs the "traditional" way I know. I've run my own companies since 2011 but prior to that was always in a sales executive role and when I was applying for jobs it amazed me how inefficient the job application/screening/interview process was. That said, as someone who has now been on the other side having to hire employees, I can attest to the fact that regardless of what size the company is, the process of posting jobs and screening dozens/hundreds/thousands of resumes and then interviewing-- while you are trying to run your business - it's no walk in the park. My recommendation for you is to broaden your perspective and realize that you can market yourself and your skills to companies needing what you have to offer.....whether you consider this freelance or consulting work- trust me, there are plenty of opportunities to take the skills you have and work with multiple companies vs. just one. You might find that you enjoy this more than working at just one company. Frankly it is also likely you could make more income that way. But-- I'm guessing it could be advantageous for you to enhance those skills first, whether it's AI or social media or accounting-- invest in a course and start using the tools daily. Become a whiz at it and then start reaching out to companies in your local market offering your skills/services. It doesn't mean you stop applying for jobs the traditional way- you do this while doing that, maybe cut back on the traditional job search by 1/3 and dedicate that time to the focus I just shared. Happy to answer questions for you.

8. AnonymousAugust 11,2025 at 12:44PM UTC

   i Am at the same place, and I’m 62. One day I’m feeling confident, and next day, I’m defeated, (fill in all the negatives) . Yesterday I started a new strategy and using ChatGPT for strategizing, reviewing my resume, interview prep, and will use for mock interviewing too. not sure how that path will help. ?‍♀️ ps I also worked with several coaches.

9. Lynette CarawayAugust 11,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

   Same here too.

10. Sharon LevineAugust 11,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

    As others have said, keep learning to update and keep your skills current. Keep in mind that over the years you have developed "soft" skills as well. They are an invaluable tool and shouldn't be overlooked. Practice interviewing using the SAR method (Situation/Action/Results). This demonstrates how you react and think through a challenge and that you are able to get the job done. Whatever you do, don't lose faith in yourself! I retired at 64, decided I wasn't ready for it. I worked as a temporary contract employee for a couple of months before the company brought me on as a full time employee. So at 65 I'm in a new role and happier than ever. You've got this!!

11. AnonymousAugust 11,2025 at 5:16PM UTC

    I know how difficult it is to be in that situation, because I was there until less than a month ago. Ageism is a thing -- I'm 63, and saw it in action more times than I can count when it came to my job search.

    While I enjoyed my job as a journalist at a daily newspaper, there was absolutely no professional development that was offered to me, despite that being one of the company's core values. I brought numerous suggestions to them (classes, retreats, conferences) to no avail. The pay was abysmal for a writer with my experience. I wanted to learn more, but was never given the opportunity.

    I began casually looking for another position about three years ago. Just sending out my resume when I saw a job posting where I checked most of the boxes as far as skills and ability. At the same time, I did some self-guided learning of programs like InDesign, PhotoShop, Canva, etc. Just so I could say I was familiar, if not exactly an expert, with those programs.

    I can't even tell you how many resumes I sent out. Hundreds. I got one interview for a customer service position (not exactly my jam, but it's in my wheelhouse), which I didn't get. I went through the five levels of hell (interviews and assessments) at Epic Healthcare for a consultant relations position and got the "Thanks but no thanks" e-mail after weeks and weeks of interviews with various people. Those were my two "bites" in three years. Frustrating. But I remained positive and patient. I was getting a paycheck, as paltry as it was, and I was in no danger of losing my job. The clock was ticking age-wise, but I knew if something was meant to be, it would happen.

    I put my resume up on Indeed a few years ago, and never heard anything from anybody. Then a few months ago, a local women religious order reached out to me after seeing my resume there and asked me to apply for a communications specialist position they had open.

    Long story short, I am starting my fourth week in my new position. The pay is more than twice what I was making at the newspaper, I have an office with a window,

    the benefits are incredible, and they are willing to let me take classes, go to conferences or go on a retreat. My communication director's exact words were, "Of course! We have a budget for that."

    I just wanted to let you know that there are companies and organizations that value older workers, even though it may take a while for you to find one. Non-profits and religious organizations seem to understand the value of someone who's been in the working world for a while, and they usually pay pretty darn well.

    Hang in there. It is not hopeless. Stay positive, do as several here have advised and update your skills. The right match for you will come along.

12. AnonymousAugust 11,2025 at 8:07PM UTC

    I completely agree with you and have been struggling with this for over a year now, with rejection after rejection. I have updated my resume a million times over, completed training after training and nothing! I honestly have lost hope in this job market. All of a sudden, I have become unmarketable!

13. AnonymousAugust 12,2025 at 1:57PM UTC

    You are not alone. As others have noted ageism is very real and this is one of the toughest job markets we’ve experienced in a long time. Definitely take advantage of the online trainings through LinkedIn Learning Udemdy, for example and keep your professional profiles updated. I recently worked with a recruiter to refresh my resume and a few points she suggested is remove the date from your degrees, remove remarks, such as “20+ years experience”, only include past 15 years work history, tailor your résumé to the role (7+ years experience preferred, update to 10+ years even tho you may have 20)

14. AnonymousAugust 13,2025 at 2:30PM UTC

    I just spoke to a friend, who is 60, and he has been looking since Oct of last year with almost no interviews to date. it is hard but I keep hoping these posts will become less and less and more and more people will get the jobs employers claim they can't fill.

15. EMILY KIKUE FRANKAugust 13,2025 at 2:48PM UTC

    For what it's worth, it's not your imagination. I've been a career counselor & coach for over 15 years and I've never seen a landscape like this. Age is a factor, as always, but I have young clients who are struggling, too. If you've been looking or otherwise unpaid for more than a year, I recommend returnship programs, which are sort of like internships for adults. Otherwise, the magic really seems to be plain ol' persistence and wisely using your network.

16. Leigh Ann NicholsonAugust 13,2025 at 5:00PM UTC

    I am as well. I took a break from "real work" and got a job I really enjoy. I thought I was joining a small company, but they were bought out by a corporation and it's been a struggle financially. Now I've been overlooked for promotion twice due to "friend nepotism" and I'm trying to find another job. It's harder than it has ever been, with so much competition from just out of college persons.

17. AnonymousAugust 13,2025 at 6:41PM UTC

    I've had 4 guy friends give me referrals at the companies they work for. Not even one interview. The only interviews I get are the jobs I apply online. And it's usually you hear from the HR or hiring manager within a couple days - at least for the jobs I apply to. But the landscape is awful. The same new grads are competing against folks with 10+ years experience. I have 13 years experience but its amongst different domains. So my issue is not being very specialized. It can definitely feel hopeless. The longer you're looking, the worse it gets honestly. My friends suggest just going on a trip someplace, change of scenery. Even if it's not that far. The AI impact is huge too so upskilling is absolutely a necessity. Micro-credential courses are also highly sought after by hiring managers and HR, apparently.

18. AnonymousAugust 14,2025 at 4:55PM UTC

    You are not alone. It's a VERY challenging market right now and it's very stressful. To be honest, I suspect part of it is companies worrying about the economy, and part of it is companies thinking they can just use AI instead of human workers - and I don't think that will actually work out the way they think it will. Here's hoping things turn around a bit!