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Earlier this month, I was let go from my company - AGAIN.

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Anonymous

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Earlier this month, I was let go from my company - AGAIN. This is the third time I have been laid off work. The first time was in 2020 during the pandemic during a turbulent time for many companies. The second time was three years into a role and company that I loved that had a major leadership shift. They did a layoff after a couple of consecutive bad quarter results. Now the third time was also due to a company that was struggling financially. This time though I was not quite at the full year mark with this company. There were signs that layoffs were going to happen. And truthfully, the company leadership and culture were toxic, but it was a paying job. But now here I am - again without a job and I am struggling financially and emotionally. And I am much older now and in my 50s. I am not sure what to do and I am so afraid this will happen again. I am not sure I can take another round of this. My family is not much support either and I feel the immense pressure coming at me from all sides. Any words of advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

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  1. Paulla Fetzek, MSEd

    First, I am so very sorry this is happening.

    Second, are you set on your specific career, or have you considered changing it? If so, are there classes you can take?

    There's also freelance work and tutoring if you're interested. Places to share your talent with those who need it.

    I would love to tell you it's going to be ok. And I do believe it is. But I recognize that things are rough too. My prayer is that you find peace, and another avenue for which your talents can shine!

  2. Anonymous

    I know I sound like a broken record, but I always suggest state government jobs like within a university or college. They are a lot safer in my opinion. During Covid, the furlough we endured hit the 3 figures and up and the lower folks like me didn't have to worry. When the market tanks, a lot of people go back to school. Our enrollment is rising and so are needs to serve. Look in your area at state agencies as well. I was laid off twice in one year during the market crash of 2008/2009 and I know how horrible it feels. I was in my mid-40's so not too much younger than yourself. Don't give up, but seek work outside of corporate as a suggestion of course. Stay strong!

  3. Anonymous

    My husband works at a university. He stumbled into it at 26 and is going to end up with a 7 figure pension payout.

  4. Anonymous

    Sounds like he prepared well. The benefits are far better. I've worked in both higher ed and corporate and honestly, I am safer where I am. Maybe not my dream job, but it's a dream to have consistent income.

  5. Anonymous

    No he just got lucky. He literally stumbled into it. He knows how lucky he is.

  6. Anonymous

    I am so sorry to hear this! I have had three jobs since 2022. So frustrating and all are due to the companies financial means. I am 61 and looking for a new job! I can't retire because I don't have the means right now because I have had breaks in my employment and have dug into my savings account too many times. I am incredibly frustrated to say the least! I feel your pain! I was working for a very large construction company that lost the bid to a project that was supposed to have us there for 10+ years, so it can happen to any company and anyone! Chin up and keep looking! Don't listen to family they should be supporting you mentally. You shouldn't talk to them about it if there isn't support. They could possibly one day be in your shoes! Best of luck to you!

  7. Anonymous

    Like you, I have to work until I’m 70. I am better off than you and could retire now if I wait my social security will go up $1K.

    if I’d been working steadily I would’ve been gone years ago. I’m of the mind that I need to step aside for the young uns

  8. Beth Whight Morales

    Hey there, I sympathize with you so much. It’s tough out there, and losing income you need to keep your house/car/food on the table is extremely challenging.

    I don’t know what your financial situation is, but if you need something RIGHT NOW, I recommend trying a temp agency. Temp agencies can offer short term temp opportunities that will both bring in a paycheck and also give you an opportunity to network. They also offer temp-to-permanent where essentially the employer is using the temp agency to do the hiring for them. At the very least, you will be able to speak with a recruiter. It is still important that you sell yourself when you do so the same as you would in an interview, but it’s a viable strategy to use an agency.

    I second the member who suggested education. A new certification or other education will be a recent achievement to include on your resume, and anything in-person will double as a networking opportunity.

    I know it’s disheartening, and more so as we age. Hopefully you won’t need to jump on the first available opportunity but regardless of how you move forward, I hope you find a good fit.

  9. Anonymous

    Control what you can control and keep moving forward. Don't stop and give in or give up. It may happen again, there aren't guarantees at any job.

  10. Anonymous

    I always prepare to being let go. It takes the fear out of it.

    I create a budget that includes funding my emergency account and keeping my lifestyle within reason. I only accept positions with companies that have a history of paying severance (usually large successful companies) so there is an expectation of responsibility on the part of the leadership.

    I also structure my life with plenty of emotional support with family, friends, community and church.

    While expecting not to be hired on a long term basis, (beyond a couple of years) I practice gratitude for the here and now, I continue to connect with my network and stay open to opportunity. Because I've been unemployed in the past (laid off 4 times over my career), I know I can survive and even thrive. There is comfort in that.

  11. Anonymous

    I hope that when youre unemployed that you also use your church to network. I got my current job (10 years!) through a friend at my synagogue. I barely knew her but when I got laid off I was told to connect with her.

  12. GirlBossanova934974

    When you are researching for your next job, please be sure and check out their financials if you can. Try and apply to companies in industries which are not subject to all this up and down stuff. AVOID TECH!

  13. Anonymous

    Another tip a friend who works in finance taught me is to always look at how long the company has been around. It’s true that some start-ups thrive and some long-standing companies fail, but — as a rule — try to work somewhere that survived the economic crash of 2008. According to my friend, this is a good indicator.

  14. GirlBossanova934974

    After using various job sites, you may want to check out Glassdoor.com for jobs. Most people think of it for company reviews but they have a lot of jobs which other sites do not show. LinkedIn is a good place for recruiters and staffing agencies to find you but for job searches, they are far too few jobs and far too job searchers. Waste of time to search but a good place to be found. MAKE SURE your LinkedIn profile is FULLY FILLED OUT. One liner descriptions to tell what you did in 5 years will not cut it......

  15. Anonymous

    You are not alone. I'm also in my 50s and the past 4 years have been ROUGH. Same types of experiences-mergers, acquisitions, layoffs, layoffs, layoffs. Connecting with a good counselor has been profoundly helpful to me. Hang in there! I spent last year freelancing and did pretty well. Today, I am interviewing with 3 places for what could be wonderful roles back on staff. This too shall pass. Hugs!

  16. Anonymous

    Same boat, 3rd layoff since 2022 but now I have 2 kids and I just don’t even have the same options I did 3 years ago as I can’t just afford to take “whatever” job with the cost of two in daycare, etc. I need a job that can even support that and is flexible for drop off / pick ups, sick days, all that makes starting over what seems like every year now so much harder. With 2 under 2. I don’t have local family so I will need to hire help to even cover interviews and such if I get any. It’s all hard in different ways. This last role I got through a referral and it felt so perfectly aligned, performance evaluations were stunning but company financials are all that matter, and relationships mean absolutely nothing, being good at your job, nothing, giving everything means nothing. I never thought lightning could strike 3 times but here we are. The market is garbage and companies are even more toxic because everyone’s so desperate. I wish I had any other words for this. Good luck, just know you aren’t alone.

  17. Anonymous

    Wow...This could have been me writing this as I've had a similar track in my 50's. Depending on your role, consider consulting. Your business contacts would have an easier time bringing you on and the income could help bridge the gap financially. You just have to get an LLC which takes 5min and costs under $200.

  18. AS

    Dont be sorry too much of yourself.

    use that time.

    I would be as a younger female happy to get advise from older female!

    start to share what you have learned.

    Create your own buisness. Master your own Brand.

    share to your younger self what you would do with your Knowledge now.

    There is always something you learned - thats what u can share. Think about it.

    write a journal? Book or Blog, Vlog, paint, give classes, do talks.?

    or maybe

    teach emphaty to the generation which is bounded to computers… somewhat like that. Dont give up, you are still young!

  19. Anonymous

    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a federal program to assist employees getting back to work. In my state it's called Michigan Works! They helped me a lot when I was laid off (in my fifties, twice in four years 2011 and 2014). They taught me how to tailor my resume for each position I was applying for, sent me job leads, I attended interviewing and mature worker workshops. I also went back and got my master's degree, I don't need it for my current position, but it gave me different networking opportunities. Speaking of networking, that is key when you're a mature worker. It's time to rethink and reimagine what you want to do. You can do this, I now have a job I love, where I make a difference.

  20. Anonymous

    I forgot to mention, I had to slash my family budget during my layoff. The second layoff I was denied unemployment compensation. No extras, I only kept internet so I could look for and apply for jobs. I spent a lot of time at Michigan Works! I viewed that as a type of networking too.

  21. Renee Gillis

    I’ve been there. It takes so much out of you. I had to start looking and found out that my resume was out of date and wasn’t doing well on the ATS screening process. I’m 62 and just got a job offer. I would suggest researching the companies you apply to and tailor your resume for each job. You can try Jobscan.com

    Good luck!

  22. Anonymous

    It's not you it's them. Could it happen again, sure but you can control what happens by keeping the faith and taking control of your situation. If your family is not supportive sit them down and tell them what you need. If the recent company is offering outplacement help take it. Hit up your network hard and let them know you are raring to go. Leave the baggage at the door and let others know you still got it! I am in my late 60's and know only too well you cannot play the victim because if you do it will filter into other areas of your life and that will hurt you more than help you. You got this sister!

  23. Anonymous

    I went through a similar period during my work life. Some things are beyond our control. Pick a passion and go for it. By the time you reach your 50's, you have already gained valuable experience. Use it to your advantage. Look at this as an opportunity that may lead you to the best job ever.

  24. Anonymous

    I feel like I could have written this exact post. You're not alone.

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