Advice for 60-year-old returning to work after taking time off

10 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 5:07PM UTC

   Find a mentor, you need someone with whom you can bounce off ideas and who can cheerlead you every time that doubting side bubbles up. Perhaps a former manager? As for why you got let go during training don't let that haunt you. Many companies just don't understand that everyone learns differently and if they judged you during that early period for ANY reason they clearly did not deserve you. Move on, head up and don't lose sight of the prize role ahead! you got this!

2. AnonymousSeptember 15,2025 at 8:34PM UTC

   thanks for the encouragement, I appreciate it.

3. LauraSeptember 15,2025 at 1:10AM UTC

   Please don't let one hiccup determine your future! You said yourself your skills and abilities have never been in question over your 30+ year career, lean into that. Just by saying that it shows you know the value you bring and you're doing all the right things with upskilling and volunteering. Also make sure to lean into networking. Good luck!

4. AnonymousSeptember 15,2025 at 8:36PM UTC

   Thanks so much for your comments, I will get through this.

5. Dr. Patty GrossSeptember 16,2025 at 12:23PM UTC

   Go into the search with the notion that you could work for 30 more years, because, since you are still upskilling, it is possible. Leave the last job off your resume and put in the classes you are taking. Since your last job didn't last through training, it should not leave a significant gap. You've got this.

   If you feel adventurous, you may try to hook up with a consulting firm that provides project work to the financial sector. It won't be as steady as a bank or financial firm, but it could give you more flexibility if that is important.

6. AnonymousSeptember 17,2025 at 9:11PM UTC

   Thank you for giving me another idea to think about, it is helpful.

7. PatriciaSeptember 25,2025 at 4:03PM UTC

   Many professionals who’ve taken time off (for any reason) find that returning to the workforce can feel daunting, especially when a single negative experience has shaken their confidence. But one difficult role doesn’t erase 30+ years of proven experience. In fact, your background in mortgage banking and tax accounting is an asset, especially now when companies need steady, experienced professionals who can handle complexity.

   A few thoughts for you:

   1. Reframe that negative experience.

   Getting let go in training wasn’t about your career-long ability — it was about a poor fit in that specific environment. Instead of letting it define you, treat it as a data point: “That role wasn’t the right match, but I learned what to look for next time.”

   2. Focus on your strengths.

   Thirty years in financial services is not something that disappears because of one setback. Keep reminding yourself: employers value reliability, judgment, and domain expertise — things you bring in abundance.

   3. Address the resume gap with confidence.

   You can highlight your continued learning and volunteer work — both show initiative and adaptability. Something like:

   “Since 2021, I’ve completed professional development in [X, Y] and contributed to [volunteer role], while staying engaged with industry trends.”

   This positions your time away as purposeful, not problematic.

   4. Manage the age concern head-on.

   Bias is real, but you can minimize it by:

   Keeping your resume concise (focus on the last 10–15 years, not your full career).

   Showcasing updated technical or software skills to signal you’re current.

   Using a modern resume format (clean, achievement-focused, not overly detailed).

   5. Start small to rebuild confidence.

   If the thought of applying widely feels overwhelming, begin with contract, part-time, or project roles. These can get you back into the rhythm without the pressure of a “big” commitment.

   6. Build encouragement into your job search.

   Surround yourself with peers who’ve successfully returned after career breaks — networking groups, professional associations, or even online forums. Sometimes just hearing “me too” stories helps break through self-doubt.

   Finally — you’re not overthinking, you’re being human. The fact that you’re updating your skills, refreshing your resume, and asking for advice shows you’re ready. Don’t let one bad experience stop you from putting yourself back out there — your track record speaks louder than that.

8. AnonymousSeptember 30,2025 at 6:40PM UTC

   Patricia, thank you for your thoughtful suggestions. I really appreciate it, and I feel that I am at a point where I can move forward into my next role with success.

9. AnonymousOctober 5,2025 at 2:23PM UTC

   Find a good counselor. I have experienced real trauma in the workplace-bullying, racism, etc. All of it really made me doubt myself. Counseling enabled me to get back on my feet.

10. AnonymousOctober 14,2025 at 7:42PM UTC

    Thanks for your response. I have worked with a counselor which has helped me get underway revamping my resume and also taking classes to improve my skills.