Attempting to locate employment after 40 is a minefield, try searching after 50 -55+ years.

27 Comments

1. Tina MorenoApril 9,2025 at 6:31PM UTC

   Your post hit home for so many reasons—and I just want to say thank you for speaking up. The ageism in today’s job market is real, and it’s heartbreaking to see so much talent, experience, and dedication being overlooked due to bias and outdated ideas about what makes a “culture fit.”

   I love your idea of starting a support group. There is strength in community, and your voice is exactly the kind we need leading that charge—someone who not only understands the HR side but is also living through it. We do need to support workers of all ages, and hiring should be rooted in talent, not assumptions.

   That said, please don’t lose hope. There are organizations out there who recognize the immense value that seasoned professionals bring—especially for project-based or fractional roles. These types of opportunities can be a great fit for people with your background and skill set.

   Have you considered working with a headhunter or recruiting firm that specializes in placing experienced professionals? Companies who use these firms are often leaning into that expertise and trusting the profiles they receive. I actually know someone who places HR professionals (among other roles) and offers services at a very reasonable fee. When I’m ready to transition out of NYC, I fully intend to work with her. Feel free to message me if you’d like her info—I’d be happy to connect you.

   You’re not alone in this, and you shouldn’t have to carry the frustration by yourself. Keep advocating, keep showing up, and please keep speaking out. We see you.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 10,2025 at 2:47AM UTC

   I'm sorry you're struggling in your jobsearch but just because you're not getting hired, doesn't mean you're not getting hired because of your age.

   This is an exceptionally tough job market and there are tons of very qualified, experienced HR folks on the market. That segment has been very hard hit in the layoffs the last two years.

3. AnonymousApril 15,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

   When you’re able to see that the person they hired after you interviewed is younger by a lot, it’s hard to believe that age isn’t a factor. I’m not saying it’s always the reason, but yes, ageism is real and it does happen.

4. Kelly HenthornApril 10,2025 at 2:12PM UTC

   Thank everyone for your responses. I wish I could say it wasn't discrimination but, my insight, intuition and streaks of grey hair compared to my relatively younger hiring team and competition tell me something different. I understand the market is tough. I have been fighting it for over 5 years at this point. In the interim, I have increased my education and certifications. I will not stop. But, I would like to see some more advocacy. I will get this going!!

5. misskelleypApril 12,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

   The first thing I do when job hunting is color my hair. And keep it up until I land the job...

6. Kristy GarlandApril 11,2025 at 3:33AM UTC

   They are not seeing you as a good cultural fit, for whatever reason. and that is not discrimination. Reframe the conversation about how you can be the solution to their problems - make it about THEM. It's all about them. Turn your interviews into conversations, because people like to hire people that act and think like themselves.

7. r francisApril 12,2025 at 12:39PM UTC

   Count me in!!!!! Thank you for this

8. AnonymousApril 12,2025 at 12:56PM UTC

   I know exactly how you feel. I think a lot of it comes down to the cost of medical insurance for older individuals, and the concern that we may not be seen as long-term employees.

9. Joan Marie VerbaApril 12,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

   ....and then try searching after 65 years. I'm 71. I was laid off at the age of 64, and struggling to find work ever since.

   A friend of mine said that a friend of hers in Arizona was laid off after the age of 50. She went to an orientation session for those drawing unemployment benefits. The person giving orientation said:

   If you're over 40, it's going to be a difficult, long process to get hired. If you're over 50, chances are you will never get hired again.

   Those saying that one can get hired after 50 if one does this or that aren't being realistic. I have done All The Things. Employers simply aren't interested.

   Just as you are tired of hearing about we're going in another direction, I'm tired of hearing that it was a difficult decision, between you and one other person, but we hired the other person. (Of course they did. The other person was probably in their 20s or 30s.)

10. AnonymousApril 12,2025 at 2:28PM UTC

    I’m in the same boat!

    my position was eliminated last fall. I took a role new my home. Once I handed over my passport for my citizenship info, and she saw my d o b, I knew it was a short lived job. Sure enough, I had a 30 day

    review (first 30 day review ever) and was basically put on a PIP. No thanks. That time was under paying me by 15k. I left at lunch and did not return. No job bites or interviews since. I’m good

11. Nina GainesMay 21,2025 at 12:21AM UTC

    I am always looking for like-minded people. I never thought I would be selling life insurance with advanced degrees, but the freedom of helping people is priceless.

12. GirlBossanova934974April 12,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    I have been hired for a few roles after the age of 50 . Several actually. Tell the truth, it is a lot easier to be hired in a contract roll rather than full time at this age. Frankly, I've had it with the childish high school cheerleader antics of many of today's so called managers. You see that is what the so called CULTURE story is really all about. Half the day shot with passive aggressive nonsense that is directed at fellow peers and subordinates. IF you wish to escape that CULTURE, go where the focus is on THE BOTTOM LINE aka the Profit and Loss statement not a bunch of nonsensical KPIs.....

13. Lisa MyersApril 12,2025 at 3:55PM UTC

    Interesting about contract. I just revamped my resume to align with this idea. Contract or fractional. Honestly, I am so done with the “culture” that I’d prefer this type of work as well. Get in, accomplish the project well, then move on.

14. Abbi GoldApril 12,2025 at 2:05PM UTC

    Yes; there’s something about the words”long term strategic planning” while having your greys and crows’ feet noted that doesn’t work well h fun or us.

15. AnonymousApril 12,2025 at 5:57PM UTC

    same here...we have to be the change or else we become part of the problem.

16. Nina GainesApril 12,2025 at 9:47PM UTC

    I used to hear those comments, too, "We are going in another direction," when applying for positions. I had a folder in my email full of rejections. I am 53, and I started wondering if I was ever going to be hired in spite of my age. I am a licensed Life Insurance Producer, and I have never been happier. I am building and looking to help others build.

17. AnonymousApril 12,2025 at 10:30PM UTC

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences so openly. I deeply relate to your frustration and understand how challenging it can be to navigate the employment landscape as a seasoned professional. Despite the wealth of experience, qualifications, and ambition we bring, the road often feels unnecessarily uphill.

    I truly admire your commitment to advocating for equality in the workplace and your efforts to highlight the value of experienced employees to both your team and employer. It’s inspiring to see someone in HR championing fairness and pushing back against age-based biases.

    Your idea to start a support group is fantastic. Creating a space where professionals of all ages can unite to encourage, empower, and advocate for one another is exactly the kind of movement we need. If you decide to move forward with this, I would be honored to be part of it and contribute however I can.

    Let’s keep pushing for a world where hiring is based on talent and character, not outdated perceptions.

18. AnonymousApril 15,2025 at 12:18PM UTC

    I’m running into the same issue. The sad part is I’m 67. I have no intention of not working until I’m not capable of doing so!

19. AnonymousApril 15,2025 at 1:00PM UTC

    Don't lose heart. I got the best job of my life at age 60.

20. DeborahApril 15,2025 at 1:23PM UTC

    Thank you for your post. I share your sentiments. This is a real and serious issue that we are facing and I wish that HR and Leadership would take it more seriously and take positive steps to end the discrimination. Everyone has some bias but in the workplace employers need to find ways to acknowledge and combat discrimination. Organizations are doing themselves and employment seekers a disservice because they miss out on the potential contributions of these great talented people.

21. AnonymousApril 15,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

    I completely can relate to your post and the frustration it is for us 55+ navigating this horrible job market right now! I have been trying to find a job since I was laid off (due to reorgs) back in June 2024 and it's not looking any better as time goes by. I either get ghosted, or rejection email after email. I know I have the experience, I know I have the skillset, I'm definitely not the problem!

22. Jody LaflenApril 15,2025 at 5:33PM UTC

    I’m with you. I’ve been searching for a job for 2 years (I am 52), I have 30 years of experience, 2 masters degrees, speak 3 languages, and after 500+ applications (with modified resumes and revised portfolios), my husband and I decided that I am ‘retired.’ I don’t want to be retired, though.

23. AnonymousApril 15,2025 at 11:25PM UTC

    Thank you for this post! I'm on my 3rd job search over the age of 50. With 33 years experience alone in my current field (senior executive assistant), I obviously had to cut off the jobs I held prior to my past 3 positions (18 yrs, 10 yrs, and 5 yrs respectively). It's a shame, as the positions I held before that (two at 2 yrs each) helped shape me into the great Sr. EA that I have become. I'm 69 now and SO not ready to retire. I'm sole supporter and no one to 'fall back' on -- plus I have LOVED my career and look younger than my age -- but still..... can't hide much with 33 yrs experience in just the past 3 jobs. Lay-offs are TOUGH!!!

24. angelkittenApril 16,2025 at 1:10PM UTC

    this Is exactly my cousin’s struggle at 52! He’s more than qualified with several degrees & gets interviews, but no job yet. He’s also in HR.

25. AnonymousApril 16,2025 at 3:25PM UTC

    I agree 100%. It is extremely hard being an Executive Admin Assistant - Some of the younger leaders want someone who is cute, young and sexy to represent them and their office, but the 'older' more experienced leaders will select someone with more experience and as someone who is 55 I can tell you it is definitely not easy, in fact it sucks!

    I have alot of experience and knowledge that comes with me having been in many situations that maybe a younger candidate has not. I can help you and run your calendar and your office like nobody's business - give me that seat at the table and I can be your greatest asset as your right hand and strategic partner!

    Anyone can just google you and find out everything about you but it goes both ways. you can also google your future boss to find out more info about them. It can be both a good thing and a bad thing. I guess you just have to weigh the pros and cons

26. AnonymousApril 16,2025 at 5:09PM UTC

    Thank you for sharing your sentiments. It is a really big issue and HR departments in my opinion aren’t doing enough about it. I will tell you that I am 67 and started my current full-time role only four years ago. So it does happen. I am in a managerial capacity and did not have to take a pay cut. As others have mentioned your resume should only reflect the past 10 years and do not put your graduation dates on your resume. Project flexibility and keep your computer skills sharp. Good luck and don’t give up.

27. Kristine GatesApril 17,2025 at 3:50PM UTC

    No doubt there is age discrimination. May need to look to other industries or companies that value experience and education. Reading through several of the posts I am encouraged that it can happen, and will take more intention of where to apply. We are working beyond 65 and companies need to take note that everyone needs to have an opportunity. I've been looking for 14 months. It's been challenging.