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Anonymous
06/30/20 at 2:31PM UTC
in
Diversity & Inclusion

Aging women feeling young

I am a 55 year old women who was let go of a mediocre job in February 2020. Just before the shut down of Covid 19. I truly enjoyed my job and the people I worked with. I worked hard with low pay with the impression of a promotion in the company. Haha I guess not. Now I am unemployed and middle aged but not bitter. Well for the most part. I understand bring the young into the work force but I do not understand discarding, shale we say the mature and experienced. This to me shows a lack of diversity as far as age. At least for this particular company the youngest of the young seem to be the only ones getting promoted and all of us of a certain age are overlooked. My strategy to get through this very unexpected breakup was to take It on the chin. I thought , I’ll get a better job where I am appreciated for the hard working eager to learn woman I am. Then reality sunk in. I am a 55 year old women who for most of her life was a homemaker for my husband and 3 kids with the exception of the last 7 years in this mediocre job. Yes I do now have some experience in the work force but that does not change the fact of my age and oh, did I mention I have metastasize breast cancer which traveled to my brain and lymph nodes? Ahh yes cancer is a bad word while looking for a job. How do you explain you’ve been fired from your last job (again mediocre job) and by the way I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer? But not to worry I’m only 55. Alls I can do is laugh at myself. Well all that being said my brain tumor that had metastasized from my breast was Surgically removed in November 2019 and with on going treatment and the grace of God some may call me a walking and working miracle. I feel great, I feel young and energetic , I feel hopeful and blessed. I just feel I have so much to offer but not quite sure how to jump threw the hoops with all my baggage.

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Doreen D
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17
Straddle the line between Marketing and Sales
07/08/20 at 3:48PM UTC
50 year old and cancer survivor so I get it. Great job keeping positive on this one. Someone mentioned above about working for a Cancer Company- I love that idea and have been researching this myself to see how I can now have a bigger impact on things. They get it. They get you. If they don't, then they are missing out. Keep kicking ass and staying positive.
MissyP
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68
Positive cultures impact the bottom line!
07/05/20 at 2:29PM UTC
Ageism is alive & well, unfortunately. I spent 22 years in corporate HR & I heard the same BS over & over- “He or she is overqualified.” I got laid off at 57 & heard that personally over & over. I decided to start my own business which focuses on company culture, as well as diversity & inclusion. I’m quite outspoken about ageism. The unconscious biases people have around age are mind boggling. I have a friend in Austin that designed a recruiting software that removes all personal information, so hiring managers know absolutely nothing about the candidates, with the exception of their ability to do the job. It’s helped so many jobseekers! I apologize for the long post. Do you think you might be interested in coaching or consulting. At our age we have so much wisdom & can really help companies or individuals. If you don’t want to do your own business, there are some great firms that would welcome your knowledge. Do some research. I think RPG & definitely Korn-Ferry are national firms... Good luck!! ?
Anonymous
07/05/20 at 1:36PM UTC
I could have written the first five sentences. I was let go February 26, 2020. Except that I am 53 and was there for 20 years. But I am bitter, and I am suing. The good news is that I found a better paying job with better people who appreciate my experience. As someone else mentioned, I finally found a job through a recruiter. I applied directly to over 100 jobs over a year (knowing my days were numbered) and barely got an interview. Let a recruiter help you.
Patti
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13
Preschool Owner in Florida
07/05/20 at 12:48PM UTC
I agree. As we age, we lose so many things... physical stamina, strength and energy. But, it’s important to look at what we haven’t lost... experience, knowledge and commitment levels. I am continually re-inventing myself to accommodate my changing life. After teaching preschool for many years, I opened my own preschool at the age of 56. Many friends said - Are you crazy? You should be thinking about retirement! Nope - not for me. I’ve now mentored many young women in this field; and taught them what books can’t even begin to cover. I am now taking my experience with children to move into a new direction - Teaching mindfulness to kids and adults. This will hopefully be easier on my physical body, but allow me to keep my brain engaged and active. What great advice from Rachel Minnick above! You’ve had cancer. Find out how to share your knowledge of that experience. There are nonprofit job sites out there. Check them out! Think about other experiences you’ve had in life. Many nonprofits are looking for mentors to share their experiences with young millennials. You got this! Wishing you well in your journey. ?
Anonymous
07/04/20 at 10:41PM UTC (Edited)
I am so so sorry for you loss and wish you all the best. I was also laid off on the 4/17 /2020 and worked for a Cancer Organization as a CSS ( Remote Cancer support Specialist , a job that I loved. I am also scared as I am in my early fifties, I have been looking for jobs , have had only 2 interviews. I found FairyGodBoss when I was doing some research , this is my first comment. This Org and amazing group of women here has been God sent and very inspirational. From your personality you will be great for any Cancer organization and try Remote roles as well . I wish you all the very best as well and stay brave and positive.
Barbara Brooks
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11
SecondActWomen founder|former marketing/PR
07/04/20 at 10:01PM UTC
I'm with an organization specifically for us, women 40 & 50+ and as the founder having listened to so many women in your same boat, it's sad that society says we're done when we say we're just getting started. Because we are. We're no where near being over the hill but rather looking from the top for our "next thing" with exuberance and a yearning to grow - more. Stick to your positive outlook. It will work in your favor as companies come to realize the value we bring to the workforce. Intergenerational workplaces are more productive, hence profitable. You have something to bring to the table. You just need to do the work and create a "career plan" highlighting transferable skills, LinkedIn profile update to reflect your personal brand and list connections you need to make to land the interview. - Barbara w/ SecondActWomen (www.secondactwomen.com)
Amanda Sheets Healy
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43
07/04/20 at 11:01AM UTC
Before more time passes, it might be useful to sit down with an attorney to determine whether illegal discrimination based on age or on health challenges might be provable. Beyond that, a health care setting might be a great option. And one way to get your foot in the door? Start as a volunteer, make yourself indispensable.
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.
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1.05k
Administrator | Educator | Intrapreneur
07/04/20 at 9:22AM UTC
Thank you for sharing your story and your positive outlook! I have no doubt you still have a lot to offer. You should not focus on being fired, but on what you contributed on the job. Besides AARP, other resources I have found useful is workforce50.com and reachire.com. This article might also be useful: https://www.themuse.com/advice/jobhunting-after-50-the-new-rules
Kerri-Lynn Greene
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109
07/03/20 at 5:30PM UTC
OK, 1) You are a fighter and have already overcome great obstacles! 2) Another person's opinion of you cannot and should not impact your opinion of yourself 3) It's true Corporations are only loyal to the bottom line and managers only support that goal or they have to leave also. 4) I've been in your shoes 20+ yrs and a new mgr - much younger, not qualified and disliked me simply because I was the person everyone went to for answers or directed her to when she had a question of someone else how to do something. So of course she was most comfortable laying me off when she got a chance without any of her peers (all who liked me) not knowing she put my name on the list. - It happens like you I'm trying to make the best of it and we are also close in age!! 4) Learn to be strategic about covering your age on your resume, LinkedIn and how you present yourself - I would guess with your spirit most likely people say can't be 55! also NEVER talk about medical issues, besides the concerns that could pop up about being out of work you could be viewed as being a burden on the costs of their insurance policy - I also have a chronic illness and it never ever comes up because I know better. If it's a not a protected disability the lips stay sealed ;0) 5) NOW what do you want to do? Is there a company your interested in? Work and network yourself to that goal. You were a homemaker GREAT you have more skills then anyone can imagine. 6) KNOW you have to get a job to find a job - what does that mean get a check and health benefits from the best source you can and never stop looking for the next job. Typical tenure is 5-8 yrs at a company in this day and age you should keep your mindset the same. Now that doesn't mean you can't move your position in a company several times it keeps you "fresh" and diversified in a companies' eye - HR loves this!! You have overall a great attitude and some of the other Ladies had some great suggestions, keep a positive attitude and leave the unappreciative boss/job in your dust. BEST OF LUCK!!!
Sigrid
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23
07/03/20 at 5:09PM UTC
Same Story, different Country. Everywhere the same behaviour. They are intimidated by intelligent women. We put all our efforts into others and became very smart. What I did? I made a bucketlist to discover what really made me happy and I'm starting my own business. But listen to your body. Good Luck!

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