I've been looking for work for almost 18 months now.

11 Comments

1. misskelleypJanuary 22,2026 at 8:49PM UTC

   I colored my hair and try to ensure that I have updated my "look" in general and the way I speak so it's not obvious how old I am. Ageism is definitely real. Good luck, it's so hard right now.

2. AnonymousJanuary 23,2026 at 12:10AM UTC

   I totally agree that keeping up with the times and disguising your age as much as you reasonably can are both helpful in combating ageism and just feeling more confident. A good hair day is a real thing. If you have kids or grandkids who are school age or older, they can give you honest (sometimes too honest, ha) feedback about any "old lady" clothing choices, outdated figures of speech, and anything else you might want to avoid the day of the interview. Also remind yourself of all the things you have accomplished in life and all you have overcome. You will get past this too and will have a job you love. Focus on controlling what you can control (your hairstyle, your outfit, your attitude), and also make sure your resume puts you in the best possible light, is formatted properly, and uses the right keywords, etc. Use networking to full advantage and just keep trying!

3. AnonymousJanuary 23,2026 at 5:59PM UTC

   I did that initially, but then didn't redo it. I've never liked the upkeep. And I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard or something either. And it's expensive. I don't do it myself, I go to the salon.

4. AnonymousJanuary 23,2026 at 1:27PM UTC

   What field are you in? Are you getting interviews? What does your resume look like? How/where are you searching? I can't jump right to supporting your claim of ageism until I know more. (Not to minimize any claims of ageism as I am now over 50 and always living in fear of being back out on the job market with no notice.)

5. AnonymousJanuary 23,2026 at 5:55PM UTC

   I'm in tech - technical writing. I have looked on: Linkedin, Indeed, Glassdoor, BuiltIn, WelcomeToTheJungle/otta, remoterocketship, RemoteOK, ZipRecruiter (rarely), Dice, remote.io, Brian's Job Search, company sites, etc. I've had about a dozen interviews in this time. Almost 50% of the jobs I get an automated response then nothing, not even a rejection email. My last interview ghosted me, too.

6. Charlotte VanEppsJanuary 23,2026 at 1:48PM UTC

   I'm searching as well and one thing that I try to do each week is taking micro courses to keep learning. This helps me feel like I've accomplished something. Stay strong - you'll find the right role.

7. AnonymousJanuary 23,2026 at 6:01PM UTC

   I've been doing courses on LinkedIn, Udemy, and Coursera intermittently.

8. AnonymousJanuary 23,2026 at 4:51PM UTC

   I am in the 50+ range and have been unemployed for 16 months. My company offered a separation agreement but never did pay on it because they filed bankruptcy. My question is, someone in my household had a catastrophic health event, causing hospital bills to run over $1 million during my employment under the group insurance so I’m feeling like I have a flag over my head because of my extreme use of health insurance during that time. Anyone else feel something similar?

9. AnonymousJanuary 24,2026 at 7:57PM UTC

   I'm a boomer who was laid off 10 mos ago after my executive retired. There were no other lateral positions in the company for me. For my personal time, I enjoy several group fitness classes each week, and volunteer my time to be of service in my community and church. I've also been joining several webinars for further education to remain current. Plus I'm educating myself on how to navigate Medicare and Social Security.

   I applied to other companies and had a few great interviews (as per the hiring managers - though who knows if you can trust that), but they hired internally. I am at the top of most positions regarding experience and salary.
   Point is, it could be overqualification, assuming age and imminent retirement sooner than younger, less tenured candidates). I do have an interview next week, and not going to be anxious. Just going with the flow and trusting God for the outcome.

10. AnonymousJanuary 24,2026 at 8:59PM UTC

    How did you find these contract jobs please?

11. Alex WoodFebruary 18,2026 at 6:37PM UTC

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