Chapter 1: Facing Job Loss and Its Implications

A few months ago, I found myself out of work. While it may seem like a loss, I was well aware of the circumstances surrounding it. The situation was predictable; many of my colleagues, including my manager, had faced layoffs months earlier, and the business showed no signs of recovery.

My day began with a Slack message that set off alarm bells: "Oh no!" For anyone familiar with corporate culture, spontaneous meetings with higher-ups rarely signal good news. I soon discovered I had a similar meeting scheduled with HR. The ominous undertones were unmistakable.

Before the clock struck nine, our team was buzzing with messages as we pieced together who remained employed and who was on the chopping block. My meeting was rather uneventful, as David, the COO, recited a standard legal script while I maintained a facade of positivity, echoing sentiments about my enjoyable time there. There's wisdom in not burning bridges, especially since business can be unpredictable.

However, the real challenge lay ahead.

Despite my extensive skill set—evident on both my LinkedIn and Tinder profiles—finding work as a 60-year-old in a tech-related field proved daunting. With recent layoffs across the industry, I was competing against a wave of youthful talent freshly released from companies like Facebook and Google.

If you believe that employers appreciate the wisdom and experience of older workers, think again. I encountered this harsh reality back in 2017 when I was dismissed from a job where I had dedicated years of service, a time during which I had accumulated an embarrassing number of khaki pants and polo shirts.

As part of my severance, I was offered services from an upscale outplacement agency. While it allowed me to fill my calendar with seemingly pointless meetings and webinars that mimicked actual work, I did pick up some valuable insights, particularly about job hunting for those over fifty.

The facilitator boldly stated, "While age discrimination is illegal, it is a pervasive issue." This resonated deeply.

During my previous job search, I applied for around seventy positions, secured eleven interviews, and faced comments like "you're overqualified" or "you wouldn't fit in with our culture." One memorable response came from a prominent consulting firm: "knowledgeable individuals tend to struggle here." If you think these aren't indicators of ageism, you weren't privy to the experience.

It's perplexing, especially when research shows older workers often outperform younger ones across various metrics.

The seminar pointed out several common misconceptions that fuel age-related biases: the belief that older workers aren't tech-savvy, that we struggle to connect with younger colleagues, and the stereotype of being overly confident in our abilities. Admittedly, some of these perceptions have merit, but I’ve been this way since I was 25.

We were encouraged to present ourselves in a manner that counters these stereotypes—through ongoing learning, enhancing our resumes with terms like "dynamic" and "effective," and maintaining a friendly demeanor. However, suggestions like using hair dye or botox to appear younger were discouraged, lest one end up looking like a Halloween mask of Mickey Rourke.

Unfortunately, despite the advice offered during those sessions, it proved ineffective both in 2017 and during my current search. The webinars featured slides that undermined their points about the tech competencies of older workers.

Nonetheless, I followed the recommended steps during my first few weeks of unemployment. I signed up for job alerts, streamlined my resume to highlight the last fifteen years of experience, and removed any graduation dates that could hint at my age. I sent out numerous applications, only to be met with rejection from algorithms that favored more contemporary buzzwords. I also reached out to my network in hopes of uncovering job leads.

In today's digital landscape, job hunting isn't as labor-intensive as it once was. A mere fifteen minutes online can lead to multiple applications, followed by automated rejection emails that lament not advancing my application. The odds are not in favor of those over 50—it's akin to gambling, but without the thrill or rewards.

That said, applying cold is essential; you never know what might materialize, and it's better than wallowing in self-pity while binge-watching "The Office." The critical takeaway remains clear:

Relationships are crucial.

While it's unwise to drain every connection dry—"No, I don’t want to grab another coffee!"—networking is indeed where you’ll find the greatest opportunities. If you’re competent, those familiar with your work are far more likely to offer you a chance than strangers sifting through countless resumes.

I eventually secured a position in 2018 thanks to a corporate VP I had met briefly over drinks, where we bonded over our mutual passion for fiction writing. He put in a good word for me, leading to an interview that would not have been possible otherwise. Since then, former colleagues have reached out with job opportunities, and while I wasn’t actively looking at the time, it was reassuring to know I left a positive impression. Maintaining these relationships is vital to avoid appearing desperate when job hunting.

In today’s job market, reputation is the most valuable currency.

Currently, the demand for my skills is less than ideal due to the oversupply of tech professionals and the growing trend of replacing human roles with AI. Who knows, I might have already retired without realizing it, though my finances suggest otherwise.

That's alright. I am confident in my abilities, and whatever is meant to come my way will eventually do so. With pleasant weather upon us, I look forward to enjoying some time outdoors and catching up on my reading.

See you all on Zoom.

Chapter 2: Essential Tips for Job Hunting Over 50

The first video, "Over 50? Don't Job Hunt Without These 7 Essential Tips!" offers crucial insights and strategies tailored specifically for job seekers over the age of 50.

The second video, "Job Search Advice for Over 50 Year Olds," provides valuable advice and encouragement for navigating the job market at an older age.