For former employees that are 50+ years of age how difficult has it been to find a job after being let go? I was laid off and still can’t seem to find anything, not even at a lower pay or less benefits. I understand companies want younger candidate but I was wondering if experience and knowledge is even considered at this age. At this point I’m already applying for anything just to put food on the table and pay my bills.
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I'm getting RIFed this time around and over 65. I am just moving to Retired. A couple of years sooner than I wanted but hey, I bet I won't need my blood pressure meds any longer.
I was RIF'd. Over 50. It has been a nightmare trying to find something else. They knew exactly what they were doing.
Reinvent and repurpose or consider retirement. It's aint easy over 55 and even tougher over 60. Making that last 5 to 10 year stretch gets really iffy. That's why not burrying your head in the sand about this company is probably to your advantage if you're over 50. Some niche areas if you've kept your skills relevant or can be dextrous and think of a way to bring in extra cash. The real burn is medical insurance...it's tough enough to cover the nut let alone needing to cough up medical insurance premiums. Be careful not to get too comfortable with the 'severance' package and the option to get the insurance coverage - it's good but it runs out. Stay strong and good luck.
Its a rough job market for everyone unless you had a PhD, 200 years of experience, and credentials coming out of your a$$. Problem now is companies are very picky with who they take in for senior level jobs (which are higher paying) but not very picky how they pay their executives. Even for young people is not great right now (they have to do BS contracts which may at some point if they are very lucky become full time). Overall the job market unless you are apart of the exclusive club of executives and upper management is very bad.
Age discrimination in hiring is illegal but nearly impossible to prove. There will be more AIG older folks let go in the very near future. There's a reason why companies hide their firing process, as they look first at older folks because they generally make higher pay. But not always, sometimes they do it because they're wanting to "change the culture".
If you're not too picky about your salary, look in places that you would not normally think to look. Perhaps you've thought of these but here are some thoughts - online teaching, teaching a skill at a community college, tutoring, refurbishing equipment/furnature, public service sector, etc. Always helps to volunteer somewhere, if for no other reason than to contribute and stay relevant. You get to meet some very wonderful people too.