Ageism is real…

What to do if you're faced with finding a job after 55...

You're 55 and you just got laid off. You had noticed over the last several years that the unsolicited calls from recruiters had dropped off, but you are at the top of your game in your chosen career, fairly well-known, and your network is extensive, so you're not too worried. Your experience to date has been that you've had multiple offers when you've been in the job market before.

You proceed to put the word out that you are soon to be available. Crickets...

You update your resume and find out that you need to ensure that it has the right words in it for the recruiting software to find you. You update your LinkedIn profile, making sure that the picture is current, professional and shows as few grey hairs as possible... You make a list of people in your network who might be able to refer you to others or might have a position for you.

Still crickets... what gives?

You might be facing ageism. Unfortunately, some businesses are reluctant to bring on folks in their last 10 years of employment. There are many reasons for this and, most of the time, the bias is unintentional (or, I'd like to think it is). Assumptions like the following are true obstacles:

1. they won't give 100% because they are so close to retirement

2. they are "stuck in their ways" and won't or can't innovate

3. they won't be able to handle the new technology

4. we can't afford them - they are over-qualified

5. we need "fresh" (aka young) ideas

What wise companies are thinking, however, is

1. people are living longer and "retirement" doesn't mean the same thing now as it used to

2. we can take advantage of the lessons learned over years of experience that we can't get otherwise

3. successful people are successful regardless of age, gender, situation, etc.

4. diversity of thought comes with blending perspectives of all kinds - including the elder perspective

5. we need successful elders to mentor and lead our up and coming generations

Have you been laid off and feel like you're facing ageism? Here are some things you can do:

1. most importantly, don't panic

2. imagine your ideal life - write it down in detail - what kind of job or work will fund this ideal life?

3. write your ideal job description - what do you LOVE to do, what are you BEST at, how do you want to make a difference in the world, etc...

4. work with someone you trust that can provide you with insights on how to position your vast experience and skill to appeal to today's business needs

5. consider a career change or start a new business

6. once you know where you want to go, take steps to get there

If you have been laid off and you are in your 50's or 60's, I wish you all the best with this new opportunity you have to reimagine your life!

If you'd like to chat, visit my website and set up a meeting https://www.jnoonanconsulting.com/consultation