Did you ever find yourself needing or wanting a career change after the age of 50?

I was laid off when I was 58. I realized at that point that being unemployed and not having a clue as to how I would support my family or how my life would change, I was less stressed than I had been almost every day at the old job…in the field I was in. So it was time for a change. I decided to find something far less stressful.

If you find yourself in this position, figure out what you want to do and what you are able to do. Start applying to any job that looks like it might be something in either category. Update your resume and don’t put dates on it. Don’t show your whole work history with dates that someone can mentally figure your age. Age discrimination is 100% alive and well in this country. You will get passed over numerous times if they suspect you are older…won’t even get called for an interview.

Go into it understanding that whatever job you get, you will likely not be starting at the top. You will have to prove yourself wherever you go.

If you are getting called for an interview, try to find out something about the company. Find out how long they have been in business. Find a Vision and Mission Statement. Learn what you can and tailor your interview answers around what it seems they might be looking for. Also apply common sense. If you are applying for a manger position, you better have a managerial understanding of the job or at least be able to articulate your managerial style.

And in the end, don’t lose hope. I always figured God would take care of me. He removed me from a stress pit for a reason and He would find a place for me.

I took voluntary early retirement from library work at the age of 50. It was too early to stop working completely so I looked for jobs where my experience and skills in communicating with customers and organising and retrieving information could be put to use.

I was unemployed for only one month before getting a job with an automobile manufacturer that was setting up an online car purchasing site. This was at the height of the dot com boom and though this project foundered I continued to work for the company for the next six years before being made redundant during a re organisation.

My CV was quite honest and open and I didn’t try to hide my age. I applied for jobs I knew I could do and I had good references, which was important. Very quickly I got another job working in public relations for a media company where I continued working for the next nine years before finally retiring.

Apply for jobs where the skills you have can be put to use. Tailor your application to match the vacancy you are applying for and show how your experience will be of benefit to the company. Don’t be discouraged, you can expect many rejections but a few of your applications will lead to interviews where you have a better chance to shine. I found that companies nowadays are often looking for “team players” so you can stress how you enjoy working as part of a team and give some examples of good teamwork from your previous work history.

And finally, the best of luck!

I got laid off after 30 years at the same company at the age of 52.
My department was being transferred to Wisconsin.
I was very scared because I was single and had worked since I was seventeen. Fortunately they gave me a six month severance and I was able to collect unemployment at the same time. I applied for every job on Indeed and Monster and finally after 11 months, found the job I’m at now. It was a roller coaster of emotions though.

I would love to have a new jpb after 20 years, but my expertise is such a niche, it doesn’t translate to a different industry. Following for tips.

I have changed jobs on average every five years. Once I learn a thing, I moved on and learn another thing. I can keep doing that or fall back on some of the things I already know. I used to worry about losing work but as long as you’re able, there is work to be had. I’m pushing 50 and Just changed into a new job a year ago.

Nope, too old.