Got RIF’d an hour ago - need to share

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snuggly_cobra@reddit

Sorry to hear this. BTDT. Laid off at 60, during COVID.

A hundred negative things are running through your head. Put them aside. The company made a move they thought (and know) will be the wrong move.

Take a mini-vacation so that you can unplug.

Then sit down with your spouse and plan out the next 30/60/90 day timeline.

If your job skills are in demand, you should be back at a job soon. Or consider consulting. If they are lacking, look at the cost of retooling.

Consider getting a degree if and only if you can recoup your costs (which is why I didn’t pursue my doctorate).

Tune up your resume. Employers use AI to screen out us old folks, so find out how to beat the algorithm.

Reach out to your network friends for job leads.

Keep us posted.

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Competitive-Draw-664@reddit

File for unemployment the second that severance runs out.

Exercise or meditate every day to stave off depression and anxiety.

Not going to lie - the 60y - hit hard. This was close to me a year ago (58 years old). It was very hard.

Also, my strong suggestion, do some research into specific AI-driven tools out there to help you apply for jobs. Some people find it horrifying. But, why not? It can write custom, very specific emails and cover letters based on your experience, and it can apply at 1,000X more jobs than you can sitting at a computer and manually clicking on jobs. Not saying you shouldn't go the manual route, but my feeling was "If some HR person somewhere was pissed that I used the AI tool, fuck em. They have a job. I'm looking for every angle to get a job."

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bootie_singe@reddit

Ooof, I feel for you, I had similar a few years ago. Similar situation where I feel like it was personal. I’d gotten great reviews, and tons of respect, but there were just a few decision makers with whom I had conflict over “correct approach” to situations.

My fan club in the company actually invented a new position so they could promote and retain me. Then without my knowledge the haters invented a reorg, that just happened to eliminate my position.

Luckily someone gave me advanced intel this was coming so I started actively searching. And had several leads by the time the time the axe fell.

I wish you luck. I am so much happier in my new position, I feel respected. And I don’t have to fight for every initiative. When I share stories from the old shithole, I hear “dude, that’s crazy” so I feel validated. May you find the same.

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CawlinAlcarz@reddit

They laid you off because you are 60, full stop.

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phorkor@reddit

Same happened to my dad after working for the company for 30 something years. He basically ran the place and helped the original owner build it. Owner retired, company got bought by a national company and he was fine for a decade or so until a new GM decided all the old timers that built the company had to go because he wanted younger people in. This was 2 years before retirement. Ended up filing a age discrimination suit against the company and they settled out of court for 2 years salary.

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Fluffy-Click5671@reddit

My husband worked 42 years for a phone company as a cable splicer. The company sold their services in our state, and subcontractors took over splicing and burying cable. He was let go with no package - 1/3 of his retirement disappeared during the take-over! He was just shy of 62, so that meant 6 months with no income and two children still in grade school. I only worked part-time, so it was rough. He wisely took his retirement as a lump sum and invested it. A younger coworker started his own business as a subcontractor and hired my husband until he could no longer work. He’s now approaching 80; we live frugally on social security and what remains of his lump sum and interest as our youngest child finishes college.

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My1point5cents@reddit

After “30 something years” he couldn’t retire? Was there something minimum retirement age?

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phorkor@reddit

He probably could have, but I'm guessing he didn't want to yet. There was other age discrimination stuff going on with the new GM, which is why they happily paid out 2 years salary instead of fighting it.

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skoltroll@reddit

Being old and not liked (likely b/c you simply know your job and have learned to stop tolerating BS) is a bad combo.

I'm not looking forward to that, even though I know it's likely already here now that I'm AARP aged.

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BadHominem@reddit

Enterprising older people should band together and start starting companies that actively seek out and hire other older workers.

Not that it is easy to start a business or get it to a point that it is successful enough to hire employees. But still, hopefully some enterprising go getter will build a company that recognizes the value that experienced people bring to a business and make an effort to hire them. Maybe there are already some out there.

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My1point5cents@reddit

Good idea in theory, but tech and social media is the key to success nowadays, and old people don’t know either well.

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niff007@reddit

Disagree. Gen X and Millenials grew up building and hacking apart systems, platforms, languages, hardware and software. Gen Z knows how to TikTok and record a video. They don't have a clue how this stuff actually works.

These are broad generalizations that can easily be debated and of course there are exceptions but its well know how not tech savvy younger generations are vs younger Gen X and millenials.

That said my Gen Alpha kid is learning to code, edit video, build Power Points and other stuff that people get paid well for in SIXTH GRADE

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techdevjp@reddit

Been using tech since the late 70s. Currently sitting in front of three huge displays full of code and research. There are lots out there like me.

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CawlinAlcarz@reddit

In truth, I believe the average GenX walking around is more tech savvy than the average Millennial or GenZ - social media is not fuckin' tech.

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techdevjp@reddit

TBH I don't think any of those three gens are as tech savvy as they should be. No gen seems to be. A whole lot of people just learned the bare minimum they needed to get by (a bit of Word & a bit of Excel) and never anything beyond that.

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CawlinAlcarz@reddit

Millennials and GenZ can't even do Word and Excel.

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techdevjp@reddit

My GenZ daughter certainly can. Couldn't get her to code much, but she can still do quite a lot. She's been using PowerPoint since high school because they had to give presentations. She's also done stuff with stat software and mapping software because of her degrees. She's also generally handy around the house. Did the best we could to equip her for real life.

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My1point5cents@reddit

Exactly. Today’s kids have had a tablet since they could walk. Use all kinds of apps and PowerPoints. Not saying we old timers can’t learn tech, but it’s not second nature to most of us. We started with a manual typewriter. If you’re in the tech field, good for you. Most of us are not. And for anyone to say the average 60 year old is more tech savvy than the average 25 year old is just in denial lol.

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techdevjp@reddit

I learned to touch type on an IBM Selectric in middle school, but was already programming by then as well as already online with a 300bps modem. Not "Internet" online (that came a few years later...) but local BBSes.

Was definitely one of those kids that got relentlessly bullied for being a geek, but working in tech has treated me well.

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CawlinAlcarz@reddit

Well, my GenZ niece still uses spaces to indent paragraphs in Word. I suppose I should be glad that she not only uses paragraphs but indents the first line. Excel is a complete mystery to her as to why anyone would use that, let alone HOW to use it. She's a junior in nursing college.

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No_Analysis_283@reddit

Agree 💯My buddy and I were talking about this. The kids are afraid of AI. I’m building enterprise-level agents on top of our data to help colleagues and customers. Pushing 60 here.

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jeexbit@reddit

some of us do!

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

FAANG employee here, working on cutting edge technology... 🙋‍♂️

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NorCalFrances@reddit

Day one some otherwise useless 22 year old will sue for age discrimination and win.

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HuckleberryDizzy2364@reddit

being under 40 isn't a protected class

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NorCalFrances@reddit

I've lost all faith that words-on-paper laws like that still matter as much as they once did. The current SCOTUS seems to rule as it wishes, even going so far as to ignore the issues at hand.

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Adventurous-Ant9038@reddit

Need to state in skill requirements 15+ years experience

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Natas-LaVey@reddit

And then the company becomes successful and you realize older workers cost you more. They have more medical issues, they get hurt easier, because of experience they get paid better, they aren’t as willing to sacrifice time and energy like a 25 year old will. At 25-30 I had no problem working all the over time and weekends they asked me to work. Now my company knows don’t even bother asking me to work a weekend and unless it’s something I screwed up I won’t stay past my scheduled time. But all the 20 something workers will stay late and work weekends. Add to that I make substantially more than they do and because of the time I’ve been at the company I get 2 more weeks vacation a year than they do. Older workers like to claim “I have the experience” but they also want top dollar and they aren’t very flexible with anything also new technology is harder for them to manage. I’m lucky that my 25 year old son in law works right next to me and helps me anytime I get stuck so while the other 45+ year old workers are asking “how do I get to xxxx” it gets brought up how I never have any problems with new technology. It’s actually my son in law helping me!

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HelendeVine@reddit

It’s the opposite where I work: the Boomers, Xers, and elder Millennials work long hours; many of the juniors (with or without kids) clock out no matter how much work there is to get done. Some of them make a huge vocal deal of how important their boundaries are. And the turnover among them is high. I’d love to establish firm boundaries like that, but I can’t risk losing my job. So, my kids are feeding and raising themselves. 🎻

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contraries@reddit

That’s a great idea

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My1point5cents@reddit

I feel the same. Approaching late 50s. I don’t kiss ass and I don’t need to be your best friend. I do my job well and I’m polite and helpful if you ask me, that’s it.

I also met my wife at the job many years ago while she was divorcing husband #1 so who knows what wild rumors linger about me. It’s likely why I’ll never be promoted. They’ve promoted dudes that I trained that are much younger. I’ll admit all the technology switched have been challenging too. The young ones take too it quickly but I have to work at it to get proficient. So it will be time in a few years.

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moopet@reddit

I have no idea what that means but it seems very negative to me.

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TurboGranny@reddit

Maybe. I've been in my company for a long time, and I've seen these discussions over the years. It's rarely about someone's age, and almost always about how much someone costs. The longer you've been with a company, the more experience you have, and if you've been treated right, the more you cost. They need to get the expenses down without just absolutely destroying morale, so they focus on letting the least number of people go which usually means letting go the most expensive people. However, the execs will never target themselves, so they'll clip maybe a few middle managers, and then just BRAIN DRAIN the company of their most experienced/most expensive people to just make the numbers work. It usually ends up hurting them in the long run. Luckily, at my company, we've been able to have a coherent discussion about the pitfalls and usually stick to just not rehiring positions when people leave during times where we need to "make the math work" on our budget. It strains everyone else, but at least no one is blindsided by being let go even though they are a very valuable employee.

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motorik@reddit

The managerial class thinks they've managed to Taylorize technically-skilled / craftsmen work into neat little parcels of bite-sized tasking that can be set up in "pipelines" and "dashboards" and done by cheap offshore / H1B operator-class workers. They think this because they don't have the technical background to fully understand what they're managing. The guy I report to directly understands maybe 10% of what I talk about in meetings. If I digress too deeply into technical minutia, he leaves the meeting because he "has another call".

I work in digital operations at a Fortune 150 with several groups that are a bunch of Gen X and a few Boomers with their fingers in various dikes management doesn't know even exist (I assume anybody in this group knows that metaphore, I know it sounds NSFW). It will be very interesting when an entire cohort management thinks it's replaced with applications and dashboards starts to retire. Especially since I suspect a lot of us are aware of the situation and working to make our disappearance as painful as possible.

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TurboGranny@reddit

they don't have the technical background to fully understand what they're managing

This is a side effect of people that do know refusing to step up when the position is available. I was able to spare my team from this because my taught me from a very young age "if not you, then who?" If you don't dive on that leadership grenade when there is no good candidate, you run the risk of getting someone that is just good at talking their way into/out of shit and making numbers look good.

working to make our disappearance as painful as possible

I've totally done this, heh. Sudden dismissal will not go well.

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motorik@reddit

My manager actively shuts me down whenever I digress from pure operational nuts-and-bolts stuff to "why we structurally have this problem is ..." sorts of things. I do work that would be considered architect-level or at least lead in my area, I'm fully self-directed for the most part, part of his job is to keep me classifiable as an operator-class worker both for pay-grade reasons and also to maintain the facade of reality as-constructed by the managers.

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TurboGranny@reddit

I'm glad I don't work at a place like this, but from what I've read online, it's quite common.

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StillwatersRipple987@reddit

I’ve been at the same company for 30 years. I’ve done some things that I hope would help if I ever do need to job hunt, like finishing my B.S. degree (so many jokes) and being proactive about learning new skills.

I’ve watched our customers (multinational corporations) cut senior employees and replace them with much younger employees, probably to cut salary expense. In multiple instances the new employees have asked to come observe our processes on their projects, because there is no longer anybody in-house who has that knowledge. When we have questions, they don’t have anybody who can answer them.

One place is so dysfunctional that I have to keep explaining their own procedures to them - it has happened with three "generations" of new hires who get thrown into the middle of things without proper support or training.

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TurboGranny@reddit

Yup. It's very short sided to "brain drain" your corp just because you saw "the number go down", but most people that make it into those types of leadership positions didn't get there because they are complex/intelligent thinkers. They are just good at social gaming.

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First_Name_Is_Agent@reddit

I'm so sorry. I took the 2nd DRP, so I've been gone since June 27th from the IRS. I highly recommend you do what I did - I took a month to regroup and just deal with the trauma that we'd been put through. The way we were treated was bullshit and once you have a few days you'll really notice the difference. And if you need more time, take it. The next thing I did was to apply for jobs that would allow me to survive but were easy to get. I'm currently working as a cleaner in a warehouse. But I've kept looking and I'm now up for 2 jobs with the city and county. Lastly, tell people! When you finally get someone on the phone or interview, make sure you tell them you are a Federal employee who was forced out of your career by doge. Not only do people need to see this in a real world way, you'll instantly be seen as the dedicated professional you are. It's seriously made a difference. But for now just breathe and try to remember that this was done to you and not because you were a bad employee. You upheld your oath of office and they're trying to tear that down.

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Salt_Recipe_8015@reddit

I'm sorry. I was in the same boat a year ago. I will not lie. It is awful and I doubt I will work in my field again (tech middle manager).

Take some time to digest what has happened. File for unemployment when severence runs out. But most of all, remember that what you did for a living doesn't define you. You are much more than that.

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ILoveTravel76@reddit

File for unemployment ASAP. Severance doesn't affect it.

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mixmastakooz@reddit

In most states, you don’t need to file for unemployment when your severance runs out. It’s insurance that you paid into if you lose a job: take the money now rather then later.

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mfigroid@reddit

It’s insurance that you paid into for job loss

No, it's insurance the employer paid into.

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PaLuMa0268@reddit

HR Director and I came here to say this too. If employees paid into this there would be a line item on your check showing it.

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mixmastakooz@reddit

In California, employees pay too.

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BakeMcBridezilla@reddit

You might be confusing it with SDI. Short Term Disablity which employees pay into.

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mfigroid@reddit

No, they don't. 100% employer funded. EDD link

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mixmastakooz@reddit

Huh…my hr wasn’t the best lol.

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Chemical_Tomato_6308@reddit

As someone who processes unemployment claims for a living. Allotted severance payments are disqualifying, and will eat up available weeks of benefits.

Know your states UI laws, and feel free to ask questions.

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Due-Response4419@reddit

I previously worked in HR and unfortunately had to give the news of layoffs (over the span of a few years). I heard from a former employee that using the terms "no longer receiving service credits or benefits" was some magical phrasing that got them the approval for unemployment, even with severance. I made sure to share this knowledge with future RIF'd employees.

This was in CA & quite a number of years ago now.

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dreaminginteal@reddit

Either all four companies I was laid off from used that phrase, or that was only the case for some limited amount of time. I never had to wait to file, and received benefits after the standard two-week waiting period. This was in the 2000s and 2010s in California--Silicon Valley in particular.

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Dg0327@reddit

This 100%. Happened to me in June. Received 4 weeks severance but still got unemployment after 1-2 week standard waiting period. Just be sure to mention/be honest about sev when u apply nc they WILL find out if u don’t mention it.

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Capital-Mark1897@reddit

I’m in NY and my unemployment claim was denied because of severance. I will have to reapply.

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Suspicious_Ad4989@reddit

Connecticut here. The severance delayed it for a couple weeks and then I was able to get unemployment.

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adriennenned@reddit

Ct here as well. My company arranged something with the state with our layoff. We could collect unemployment from the state as soon as unemployment started. (My severance lasted for about 8 months so I was collecting both until I found a new job 4 months into my unemployment.). Sharing this because it not only depends on the state but also on the deal the company made with the state. (My layoff was big - hundreds, probably even over a thousand, laid off - not sure if that affected things.)

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Cool_Intention_7807@reddit

Same, the state knew about my severance because the company used a vendor to communicate severance, COBRA, and unemployment info to rif’d employees, and they also notify the states those employees are based in.

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azchocolatelover@reddit

Same with AZ. They advise you up front the rules around severance and/or any retention bonuses you may receive.

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Ambitious-TipTap123@reddit

(Colorado) I was RIF’d back during lockdown a week after receiving a quarterly/performance-based bonus and whoever reviewed my Ui claim at the state classified as a severance payment. Had to go to a hearing with an administrative judge and HR from my former company (which stated very plainly that the bonus was NOT a severance, as it would’ve delayed the start of benefit payments). Make sure your state has a clear picture or it’ll throw sand in the gears during an already-stressful time.

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EnvironmentalDelay66@reddit

In some states you can collect unemployment at the same time. Depends on the state

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funkissedjm@reddit

In Indiana the amount of unemployment you receive is reduced by the amount of severance you collect, so you can wait until severance runs out to file, but don’t have to. Either way, you have to be honest about any money you’ve received.

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TrilliumHill@reddit

It's been a few years, but in Oregon I was told to file right away. They will deduct the severance from the unemployment, but once severance is done you will be done with the waiting period. Best recommendation, ask your unemployment office.

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wild-hectare@reddit

In AZ you can file on your last day of work, but they will ask about severance and delay unemployment payments until after your last severance payment

OP...as another 60 year old I was RIF'd in July, but was able to secure an internal transfer and honestly I wish I had taken the severance. It truly sucks and I hope breaking the news to the wife goes well. I'm pretty sure I'll be fired by December because my new Micro-Manager is an asshat looking to make a name for themselves without care or concern for their direct reports and "It's not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care" repeats in my head every morning when the alarm goes off.

I've done the math with my wife and we have enough to make it to 62 and claim social security early. I'm already working on "Would you like fries with that?", so I can ace the McDonald's interview for some pocket money

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

This depends on how it is structured. I've had severance where they just keep you on payroll but don't require you to come in. Where am now (a FAANG employer) they do 60 days that way (garden leave) followed by a lump sum payout.

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tehfrod@reddit

That's to avoid the legal requirement to provide 60 days advance notice of layoffs.

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Impressive_Clothes11@reddit

Thats possible, but could also be to carry people on the group benefits for that time period so they dont need to initiate COBRA. Lots of "it depends" on how these are structured.

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

AIUI, that's required by the WARN Act only with layoffs above a certain number. But yes, that's almost certainly why they do that.

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freerangetacos@reddit

It depends on the state. Some don't let you collect while you are also collecting from the severance, and depends on how the severance pays out, too, as in lump sum vs regular paychecks. Best advice is to go on the state UI site and read through the rules and stipulations.

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Blu5NYC@reddit

It depends on the UI benefits and the severence. The UI in most states run out after a period of time and those benefits don't really come close to the income level of employment (or even what full-time, minimum wage looks like).

Depending on personal requirements, and the amount of severance pay provided, a person may be better off tightening their belt during their severance period. If they are getting close to the end of that period, but haven't found re-employment, then the UI, though less, will provide income for essentials for an even longer extended period of time as they continue their job-search.

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chabs1965@reddit

Agreed. I was RIF'd in June with a pretty decent severance package. I filed right away. Having it as well as adding unemployment to it made a huge difference in my attitude and mental state.

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Adorableviolet@reddit

Correct. I am a lawyer and didn't even know this when I got severance. Oof.

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Cool_Intention_7807@reddit

In Texas, I filed but they knew I received a severance and would not distribute my unemployment for four months, when they calculated my severance would be exhausted. 🙄

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CaptainZeroDark30@reddit

This👆🏼 you can probably apply for unemployment immediately.

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darkest_irish_lass@reddit

You also may only have a limited timeframe to file for unemployment. Jump on it now and see if they'll pay for reeducation so you can reenter the workforce. Done states support this, some don't .

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PotAndPansForHands@reddit

In Georgia after my layoff in 2020 I didn’t get my unemployment money until after my severance ran out, but I still filed right away and made them tell me no.

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StopLookListenDecide@reddit

The last part. I was part of the 08/09 group. Got divorced in that 6 mo too. This does not define you. Big ass bump in the road, but look beyond and what you have been planning for. Give it a breath, take stock.

Best wishes

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EmmGoSep@reddit

Solid advice. 08/09 was brutal. I can’t imagine divorce on top of that.

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Alternative-Law4626@reddit

Curious, as a 60 yo tech middle manager, are you good either way(with or without employment?

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Salt_Recipe_8015@reddit

I'm in my mid 50s. It's close. My wife works and we downsized to reduce costs. Me not going back to work os doable, but stressful.

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Alternative-Law4626@reddit

I’m a bit older than you. I was going to retire late 50s, but ended up buying a more expensive house than I’d originally planned. So, I kept working to pay down the mortgage. Thinking I’ll retire in the spring at 61, but who knows. We just bought an overseas company and they had us all get work visas so, maybe I’ll stay for the travel. Not sure.

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f18lumpy@reddit

This…take time to decompress and process it all . No fast decisions if you don’t have to. I was laid off 6 years ago at 50. I did nothing for 6 months to clear my head and process WTF just happened and how my ”friends” at work could have done this to me and my family.

End result after all of it was a better paying job 9 months after HR and Boss walked into my office and said “hey do you have a minute?”

Good luck, this will all work itself out for the better.

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Beneficial_Pickle322@reddit

Yeah that’s your first mistake I guess, no one is your friend at work, very few people will ever put their paycheck on the line for yours.

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Unexpectedly99@reddit

I'll just say, apply for unemployment ASAP, severance does not count against unemployment. Don't delay on that.

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dramatix01@reddit

Another commenter mentioned this and I'll reiterate based on my shared experience that in NY my unemployment was denied due to severance. They considered a bonus payment in my final paycheck my severance and calculated when it would run out so I could reapply for unemployment then.

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Unexpectedly99@reddit

Ok, I guess it really varies pretty greatly. In Illinois, severance and bonus payouts do not count as "employment" income.

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My1point5cents@reddit

Depends on the state.

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uggins8888@reddit

And sign up with temp agencies.

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Funky-monkey1@reddit

Yeah, got to roll with the punches. Most people have 3 different careers in a life time. I’m 49 & on my 3rd & happier than ever. Sometimes having to start something new & be uncomfortable for a little while is a blessing in disguise. Appreciate the little things each day

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ConfusionHelpful4667@reddit

Take the six months of unemployment and start your own IT consulting business.
Unemployment allows this and has mentors to help you.
Your prior employer might hire you at twice your prior rate.

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CandleSea4961@reddit

I was out 5 months. I was an executive laid off because politics and my job was to be the middle man which I managed well until they got rid of me. Oh well. I despised the President. I despised the CEO. Life to too damn short to care about it long term. Went through my network and texted good pals. Well, my one neighbor runs a division in state govt. Less money, better benefits and I get to do what I love. It can work out! Good luck!

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Ughallthetime@reddit

Been there and it is not easy….it can affect your confidence. Just know I have always landed something better. Take a day or 2 to process and then start your search. Network to get word out you are looking. Post your background and salary expectations and maybe someone knows of something

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2needles2paradise@reddit

Do you live in a "Right to Work" state? It would be better named "Right to Fire". I live in such a state, and they can shit-can you for no reason at all. Or maybe because youre 60??? Id get a lawyer if I suspected ageism (I'm also 60).

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chavjinx@reddit

Lots of good advice about filing for unemployment here already, but I’ll also tell you this:

Now is the time to get all of your 401k, IRA, and Social Security info together. Find all that paperwork and take it to A Money Guy who can put it all in a pile and manage it for you. (I found mine through the bookkeeper at my job and he’s been a godsend). You can set up your social security online account now, make sure it’s recorded every job it should have and see what your situation might be going forward.

My husband got laid off at the start of 2024 at the age of 69 and I had to gently explain to him that he’s probably just functionally retired now. And so it came to pass. We live on a smaller budget but once I got all his paperwork together it was actually more doable than he expected.

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DeepIndependence2329@reddit

Sorry man. Happened to me. I landed at a university with a great role they I love. Less pay but stability and a pension. Maybe look at universities by you. Wishing you the best!

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BryOnRye@reddit

What does RIF mean?

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momzilla76@reddit

Reduction In Force, AKA layoffs.

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Chemical_Tomato_6308@reddit

Sorry to hear. Make sure you file for unemployment once your final severance payment is made, you'll qualify and your separation pay won't interfere then.

Best of luck to you

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StillC5sdad@reddit

I saw where we were,saw RIF and assumed Reading is Fundamental

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SFMattM@reddit

My sympathies. I was laid off at age 56 after a long, successful career at a major (fortune 5 at one time) company.

It took me about 6 months to find a new job but I survived the blow to my ego by understanding that the layoff wasn’t about me but rather about business necessities (they closed my entire division)

I used the time off to get more education, reach out to old friends and colleagues, and work on the house.

There’s much less stigma about job loss now than there was some time ago so just understand that job loss is generally a characteristic of the modern workplace and that you’ll find something (maybe even more suited to you temperamentally) soon

Good luck

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stephen94901@reddit

This probably doesn’t help, but I’ve always liked doing electrical work on homes that I’ve owned. I have seriously considered becoming licensed if I ever lose my job. Trades are in serious decline & more needed than ever. Electricians in my area have waiting lists and easily charge $100-200/hr.

But that would take time to achieve & you need something until then.

I’d probably do it as an unlicensed handy man while getting certified. Changing things out is pretty easy. Someone on Nextdoor was having difficulty finding an electrician & I went over to help for free. Set a personal limit of 1 hour & then I’d be out. She just wired the GFCI outlet incorrectly & I got it fixed in 20 min. They barely even said thank you. Sheesh.

Just remember to turn off the breaker 😉

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Unexpectedly99@reddit

I just wanted to say, I feel for you.

I was laid off in April for the 5th time in 10 years (I work in tech and am middle level corporate management) I just started a new position a few weeks ago. It's rough out there.

Here's the pointers I have:

First, apply ASAP for any state unemployment benefits.

Get on your wife's insurance, losing a job is a life changing/qualifying event so you don't have to wait for open enrollment.

Update your resume and only include the last 10 to 15 years experience maximum. Remove dates from education completely.

Apply every day like it's your job, but limit the time to 4 hours or less. Track every job you apply to in a spreadsheet and include at minimum; date applied, how you applied (company website, LinkedIn, etc...), what salary you put if it was asked, date you received call back or rejection email.

Try to enjoy some of the time off.

It's stressful. Good luck.

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Casdoe_Moonshadow@reddit

What do you do when they ask for dates on the online application form? I got my BA in 1993 and being in tech, I wonder if I get weeded out due to age discrimination. I got my MS in 2022. Maybe just leave off the bachelor's degree entirely? Can they assume I have that? Thanks so much!

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Unexpectedly99@reddit

That's what I would do, they can always ask follow ups, but getting in the door is the goal.

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Casdoe_Moonshadow@reddit

Thank you!

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LaGevaCandela@reddit

These are all great. I would add that you could also look for volunteer opportunities that may need your skills and assistance. Even if you don’t get paid you can put that on your resume. It’ll make you feel good, keep your skills sharp, and may even help you grow your network. Definitely find some time during the day for doing exercise and something enjoyable. It’s very important to give yourself a break from anxiety and worry or you’ll burn out. And yes, the odds are against us, but they’re not impossible. Be very disciplined in setting aside every negative thought and idea that pops up. Just put a foot in front of the other. Think outside the box too. Is there a workshop you could start around your skills that may bring in some money? Could you tutor or teach?

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contrarian1970@reddit

All of those are great tips but I would also tell him to be CONSISE about the responsibilities he took care of at this job. When you are over 50 and too wordy about this, it can give someone the feeling you are overcompensating for what the 30 year Olds learned in college that you just never had to learn.

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Unexpectedly99@reddit

That's actually a great tip. Thanks. I didn't think to add that but it's true.

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Routine_Breath_7137@reddit

Yep removing dates myself. Ageism is real.

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

Not OP, but I have a question. I'm finishing an MS in Software Engineering next semester. How would you include a date for the graduate degree but not include the mid-90s date of the undergrad? I want to capture the recency of the graduate degree without aging myself.

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wyocrz@reddit

I want to capture the recency of the graduate degree without aging myself.

So..... I got my degree in 2013, when I was just over 40. I saw the disappointment when people say my gray hair in interviews, more than once.

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

I'm blessed with a round face and no wrinkles. People have guessed my age at a decade less than it is. My profession also doesn't have as much ageism as others (by those in the field -- whether recruiting and hiring share the same tolerance of age is a different question).

I'll drop the date from both degrees if needed. I think that would be better than having both dates included.

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wyocrz@reddit

Fair enough! I've tried dyeing my hair, it looked so bad.

I can't complain, I look good for my age.....but still look my age.

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

Fellow Class of '90 here, and I've been surprised at how differently classmates have aged. Some have barely changed and others are unrecognizable.

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Unexpectedly99@reddit

Are you wanting to put the date on your graduate degree so you can show that you have up-to-date software engineering experience? Honestly, the date of your degree doesn't matter, but the date of certifications would. However, you can just list the date of your grad degree under a section placed between your with experience and your education titled something like "recent education and training".

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

If the recency doesn't matter, then maybe I'll just leave graduation dates off of the resume and let my GitHub repos do the talking. Thanks for the feedback!

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Just-The-Facts-411@reddit

You can list "anticipated graduation date" on that one and nothing on the others.

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Charleston2Seattle@reddit

I totally planned on that, and even considered NOT FINISHING THE DEGREE so I could keep saying that! 😆

Thankfully, I'm not currently looking for a job, so this is an academic question rather than an active problem.

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CursiveWhisper@reddit

File for unemployment immediately even if you don’t need it right away. Once your severance expires if you’re not working yet you don’t want to have to go through that and a waiting period.

Give yourself a few days to mourn and then get back in the saddle if you need to find a new job. Treat job hunting like a job and tell everyone you’re looking for work. Don’t be ashamed - networking will get you a new job quicker than throwing your resume out there.

And check with your county. Some offer classes for those on unemployment and they can be helpful to have others in the same boat to talk to.

Good luck! I’ve been through it several times. It’s never enjoyable but you get used to seeing the writing on the wall and keeping your resume up to date, just in case. Which isn’t a great way to exist but at least you’re prepared.

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Amazing_Weird3597@reddit

All the classes and grants have been suspended in Florida because of an increase in interest 🫠 we are all S.O.L!

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Rich_Platform_6306@reddit

Yep, same boat, plus the job market for IT is a wasteland right now, my job ends on December 1st, and I haven't gotten a single hit in my resume... my career counselor suggested that I take about 10 years of experience off of my resume and possibly dye my hair for the video interviews. WTF...

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stephen94901@reddit

Yeah, resume should not be more than 20 yrs experience. Many say just 10.

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katy_sable@reddit

I actually believe it! I just went thru this last year. I took 10 years off the bottom of my resume, dyed my hair and removed the double spaces between sentences on all my communications. I truly believe it made a difference in my response rate.

Best of luck to you!

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Valuable_Bell1617@reddit

For anyone over 50, this should be SOP tbh. Not a bad idea to do really from mid to late 40s too.

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acreekofsoap@reddit

Not a bad idea for anyone, honestly

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Beneficial_Pickle322@reddit

Yep, currently saving my ass off to make sure I have at least a year to find another job.

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JokersWyld@reddit

Treat job hunting like a job and tell everyone you’re looking for work.

This right here so much. You'll put out hundreds of resumes if not thousands... you just need 1. It's a numbers game, it's not personal. Everyday hit the websites, call some people. Think of it like moving a mountain, 1 stone at a time.

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ku_78@reddit

This, OP, this right here.

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-MotherJefferson-@reddit

Don’t put your age or education dates on your resume. Take a minute. Rest. And get back out there. I’m sorry this happened to you, but you’re going to end up better than you were. I can just feel it.

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tenspeedt@reddit

Was the whole team laid off? Or just people over 50? Any age discrimination playing into who was laid off? That shits not legal.

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tenspeedt@reddit

And…I’m super sorry that happened to you. I know the feeling and am thinking of you 🤞🏻

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lrswager@reddit

I don't have advice, just condolences. Sometimes these things are a blessing in disguise, I hope that is the case with you.

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Unspicy_Tuna@reddit

Sorry, mate. I have nothing concrete to offer except best wishes for you. You'll get through this, we are GenX and are trained to make things work.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

This is a general response, and not to OP: Y’all who insist you’ll work until you’re dead - this is the problem. You don’t get a say in that. Whatever you can do to save something for retirement, you have to do it because at least for us in the U.S., no one is coming to save us. Budget like your life depends on it.

I do understand poverty - I’ve been there and I’m not speaking to people truly in survival mode. There is a group of people, though, (hi mom!) who would declare themselves to be in survival mode who could learn to budget and manage finances and would discover more money than they thought.

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BornTry5923@reddit

Retirement age was raised to 67 this year. What choice do they have?

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SolomonGrumpy@reddit

Retirement age is whenever you have saved 25x-30x annual spending.

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bradatlarge@reddit

That’s insane and impossible for most people. You realize that, right?

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

Layoffs, health issues, and caregiving duties take out most people before the age of Social Security. The average age of retirement is 62 and it’s often forced. OP is a prime example. I’ve always assumed I’d be out of the workforce against my will by 59 and right now my health issues are such that 56 is looking more likely.

So people do have to plan no matter what. Anything at all invested is better than nothing. Employed people with a 401k or 403b option should at least put in as much as the company match and should invest that in index funds.

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1009naturelover@reddit

More people should hear this as it is becoming the norm.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

Generally, people react in anger when I say this. But OP is the classic story.

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1009naturelover@reddit

In some ways they were lucky. Now its more prevalent n the early to mid 50s.

A friend of ours in HR says the benefit costs are too high and that by moving the older employees out, it gives the younger (lower cost) ones more opportunities. Also, older employees always have more knowledge and thus are likely to question management.

Feels like being thrown away.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

I’m fortunate to work for a small nonprofit that is almost paranoid about hiring someone who doesn’t have enough experience. Unfortunately, the current climate is not conducive to financial stability, so we’re not hiring. We’re the one place that wants to see all 30 + years of experience.

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ovscrider@reddit

Save to bridge any gaps. I saved enough that at 54 I could go if I had to. Want to hang on another 5 to keep med insurance but on Jan which is the year I turn 55 I can draw on my 401k if they decide it's my time.

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bookworthy@reddit

Honey, if this is you, I’m reading it at work and i just want you to know we will get through this together. I’m 54 and have worked with the same company for 35 years. I want to retire so badly. 😢 i just don’t have it anymore

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doodlep@reddit

I know, right? They don’t want us in our 50s, they sure as shit won’t want us in our 60s-70s. Every time there’s a post about retiring, so many people say their last day at work is the day they die. I’m not sure if they’re all joking or if that’s really the plan.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

I think that’s really the hope for many people. And AARP sent me a whole email about how it helps people in their 70s and 80s re-enter the workforce. 😬

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HaplessReader1988@reddit

Always worth checking who got laid off because if they laid off only people over 55 that's a potential lawsuit right there.

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Spankyy321@reddit

Is RIF'd another term for "laid off?"

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Zestyclose_Wing_1898@reddit

Yes. Reduction in Force .

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Spankyy321@reddit

Thank you.

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MoreBeignetsPlease@reddit

Contracting. Apply for jobs but mention you're open to contract work. Big companies love this because it lets them test drive you and doesn't count against payroll. They will hook you up with their preferred contract agency. If recruiters reach out for contract jobs, talk to them. It sucks because you'll have to get healthcare from the exchange (aka Obamacare) if your spouse can't add you, and you'll have to purchase business liability insurance (easy from most home insurers) unless the contract agency offers W2 ( making you an employee of the contract agency) instead of 1099. You'll either end up converted to employee or you'll find a new contract when it ends, or the new experience will help you qualify for a full time employee role elsewhere. I ended up doing the latter after working a shit contract for 9 months of a 12 month contract. I found 1099 was the better option financially but ymmv. I know 70 year olds who have no problem finding contract work. I contracted one for 3 years but he preferred contract so I couldn't convert him to fte and he moved on. I've been on both sides.

Ageism is real but contracting seems immune to it. I was 47 when I got desperate enough to try it.

Works best in IT but I've seen it for other occupations too.

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Applewwdge@reddit

I was forced to resign. I received zero severance or unemployment or after many years of hard work. What I have learned through this process is that I will protect my gifts from now on. I will not work 60-70 thankless hours a week for anyone other than myself.

I’m sorry this happened to you. I was lucky enough to have a small cushion which is allowing me to figure out what’s next. I am choosing to view this as an opportunity to redefine myself and create the life I love. I hope the same for you. ☮️

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AZJHawk@reddit

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you have enough saved at this point that you can ride off into the sunset if necessary.

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atx78701@reddit

I run my own company, but because of agism Im probably not hireable off the street. The best way is to work through your network.

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ThrowawayAdvice1800@reddit

I’m in a similar situation; DOGE erased 90% of my job and my company has nothing else for me to do so I’m going to be unemployed soon and competing with 300,000+ other former federal employees, most of whom are younger than me and have better certs, degrees, etc.

If I had a solution I’d share it. The only thing getting me through the days while I struggle to find something is the knowledge that I don’t HAVE to find a job as good as my current one right away, so hopefully that makes you feel a bit better too. Your next job isn’t permanent, it’s just your next job. My feeling is I’ll do whatever I need to do in order to make ends meet, and while I’m doing that I won’t stop looking for something closer to what I do now. You’re not just limited to your current area of expertise and your current salary; it will suck having to do something else for less but if it keeps the lights on and good on the table then at least it will do until you can find something more permanent.

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jjillf@reddit

Not that this is going to be a dream job, but if push comes to shove and you need $, school districts are desperate for subs. You can take partial or random days and still leave flexibility for interviews, etc. Don’t take a “long-term sub” job. It’s all the work of full-time with none of the benefits. Daily/half-day subbing just requires you keep the chaos under control, not actually teach. Grades 3-6 are the sweet spot. They can read and tie their own shoes, but they aren’t assholes yet. High school is okay too, because even the assholes are only with you for 50 minutes or so, then you get a fresh set. I taught middle school for 20yrs. All of the hygiene of a drunk toddler, with the personality and body size of an insult comic. That’s only a job for professionals. 😅

Yes I’m positive this is not your wheelhouse. But it might be better than nothing, and it’s at least a plan to help keep the lights on while you figure things out.

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doodlep@reddit

So true, middle school is not for sissies. I spent 8 yrs in middle school in a 2nd career and decided I had to go up or down in age because I was done with their bullshit. Been at HS for the last 5 years (retiring summer 2027).

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Odd_Junket7450@reddit

I’m so so sorry. This is so hard, but so many have been there and I know you’ll get thru it

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hiddentalent1@reddit

Time to start your own business

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RhythmicStrategy@reddit

My 51 yr old wife was laid off from a medical device company 3 weeks ago. She is receiving 4 months severance, which is enough to keep us from spending emergency savings until January.

Thankfully I still have my job in pharmaceutical sales. We’ve almost reached our FIRE number, and we paid off our 15 year mortgage (in 8 years) two months ago. Being completely debt free makes it much less stressful to deal with the job loss.

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ServiceKooky1323@reddit

What did your boss say when you inquired before rif? What were the signs?

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These_Plastic5571@reddit

So sorry. It is everywhere. Laid off in March Along with about 1K employees. Another layoff coming soon. All of these jobs are being filled in Mexico and the Philippines. Disgraceful. I’m 59 years old. I can’t even get in front of a hiring manager.

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Sad-Corner-9972@reddit

Could you get CDL and run a couple years until Social Security eligibility? Is your wife’s insurance a good option? ( I’m assuming you’re American).

My prior workplace closed abruptly a few years ago. Fortune 40 employer. I found something else but it’s still a physical job (I’m 60) and I may not be able to do much longer.

Best of luck to you.

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Bjs1122@reddit

Sorry to hear that. Wondering if we were at the same company. They RIF’ed a couple people today due to a big re-org…..

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nevacatchme@reddit

I’m sorry for your circumstances but honestly when you said you got RIFd I instantly thought Reading is Fundamental. Anytime I or my friends misread something, my peeps and I would say RIF. Not making light of your situation…. Hopefully everything work out. And this too shall pass 🙏🏼

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SweetJimmyDrummer@reddit

Try to stay busy. Try to stay in a routine with getting to sleep and waking up at the same time. I got RIF’d in September after 15 years at my last job. I’m working on learning AI to help with a resume build. I’m almost 57, so too early to retire. I work in Tech, all I hear is the job market in tech is shit right now. Trying to stay positive the best I can. I’ve been laid off twice in 18 years and outsourced 3 times working in Tech in my. 30 year career…I want out, but it’s not time yet according to the “man”. So I just keep on trying and lean on my support network of friends to keep my head up. Good luck

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SuzIsCool@reddit

I'm so sorry!!! 😞

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Good_Nyborg@reddit

RIF = Reduction In Force?

That seems to be the most likely result that Google gave me.

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FrankParkerNSA@reddit

See if there's opportunities for independent consultanting/contracts - especially if your wife can get healthcare insurance. Companies of need focused experience and resources for tasks - contractors are expenses, not liabilities like employees.

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100percentEV@reddit

My husband was out of work (IT) for a year after a layoff. He now works for the county government, at a fraction of what he used to make.

Thing is, the atmosphere is so much calmer. No one is in a hurry, no backstabbing. Just do your job and go home. They also offer a pension if you’ve been there 7 years. Even if he started working there at 55, he can collect at 62.

Raising kids, he never would have taken this job with such low pay. But it’s a good place to be before he retires…

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Opening_Swordfish_14@reddit

Sorry to hear. Been there 2x and please know it’s not personal, it’s business. They can’t afford to pay you (and others) and won’t take your services for free. Someone out there will be thrilled to hire you, and surprised that you are available.

As others have said, take some time, relax and digest. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep at it!

🫶🫶🫶

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SolomonGrumpy@reddit

Oh it's personal. There just isn't anything to be done but find another job

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arminghammerbacon_@reddit

This happened to me three years ago. I agree with those telling you: take a beat and gather yourself. Even if that’s just a couple of weeks because that’s all you can afford, do it.

Also, and I knew this deep down inside because I’d seen RIFs and layoffs go down at the couple of other companies I’d worked at: They are NOT your family! Your employer is not your friend. And as much as it might seem like it, neither are your coworkers. I’m not saying be cold or an a-hole to them. But when you get separated, they’ll still be there. (Most of them.) And they need to get on with it, and so do you. Friends and family don’t move on from each other so easily. Stay in touch if you want, but realize and accept: we’re not “blood related.”

And that goes 2000% more for the employer. No matter what HR or company leadership says, we are NOT “family.” You are nothing more to them than a line on a spreadsheet. If that line should go RED, they will not hesitate to delete you from that spreadsheet. This is a business relationship. You provide them with your labor, which hopefully translates to value. And they give you money and benefits in return. Full stop. Everything beyond that is questionable and fleeting. Don’t buy into the hype.

I got a new job less than six months later. Better? Well it’s got its pros and cons. Like everything. But I’ll tell you what I haven’t done: I haven’t covered my new office in personal effects and memorabilia. I’ve got nothing personal in my office that I couldn’t stick into a Kleenex box and walk out with. No framed family photos covering areas of my desk. That’s what my personal phone’s photo library is for. No covering the walls with accolades and awards. If they’re important to me, that’s what my home office is for.

I feel like this sends an honest message: I’m still here as long as you need me and I need you. But the minute I don’t need you, I’m easily gone. Because I know the reverse is also true. The minute you feel you don’t need me, I’m also easily gone.

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Unusual-Doubt@reddit

I know the pain. Went through that couple of years ago. Most probably you are high salary and the accounting can show less expense to top line by your RIF. It was either you or your boss. And he sacrificed you. Same happened to me. I was literally doing 50% of my boss’s job but she quietly got rid of me.

I was jobless for 2 months before my boss from many years ago hired me.

IT jobs are only through referrals and nothing works on LinkedIn. Save your time and energy trying to apply. Reach out to your network and get your resume in through them. Oh spend some $$ and get your resume jazzed up.

Try creating your experience into YT videos and start content creation. It might take off if your efforts and talents match. Maybe it’s time for your hobby to become mainstream income!

I did do spend couple of weeks at my local Home Depot during seasonal hiring.

It’s not end of the road. This is when you encash the goodwill from your network!

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Sitting_pipe@reddit

That fucking sucks! I have 2weeks to see if i am going through the same, i swear i'm going to start building bookshelves or guitars. I'm so tired of corporate.

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GroundbreakingHead65@reddit

My advice to you, as someone who lost a job due to company bankruptcy in January... find out about your county job center. They likely have free classes to rewrite your resume and LinkedIn. Employers may come in for job fairs. Registration may be a requirement for unemployment anyway.

Filing timing is 100% state specific so the anecdotes of others won't help there.

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NastyOlBloggerU@reddit

I'm 51 in a young man's game (sales rep). I know my time will come as it has for my friends- former sales manager at another company is 55 and cannot find a job worthy of his experience and talent no matter what he applies for. Aging is terrible and until you're in amongst the pack you'll never know. Stay positive and use your professional, sporting and personal networks to ask around.

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RvCampers@reddit

Have heard so many people say “did not think it would happen to me” but everyone is replaceable. Best thing to have is a skill set that’s in high demand that not many have to secure employment

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

Yeah, I think our generation is the last to have the delusion that loyalty to a company benefits you in any way. The company does not care. They throw tchotchkes at people for work anniversaries because it's cheaper than hiring someone new.

But I disagree on the skill set point. What's in demand in the corporate world comes and goes. It's more about having a network of people who liked working with you and will bring you on or refer you in to places.

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RvCampers@reddit

Never said the skill set was corporate related

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

Ok, sure. If you're a surgeon or an under water welder, you might be OK. Save for a few professions, It's hard to stay relevant for many decades in a row.

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RvCampers@reddit

Nah warehouse navigation is what I do. We have hired over 100 people in the last 90 days to keep up with the demand of our customers as their businesses are crazy busy since it’s all warehousing and manufacturing related

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

Most will be replaced by robots soon enough. That's the world I am in, funny enough. The logistics and supply chain overlords cannot wait to replace you, my friend.

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RvCampers@reddit

You do realize I am the person that installs, programs, services and repairs the robots

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

Lol, how would I realize that? I don't know you. Odd to wear so many hats, though. The way warehouse automation at scale is going, 3rd parties do the installs and services/repairs, and AI is "programming" the robots. Picking, buffering, sequencing, stock allocation, and returns management is all being fully automated. The goal is to get humans out of the loop as fast and as much as possible.

Service and repair will need humans longer than the other functions. But not forever. Either way, congrats on the new job. Best of luck to you!

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RvCampers@reddit

Nothing new, been doing this job for 31 years now and never been out of work.

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Jacksonofall@reddit

Surgeons are slowly coming on to the extinction list. Lasers are better than scalpels, AI is more knowledgeable and robots are more precise. They’ve not been put together YET, but, this is one profession that will not exist, for anyone starting out now, by the time they finish their education.

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

I think that's a bit optimistic. I think we'll be in robot assist mode for routine surgery for a lot longer than eight years. For non-routine/acute trauma stuff, it'll be a lot longer than that. It'll get there but not in eightish years.

Gonna be no jobs left, no 401ks or consumer spending to prop up the stock market... Gonna be interesting.

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Jacksonofall@reddit

You may be correct but technology is changing things faster and faster. I left the USA for Europe where I did not need a car and thought by the time I moved back, I wouldn’t need to know how to drive anymore as the USA would be awash in driverless vehicles. Man was i disappointed. It’s still coming but my timescale was severely out of whack. I read in Scientific American of a dental procedure that showed promise of us being able to regrow our own teeth in 20 years about 40 years. I asked my dentist, a teaching university, about this and she laughed and said it’s about 20 years more away. In my opinion, the good things take too long and the bad things come and rip the carpet out from under us.

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hamlet_d@reddit

I never had that delusion, early in my career I job hopped every 2-3 years to get ahead. Then i landed somewhere for 15 years before getting laid off.

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

My longest tenure was five years. But a lot of people our age still see tenure as a badge of honor. Unless there's a pension involved, it never makes sense to stay in one place that long.

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hamlet_d@reddit

That was the reason is stuck with my last position. I've got a pension coming to me from it.

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StingLikaBumblebee20@reddit

Hopefully you vested some before the layoff. Sorry that happened to you.

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hamlet_d@reddit

Yeah, will get about $1000 a month. Not great but would at least cover most all Medicare costs.

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NorCalFrances@reddit

Best thing is to be young and independently wealthy.

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LetsBNiceYall@reddit

How long u young for?

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RvCampers@reddit

But is it ?

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NorCalFrances@reddit

In our economic and social system, yes; without a doubt. In reality? That's an individual decision.

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LetsBNiceYall@reddit

Sure but this is ageism too, so skills aren't really the problem. I mean in my job they hire someone younger they save $.

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motorik@reddit

I drew the short stick because I had been with the company the longest and made the most in my department. I had years of institutional knowledge over the next most senior team member (who had transferred to a different office to be cheaper). Management knew I was replaceable because they learned during Covid that they could get that team to work 16-hour days to cover their excesses. Which my closest co-worker did for a year and ended up getting mental health leave as a result (he had transferred to an office in another country with a first-world labor and healthcare situation).

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throwitfarandwide_1@reddit

Can you retire now ?

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Optimal-Variation663@reddit

So sorry to hear that, this happened to me in 2019 and it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. I know it’s bleak and that’s hard to hear but have faith leaving yourself. Age is nothing but a number.

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moopet@reddit

I'm guessing this means you got laid off, but I've never heard "RIF" before. What does it mean?

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a_nona_mouse@reddit

reduction in force

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Ok_Arachnid1089@reddit

Isn’t capitalism wonderful?!?

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GeekDad732@reddit

I feel you.

Was let go about 18 months ago (59 at the time) after a dozen years and growth each year except for 2020 for some reason.

Got a 1/2 time fed contract role lower pay but lower responsibility a few months later then not renewed due to the new administration. Few months later and I started a 6 month 1/2 time contract with an Org.

I’m ok where I’ve ended up except health insurance expense is massive (cobra or marketplace) and apparently getting worse.

Good luck take a bit to recover and figure your path options.

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slowtreme@reddit

Lean on any external contacts you had in your job field. What ever you do you’ve probably made some friends outside. Move quickly. Become a nepobaby (nepoparent) use who you know to get back in.

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TheJokersChild@reddit

Welcome to the (very large) club. Happened to me last year by a Zoom call 2 hours before work, happened again this year in the HR office with 2 months' notice.

First time I kinda saw coming: we had a terrible second quarter so I started panic-applying after seeing the writing on the wall. That writing was eventually directed to me and 6 others.

This time they told us that they were offering us buyouts and shutting down our department locally to move it into a hub. No option to transfer, no outplacement...just severance, and only for the three of us who took buyouts. It was nine of us altogether. Three of us are in our 50s, two in our 60s.

I can tell you it's rough out there. The headlines are true. Take the weekend to process and regroup, then start looking Monday. For anything. If you have to apply for jobs off-field, use your cover letter to expand on your resume. Emphasize those soft skills and think about upskilling or cerrting.

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liquidpele@reddit

> Really scared about job prospects as 60yo in current economy

I mean... how close are you to retiring?

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scooter_41@reddit

Just went through this. Be careful what you post online. Most severance packages have non defamation clauses that don’t expire.

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bobniborg1@reddit

Are you a sadist like most gen xers? Go into teaching lol.

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N47881@reddit

Retire if fiscally able and find a pt gig or hobby you enjoy

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Realistic_Special_53@reddit

I am 56. Ageism is a thing, but most businesses get away with it.

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NeedleworkerLow1100@reddit

My 58 yr old husband was let go 18 mos ago. He has had no bites on his resume. Project manager in tech for 25 years.

He considers himself unhireable.

He has used AI, networking and recruiters. Nada.

It's depressing. Now he is learning AI.

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CaroCogitatus@reddit

Six months unemployed from a 25+ year tech career. I'm likely retired from software because no one will hire me.

Good luck, sibling.

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Ambitious-Carrot3069@reddit

You need to work your network. Getting a job via a job posting, whilst not impossible, is more than likely stacked against you. Also, call recruiters and get your CV up to date. But more than anything - network like crazy. Good luck! Happened to me earlier this year, late 50s. Someone I worked with 20 years ago recommended me to someone they knew and that’s how I picked up another job so quickly.

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SmokyGreenflield-135@reddit

Sending my sympathies to you. You will find your way.

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snarf_the_brave@reddit

I feel your pain! My team was notified last week that we have until the end of the year...merry christmas, you're no longer employed. No words of wisdom really. I've taken a few days to process that it's happening, reworked the bones of my resume to make it easily tailored, and started working to get my plan together. Starting this weekend, I'll start working that plan. First interview I get I'll be shaving the gray on my face so that's not the first thing they see. Good luck, amigo! I know in my part of the country, we're both gonna need it.

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Jacmac_@reddit

Good time to retire!

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Tacokittymomma@reddit

Go talk to an employment law attorney. Since you're over 40, there are added protections. It would be worth a conversation to make sure you don't have any redress against your former employer

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Pure_Explorer3821@reddit

I want to tell you I took some time off to recover from a crazy work experience. I am applying now and have a lot of interviews. All are less pay- some a little, some are a lot less, and either is fine. Just take some time to breath and assess what you really need.

My friend was laid off six months ago and found a job immediately. It is less pay but she is happy and it’s okay. She worked with her finance person.

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FelineHerdsCats@reddit

I’m so sorry. I know how much RIFs throw you for a loop. Been there.

I got some advice on this sub that helped me find my way back to paying the bills: look at local government. Ageism isn’t as bad there as in private sector. And it’s not been decimated like federal government yet.

Be kind to yourself. This job market sucks much worse than the statistics show (showed before they stopped publishing them).

When you’re ready to face it, get your resume in early. Employers are flooded by bots and don’t read the 5,000th resume to show up.

You can do this.

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zalbinian@reddit

Sorry things went this way for you. Definitely file for unemployment (at least to get that ball running). This will also let you know what other benefits your state makes available like if you need to file for disability later (yeah my kidneys gave out a few weeks after I was let go).

Look into options for your health insurance next month (adding to a spouse's is ushally better then extending COBRA)

There is a chance you ste sy s point in your career where you would make a good consultant. Look for temp/ headhunters that specialize in your field. Msyfindagood position with better hours and a foot in the door .

Also hopefully the weather is decent today. Grab a beverage, maybe a snack, find a park or a nice spot and just sit snd decompress. Enjoy a few minutes of nature and life work normally makes you toobudy to notice.
It will help to get you in a more positive outlook to tackle this situation.

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HaroldOfTheRocks@reddit

I have been unemployed for a year now. Early 50s.

I don't really see any options. I'm not going to struggle again like I did in my 20s, working for peanuts and have to take shit because I need the crappy job.

I'm going to die soon.

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freerangetacos@reddit

I hope you've saved money because this job market is absolute shit right now. You're 60, so you can dip into your IRA without penalty. I would suggest taking care of debt, file for UI, cut back on non-essential spending like subscriptions, and then... Give yourself a real break. A long one. Like at least a few weeks, or through the holidays. Get your head in order and give the job market time to come back to reality from the irrational place that it's in right now. Which admittedly, nobody knows how long that's going to take. But I'm suggesting that self maintenance is more urgent than job hunting, right now. Good luck. I'm in the same boat. Hundreds of applications, a few interviews, but no invitations to the dance floor.

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Advanced_Nose_7738@reddit

Agree. When it happened to me and once I got the UI business squared away, I packed my car and went tent camping.

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worrymon@reddit

When did they steal Reading Is Fundamental's acronym?

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ScheanaShaylover@reddit

I’m in a constant state of worry over exactly this. 💛

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Desperate_County_680@reddit

Since January

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Frigidspinner@reddit

since about 2002 for me :-(

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Desperate_County_680@reddit

I got popped in 2015. About 3mos later I joined my current employer.

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SAGirl1@reddit

Sorry about this. I don’t want to get political so I won’t say much. It’s not going to be an isolated issue I am afraid. Best of luck to you, and I hope something better comes your way.

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Advanced_Nose_7738@reddit

Happened to me last year. Started as a "seasonal layoff" of 3 months and 3 months came and it became permanent. And to top it off, no severance package.

Assholes.

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ConcertTop7903@reddit

Just retire, they give you a severance?

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Mission_Orchid_5939@reddit

I don't know what you do. Look up USAJOBS.com

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Stunning_Rock951@reddit

so sorry

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Head-Reindeer-4082@reddit

Yikes man. Sorry to hear this. Best wishes for your next endeavor. Their loss.

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YamIntelligent5428@reddit

I got fired last week. 59 years old and it’s the first time. Really sucks. Been applying everywhere. A few nibbles but nothing solid. Single so don’t have insurance. Feel for you man. We will make it through this

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BasicResearcher8133@reddit

Sorry you found yourself in this position. Never take this personally, you know the bottom line is money$$

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Key_Veterinarian1995@reddit

I’m incredibly sorry. What I hope for you is these kind of life experiences are an opportunity to pivot. It sucks right now. But if you can find a creative way to assert yourself, you can turn dust into gold.

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yuba12345@reddit

Kicked off because “they don’t like me”. Maybe. Most often your supervisor or second level makes the call in downsizing. Maybe they didn’t like you as much as others. Or maybe they felt they could accept risk in your area. Or maybe the other guy was just a little better. Don’t drive yourself crazy, time to take a breath, assess your situation, and make a plan. Be well friend.

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jumpman44a@reddit

Hang in there. I got RIF’d almost exactly 2 years ago to the day. My oldest was a HS senior at the time and so excited as she applied to colleges.

It was tough to find something and ended up settling for a position that I do not enjoy but am good at. Small pay cut but not bad. Was only out of work a few months but was so worried I wouldn’t find something I never got to enjoy any of my downtime.

People I work with are nice and have job security. My current discussions with my wife are whether I can ride this out until retirement. I’d like to think so but I am keeping an eye out for something else. I worry I am aging out.

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NeoPrimitiveOasis@reddit

Sending you support and best wishes.

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Pot-Roast@reddit

So man hang in there

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CeilingUnlimited@reddit

Get a TikTok account. Once you get one, search "what to do when laid-off." There are VERY good resources there about the issue. Extremely helpful.
Don't despair - my wife was laid off and found a great new job in about two weeks. She used LinkedIn.
Sucks. Hang in there. Ten years from now, you'll laugh about this.

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sriracharade@reddit

Sorry you got let go.

One thing I'd like to mention that I haven't seen mentioned yet is that, when you're looking for new jobs, don't give out your real number. Use something like Google Voice for a phone number, otherwise you're going to get swamped with scams and people trying to sell you stuff on on your real number.

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motorik@reddit

My position at a Bay Area tech job was eliminated towards the end of Covid to free up money for more staffing-up in India. There were plenty of jobs available at the time, it was during the "fully remote" craze. But those jobs were all the same as the one that let me go, e.g., "please come give us your every waking hour until we let you go with no notice to meet this quarter's numbers".

I set my mind on finding similar work at the biggest, slowest-moving company doing some kind of for-realsies (non-tech) thing I could find with applicable roles. We re-located to a cheaper major American city with plenty of companies like that and I eventually found that job. The job went fully-remote while my friends working tech in the Bay Area were being dragged back into the office. We eventually moved back to California, the southern part this time, where we've been very happy. The whole thing was a fucking ordeal (ever do an interstate move during a pandemic?) but well worth it now that we're through it.

Part of why I knew it was time to get out of the tech industry was because I had been through the whole dot-com thing. Tech salaries were rising because of the demand created by fully-remote work, I knew what was coming ... "HOW DARE YOU TELL US HOW MUCH YOU'RE WORTH, WELL TELL YOU THAT" flavored managerial revenge (layoffs). That social class is comedically predictable, like amoebas.

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McCausland8124@reddit

File for unemployment as soon as you are terminated. Severance does not stop you from collecting unemployment and it is allowed. When you are ready us AI to taylor your resume for each job description. Don't just copy and paste read what it has generated as it gets creative, but this is how I found my next role. I had no inside people just applied and had the best fit.

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texan01@reddit

Got RIF in June at age 49, took a job this week that is half the pay in tech because severance ran out and I’d rather have some income that’s not eating into my savings than unemployment and no benefits.

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LetsBNiceYall@reddit

I'm very sorry this happened. All of us beyond 50 probs have this fear. I've got nothing more of value to say other than that u will find something that works for you. I'm also very glad that ur wife works and that ur aren't living on one income. Had a brief moment of fear when my ex was laid off during covid, how r we gonna survive. He took a lesser job opportunity at same company & worked himself back almost to where he was before. I too was working. I wish u luck & hope u find something u enjoy even more.

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Old-Kaleidoscope1874@reddit

I'm sorry. I don't have any magic advice that you don't already know. I just wanted you to know you were heard and I grieve with you.

It sounds like you have employable skills, so after taking a little time to absorb what happened, just focus your energy on your next step.

Rather than being tempted to feel like you let your spouse down, try to appreciate that you have someone to walk through this next challenge with.

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Revolutionary_Tale_1@reddit

RIF'ed three years ago after 23 years with the same employer. Joke's on them. Found a new job within a month making $20k a year more. I just turned 50, and can retire right before I turn 54. New job is tough, but if I can stick it out, retirement funds will be pretty sweet

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Rey_Mezcalero@reddit

Update your resume and start looking at job sites immediately

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caryscott1@reddit

Bummer. In the sprint to retirement at 60 myself. Might be worth taking a look about whether retirement is an option. Doesn’t have to be full or permanent but it might make whatever comes next more enjoyable. Sorry it wasn’t on your terms.

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neanderthalman@reddit

This shit is why I’m glad I’m unionized

The older and more senior you are, the more protected you are from this nonsense by seniority.

We’d need to cut about 85% of our workforce before my name was next on the list. That isn’t going to happen.

They can’t pick and choose the old and crotchety.

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RubySoho1980@reddit

Yeah, that didn’t help me. 22 years combined federal service, including 4 years in the military. 70% disabled veteran. I should have never been rif’ed had it been done legally.

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reddity-mcredditface@reddit

How well have you prepared for retirement? Are you ready if another job doesn't materialise?

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in-a-microbus@reddit

Sorry to hear it, bud.

Happened to me end of 2019. I'm pretty sure that it was my age. They made a big point of saying the average age of the folks let go was the same as the average age as the folks retained (this was true because they kept all 6 employees who were over 65).

I figured out that knowing people was much better than knowing things.

REMINDER FOR EVERYONE HERE: update your CV every 3 years, and never stop looking and networking. Age discrimination doesn't give a shit how long you've worked.

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Existing-Leopard-212@reddit

Took me 5 months and a move halfway across the country to get a good job. Thankfully, we were prepared enough even though i was blindsided. Good luck.

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Iko87iko@reddit

My buddy got let go a few months back, same bs. Another buddy, who is a non practicing attorney, told him collect your + reviews & atta boys, emails, awards, etc...) and go talk to an employment attorney. If they will offer you x as severance, they'll likely offer x × 2 or 3 if you threaten age discrimination. If you hsve detail on others that have been let go, snd they are also your age & older, all the better

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one4wonder@reddit

For a 9-5 in the US, that’d mean that was at the start of your work day - or for a night job, at the very end. Either way, it’s not even Friday (anywhere?)

Networking helps. So does being white or cis-male (fingers crossed.) Hope it will be a positive experience! Like when I was laid off during COVID because our China supply evaporated over night. Now, I’m so happy I’m at a new place!

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nikkothirty@reddit

Getting let go in the late stage in our careers will happen to most of us at least. I guess it's finally our turn to run that gauntlet. Hang in there and find a way like Gen X do.

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Mjhandy@reddit

Same thing 2 years back. Only work I could find was going back into retail management. Web Dev is the shits right now, out side of very short freelance.

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jfeo1988@reddit

Damn. Sorry about that. As someone who did retail management for 7 years, I would not want to go back. Like you, I would. At least we have that skill set. What kind of retail you doing?

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Mjhandy@reddit

A general manager of a gas station/general store. The best of time.

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jfeo1988@reddit

Ouch. Is it 24 hours? I did that for 2 years. It was my first management gig. It was the most challenging 2 years of my life. I would not want to do that one again.

I hope things are going ok for you.

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Mjhandy@reddit

No we’re pretty rural here, so we get all types.

I do the Monday to Friday opens as there’s no way doing weekends.

And things are what they are. Could worse.

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jfeo1988@reddit

Yeah. Sounds a lot better than what i did 30 years ago.

Thanks.

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NorCalFrances@reddit

Ironically, it has taken our department two years to find a new Web Dev. Something in the entire process is severely broken.

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Mjhandy@reddit

One other challenge for me is being remote. Too many ‘mangers’ want bums in seats.

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squee_bastard@reddit

Sorry to hear this, I was laid off last January so you have my empathy. Wishing you the best and please take good care of yourself and take things day by day. Whatever you do avoid subs like jobs and recruiting hell, you don’t want to get sucked into that black hole of negativity.

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hamlet_d@reddit

I posted while back but on my success. not sure of your field but here's my 2% of $1:

get a professional to write your resume, and you should likely have two versions "base" versions: one for e-mail/attachments, one for submitting to ATS/job application boards. The first one is a bit nicer formatted, the second one is easier for the ATS/AI screening to digest
finding a job is full time job. treat it at such. apply to a modest number every day but make it really targeted, adapting your resume and cover letter accordingly. This takes work so you likely will can do between 5-7 real applications per day.
be open to contract work, especially at 60. if your skills are right, you can have a fairly soft landing and go into retirement by downshifting your contract hours
make sure the aforementioned resume is mostly date agnostic. cover the most recent 10-15 years in detail, the remaining work history as background points. if you have a college degree, leave off graduation date.
prepare for any interviews with a panel of "stories" from your career that can be adapted to the question
have a 30 second pitch about your skills and what you bring and who you are professionally
have a longer, more in depth intro that covers the same in more details and adapt it to the situation/interview at hand
for in person/zoom interviews make yourself look as young as possible which may mean grooming, wardrobe, and yes even makeup (Assuming you're male: there is decent makeup for men that can hide signs of aging)

I'm 56, got laid off (with some time left on payroll) and got my severance. Didn't even touch my severance and drew 2 weeks worth of unemployment before I had an offer. I was interviewing fairly regularly, with several screening interviews, and a few beyond that before landing 2 competing offfers

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Cereal____Killer@reddit

I would wait to sign off your rights to get a severance before you talk to a lawyer. You are a part of a protected class, often times engaging counsel for dismissal due to protected class status (age becomes a protected class at 40) will encourage companies to up the severance offer even if they think they can defend themselves against the claim.

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Advanced_Nose_7738@reddit

This! Once they know you've got legal rep, they'll up it.

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ZealousidealGrab1827@reddit

Hey OP. Hope they gave you a soft landing with a good package. I was in same sitch last year and found something eventually.

One tip - pay for a professional resume service. They will add the right buzzwords, give you a format for LI, and most importantly IMO, phrase your experience so it doesn’t overtly tell your age. Fuck anyone that says age discrimination isn’t real. It is. In my case, the updated resume got me through the AI screening gauntlet, got an in person interview, and received an offer.

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Maleficent_Pay_4154@reddit

Hope you find something new soon. It’s hard at our age

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Middle_Meno65@reddit

When looking for a new opportunity be sure to modify your resume so as not to show your edge. Take of date references for degrees, and reduce the jobs/#of years at a job -that are referenced so that your resume reads like someone in their 40’s. Age discrimination in hiring is REAL.

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Long_Argument_1170@reddit

Sorry to hear. I was laid off in 2023 and i understand the anxiety this will create. Best advice I received was to take some time off if you can. I spent 6 weeks focusing on my wife, kids, and hobbies. Lots of exercise and meditation for the anxiety. When I was ready to job search I had my resume professionally redone. My job search was scheduled. I spent 3 days a week researching and applying. Treated it like a job. started at 8, took lunch break, and finished up early afternoon. I probably put in about 150 applications and received only 7 callbacks. I accepted an offer about 4.5 months after being laid off and with a decent salary increase. Create a plan and run with it. Hope everything works out for you!

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techdevjp@reddit

The situation with employment laws in the US blows chunks. I'm sorry this has happened to you, sending best wishes on the job hunt.

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Impossible-Donut986@reddit

Just got RIF’d myself and tried filing for unemployment only to find out someone else had all my info and filed two months ago. It’s a wild world out there.

If you’ve got any meds you take regularly get 90 days filled asap and anything else done before the clock runs out.

Then I suggest redoing your resume and stressing that you did x for y which resulted in z% increase in A. Also cut it off at about 15 yrs experience back if you can and leave off dates of education etc. if possible.

Hang in there!

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ChippyVonMaker@reddit

Educate yourself on the common scams in the job market if you’re not already familiar. It’s salt in the wound during a very difficult time so know and avoid.

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phillymjs@reddit

Welcome to the club, I’ve been a member since late June. It sucks. My manager was laid off a year before me and still hasn’t landed anywhere, and the job market is only getting worse by the day as more and more of us get kicked to the curb and are competing for the available openings.

My severance runs out mid-November and then I’m on unemployment, super excited about it. Was also a huge fan of slicing decades of experience out of my resume so as not to give away my age to a potential employer.

I’m keeping my sanity by doing an extreme deep clean and cleanout of my house. Labor that produces tangible results is more satisfying than nearly everything I did in my IT job in the last several years.

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glendon24@reddit

Sorry. Welcome to the shit show.

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BornTry5923@reddit

My husband is going through this right now. It's been 8 months, and still nothing. He's applying tp 3-4 jobs a day. He's had a handful of interviews, but no offers. Working in software and customer service all these years. Not even low-level positions at Kohls or Home Depot responded to his applications. He has another interview today, so I hope and pray this is the one because his unemployment has already run out for the year.

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analyticaljoe@reddit

Really scared about job prospects as 60yo in current economy

100% The job economy is rough right now and I can't imagine that age is going to help.

Sorry you find yourself in this situation. Best wishes!

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dannavarrojr@reddit

I'm sorry, what is "RIF'd"? I'm 45. Best wishes for your next steps. Really hope you land a job you like, moving forward.

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SkibidiBlender@reddit

Something to consider - Many states have programs where you can exhaust your unemployment benefits while starting a business, without having to search for work.

This may be a great opportunity to use your extensive experience to start your own thing. The nice thing about irking for yourself is that there are no arbitrary RIFs.

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ivegotafastcar@reddit

File for Unemployment now and follow the rules weekly. Massachusetts is 6 MONTHS behind paying people because of a system “upgrade” earlier this year. I was laid off in May and I’m still waiting. I had no interview requests all summer and just started to get a few now. It’s brutal.

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Nelyahin@reddit

I was there last November. I agree your job doesn't define you, not really. I also agree to allow yourself some grace to process it.

This is the time to reevaluate - network. It's also when I made sure my vets were good to give myself more leverage.

What is your line of work?

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jamblia@reddit

I work for an equally large "printer" company and they just emailed layoffs (again) due to a merger with an equally well known company. Sorry to hear about it and all the best.

Im in my late 40s and it feels like things are shifting and tech is right at the front of that :/ We just found out that we were lied to about bonuses and the gaslighting was extreme.

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PotAndPansForHands@reddit

After my more recent layoff I did Uber Eats deliveries to make a little extra money while I was job hunting. Mainly it gave me a reason to get out of the house which was nice. After spending 3-4 hours/ day on LinkedIn, applying, messaging network connections, etc it’s diminishing returns and you may as well find something else to keep you busy.

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rafuzo2@reddit

If you're in tech and in/willing to work out of the NYC area, DM me

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superduperhosts@reddit

Time to retire. Nobody hires 60 year old s

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Techchick_Somewhere@reddit

I feel this. I had a similar occurance last year. The spidey sense part was the WORST. Just breathe. Take a week to regroup and decompress. The good thing is you have a ton of experience. Use that to leverage all your contacts. Something will come up. It may not be the same or what you’re expecting but don’t dismiss it. Good luck! You’ve got this!!

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ChrystineDreams@reddit

Lots of good advice here, and I'll add my $0.02 also.

your job does not define who you are.
Take a few days or a week to rest a bit, look after yourself, keep a slight routine (ie. wake up at similar time as when you were working, eat regularly etc), keep active and "doing" stuff even just mundane daily tasks around the house - major life changes induce a certain amount of grief at the loss or change and it's okay to feel a bit lost or uncertain about the future, just keep going.
Take the time to really think about you want to do next. There are placement agencies and head-hunters that can help you find work, and in some cases Unemployment Insurance has resume updating services. Do you want to do the same sort of job in the same field or try something else? this could be an opportunity for making a change in careers or even education in other fields of work. My gran always told me "Nobody can take away your education." and I've found it to be true.
Stay in communication with your wife, you are a team and you both are in this change together.

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gdazInSeattle@reddit

Sorry this happened. I'd second the comments from those suggesting that you take this as an opportunity to think about what you really want to do with your time.

In terms of a practical tip, I'm not sure what your health care coverage situation is. If you can join your spouse's plan that's probably ideal. If not, and COBRA is an option from your previous employer, my advice would be to compare that with ACA plans on the open market (of course the subsidies there are very much "up in the air", but still best to compare the numbers). I retired a few years ago (pre-65), and it turns out I could have saved money going with an ACA plan instead of the year+ I spent on COBRA.

You might also consider looking for volunteer opportunities that leverage your professional skills. More specifically, there are sometimes organizations that help nonprofits with professional services. It might be a good way for you to give back, and also forge some new connections. I wish you the best.

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PappyBlueRibs@reddit

First time?

Nah, I'm just kidding. At this point in the game we're all used to this. The wound is a bit fresh since it happened just a few hours ago but give it the weekend and you and your wife will have a list of things to do and that will make it better. Best of luck to you! Don't take on a victim mentality, just get back in there and fight. Give us an update in a few months!

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jackalopeswild@reddit

My wife has been fearing the same for months. Small firm where majority owner/CEO who loved her died suddenly a couple of years ago. The minority owner, a much larger company, bought it out and new folks do not love her...bad vibes mostly, nothing actively negative.

My job is secure but she makes about 40% more than me so it's a real concern.

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My1point5cents@reddit

I’ve heard this story so many times. Owner dies or sells. Son takes over, new managers take over, etc. The loyalty and appreciation the old management had for you is now gone. It’s a tough situation. Hopefully she can navigate it.

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trophywife4fun94101@reddit

I’m sorry to hear that friend, but I feel a little bit dirty knowing this before your wife.

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solomons-marbles@reddit

I’m seeing more of this around me. Older folks (I mean us) who get laid off or retire early; they’re starting businesses that cater to the aging population. Something that draws on their life experiences. They charge fair rates and help out with the projects that people are finding they no longer want or can do.

Someone posted a photo of beat-up Ford Ranger awhile ago with a magnet sign on the door, just plan text: Two Old Guys and a Ford Ranger We know our shit 123-345-1234. I’d hire these guys in an instant.

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DogsAreOurFriends@reddit

Sorry to hear it.

I was laid off last year at 57. Very scary. Found a new job 3 months later. Lower pay. Essentially lost the annual bonus (which was substantial, but the lights are on and the mortgage is paid, and I have medical.

Happy ending, right? New job has had three rounds of layoffs this year. Sigh.

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jfeo1988@reddit

3 rounds and you werent on the list. Thats good right?

Maybe the lower pay will “protect” you to some extent.

It sucks to work your whole life, only to have instability at the tail end of your career. Its bullshit. We deserve better than this.

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DogsAreOurFriends@reddit

The company is being acquired, so there will be more layoffs.

My paycheck is essentially the same as my previous job - however I do not get an annual bonus like I did before. (That bonus was $47K last time I got it - it is sorely missed.)

This company is notoriously cheap so I doubt I have much cover there.

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KarmicWhiplash@reddit

Sorry to hear, OP. I'm in a similar boat: RIF in April, turning 60 next week. Fortunately, my savings look good enough to FIRE so that's what I intend to do. Unemployment requires me to seek work, but I'm only applying to really good ones that I wouldn't mind doing for a few more years.

Good luck out there!

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rks1743@reddit

And maybe get a free consult with an attorney for an age discrimination claim.

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KarmicWhiplash@reddit

I can almost guarantee OP had to sign something disavowing any claims against the company related to the termination in order to receive severance. Source: been there, done that.

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zrkl@reddit

Sorry about that. One thing to keep in mind when you start looking. Everyone wants a remote job. Hybrid or In-Office jobs tend to have less competition and allow you to stand out more. Good luck!

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InterestPractical974@reddit

If it makes you feel any better I got RIF at my last job and I was given a list of all the people that it happened to as well, just job titles not names. Among the people I could identify there was a YOUNG kid just out of college who had kind of been a little all-star since he joined the company. In a year and a half he was promoted 3 times and was very well liked. He had a bright future in the company. It really put my mind at ease that I was not a target for one reason or another.

You are going to go through lots of ups and downs with your emotions so please hang on and work towards a better tomorrow!

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brokebutuseful@reddit

Good luck!

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Global-Morning3990@reddit

Sorry man. Definitely sucks. Good idea to not tell the wife until she gets home. I wish you luck, because it is definitely tough out there.

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jhkayejr@reddit

Not telling the wife until she gets home is a stand-up move. Small things like this suggest that the OP is going to be able to handle things better than most.

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bookworthy@reddit

Honey, if this is you, I’m reading it at work and i just want you to know we will get through this together.

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Physical_Ad5135@reddit

So sorry to hear this. You are right about how hard it will be to replace the job at age 60 - ageism is real! Are you in a position to retire if you had to do so?

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belinck@reddit

I got RIF'd last year in September and it was rough. Thankfully they did give me severance and transition coaching which was invaluable. 145 resumes submitted later, I have a much better job moving from IT in manufacturing to the energy sector. Best of luck to you. Make sure to give yourself grace.

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NovaRunner@reddit

Whether you want/need to do this or not will of course depend on your situation, but at 60 you are old enough to take penalty-free withdrawals from your 401k and/or IRA. I'm sure you didn't plan to do this so early, but it can provide a financial lifeline if your job search drags on.

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SJB3717@reddit

Hopefully, you can find a new gig before dipping too much into the severance. I went through this 7 years ago. Looking for a job is a full-time job.

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GroundbreakingSun905@reddit

I was there 5 years ago. It was during Covid and it took me a year to land another job. The reality is that our experience makes us expensive employees, and to the person managing from a spreadsheet we are expendable.

I feel for you and hope you find another job where you and your contributions are appreciated.

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shlomitisfeisty@reddit

Ugh. Sorry to hear this. Brutal. You are a champ for not telling your spouse while she’s at work.

In 2019 I was laid off from the job I thought I would have til retirement. Freaked me out! If you can afford it please take a little time to figure out what you want to do. What will you and wont you put up with. I ended up getting into a field that was outside of my expertise. For me it turned out great even though the transition was tough. I held out and was offered two great (but very different roles) around the time I was prepared to make a major compromise.

Be thinking good thoughts for you.

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LDawnBurges@reddit

I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine how stressful that must be.

File for UE immediately. Definitely consider a career pivot. Check in to the School System, City/County Gov, etc. Good Luck!

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redwoodtree@reddit

Sorry man. This economy is shit.

My advice is to start your own business doing something you enjoy, if you can pull it off.

Other than that, I think the only way to get hired right now is through someone you know.

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zyglack@reddit

Last year I was working for a company with a good salary. They were going through contract negotiations with their main contract. Things didn’t look good, lose that and company folds. They were getting very bad, ie one minute later was grounds for dismissal. I started looking but was having trouble as a mid to late 50s competing against people in their 30s. I decided to go back to working for the state. The cut in pay was worth the stability. Knowing after the probation I couldn’t be laid off. The benefits are better. Businesses would rather pay less than have experience.

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flamingal72@reddit

I’m so sorry, OP. My husband went through this 7 years ago - after being with the company for 20 years. He was also afraid of being let go & I thought maybe he was being paranoid - until it actually happened. He decided to make a change in careers, which wasn’t easy at 45, and now he loves his job. I’ve never seen him happier. Having said all that, I think it is possible a previous poster may be right - they may have let you go because of your age. I’d speak to an attorney to see if they can get some data on who they kept and who they didn’t and the ages of everybody. It wouldn’t hurt to explore it.

I wish you so much luck. It’s sweet of you to be considerate of your wife and wait to tell her. My poor husband was laid off on my birthday. It was awful.

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skoltroll@reddit

I'm sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, you won't be the only one. The REAL economy (one that doesn't include oil/car prices dragging down inflation) is absolute trash right now. As we approach year-end, there will be a lot of rich dudes realizing they won't make their bonuses, so they're going to lay off people in droves to create "one-time charges" that will circumvent the losses and get them their large bonuses.

Clark Griswold's problem wasn't anything new, and isn't anything that's changed.

Godspeed to those of you with bonus-minded bosses.

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monkeybites@reddit

Right there with you. Happened to me on the 1st… My advice: take two days off and do nothing. Decompress. It’s stressful, so it’s super important to take care of YOU. During this time, map your day out and stick to a routine. Make time to exercise, network, get active on LinkedIn and brush up your profile. All I know is that it takes time to find something new. Stay positive… you will get another job, and you and your wife will get through this!

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Lucky-Resolution890@reddit

sorry this happened to you & to OP.
you're words are so wise. i hope you find an even better job soon.

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Kindsquirrel629@reddit

Sorry. It’s rough to have that happen. File for unemployment now, you don’t have to wait until your severance runs out. If you want to continue to work utilize your network and send emails, make phone calls. The best jobs usually aren’t advertised. If you aren’t already, be sure to get on your wife’s health plan. And if you’re comfortable with it, you can start withdrawing from your 401k.

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steve-eldridge@reddit

Time for a new plan.

Not sure what you were doing, but it might be a better exercise to think about what you'd like to be doing or what your other skills might bring to more local businesses, rather than trying to land another big business opportunity where HR is actively going to block you.

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moosecaller@reddit

Any chance to pivoy into government contracting? This is where experience will really help.

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Common-Ad4308@reddit

OP, if you enjoy what you do, find the similar job. otherwise, come up w plan to occupy time.

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