Help - Former USAID contractor -- zero interviews in a year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 64 and got two unsolicited job offers in last 60 days for sr. Executive roles. It is not age alone, it is fact with age you are expected to know more. If you do same job and pigeon holed hard to get new job at 60.

I was taking to a woman at work just celebrated 25 years at my job. Only 46. She worked her way up. If she was fired tomorrow good luck, has a bs degree second tier school and no certifications, only knows our company.

Lot of Fed workers are like her.

Executive roles are not about skill or competence but about relationships with other executives, owners, and board members. It’s just social class filtering for the most part unless you are the founder (which still tends to run UMC and UC because of risk tolerance).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of the hard realities of managing large, multimillion dollar contracts in a do-gooder aid organization with limited accountability is that this is not an easily transferrable "skill".

I call b.s. Would you actually know? I worked in a small agency right off the Mall for 8 years and I've worked at an F500 corporation for 25+. Skills are absolutely comparable. My government co-workers could have fit right in at my company.

It's fashionably dehumanizing to mock government work and suggest that people are magically smarter and more productive when there's a P&L somewhere on the private sector side. That's offensive and naive.

That’s great. Then enlighten the rest of us on this thread. How did you sell your skills? Let me guess—you worked at USDA and went to work for a massive food conglomerate or something similar? Or are you a former development professional/USAIDer?

Much of this thread is about what the market deems valuable and in-demand for the development field.

I was a federal regulatory policy analyst. I got an MBA degree and switched to being a corporate generalist analyst.

Over the years, I've been involved in marketing, competitor intelligence, market research, project management, and contracting. It all has skill commonalities with my early government work. Skill commonalities, not subject matter expertise.

There's no direct connection between my former agency and the industry I'm in now. My agency had oversight over matters pertaining to every industry. At my corporate job, I have no contact or jurisdiction related to my former agency.

In my company, I have worked with literally thousands of people including many new college grads and professionals at all stages of their career coming to my company for the first time. Been trained to do new jobs and trained others.

In my opinion, there's a lot of pretending that white collar jobs are highly specialized. That's an emotional crutch. A few months of training can take people a long way.

So...my secret was the MBA. But, although I enjoyed my degree and what I learned, very little of it was actually necessary to do my later corporate jobs. Just like undergrad isn't always directly relevant to a job.

We live in an era where computers being able to find exact matches on paper leads to the belief that such matches are necessary for success. While I understand that paper matching is efficient, it's a stretch to say that a person who does not match has no valuable skills to offer.

I've seen how recessions hit laid-off people and their families. I have seen people age 50+ move to take jobs. They get apartments in the new area until they decide to move permanently.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

DP

ICYMI: it’s nearly impossible for a 55 year old to land a white collar job without certain expertise and/or connections.

Ageism is real.

I hear ya. I'm 55. But, this is then even more reason to look beyond where you live.

Pride goeth before a fall.

Is it better to ...
1. remain unemployed
2. work at costco for the health insurance
3. broaden your search to outside where you live to get a job more related to your field and get health insurance.

You can be completely open to both 2 and 3 and do everything possible and still end up stuck at 1 anyway. Lots of people competing for Costco type jobs and lots of people with great experience open to moving all over. It's tough out there.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

I have empathy (as a 55 yr old). I was responding to the "It's so clueless as to be offensive " poster. And I bet lots of 50 yr old feds 5, 10 years ago didn't have that much empathy for coal miners when they kept saying that they wanted to stay in their jobs and not have to move and retrain.

What exactly am I clueless about? I've been laid off before; I was a contractor and have had several contracts termed (all private sector); I've moved for jobs.

So, if OP's DH is willing to move for a lower paying job, why is the poster saying "It's so clueless as to be offensive " to my post?

Because, if I am following the thread correctly, you blithely told the story of a move in your 20s before you were established in what you do. To compare that in any way to what the OP’s DH is going through is tone deaf.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

I have empathy (as a 55 yr old). I was responding to the "It's so clueless as to be offensive " poster. And I bet lots of 50 yr old feds 5, 10 years ago didn't have that much empathy for coal miners when they kept saying that they wanted to stay in their jobs and not have to move and retrain.

What exactly am I clueless about? I've been laid off before; I was a contractor and have had several contracts termed (all private sector); I've moved for jobs.

So, if OP's DH is willing to move for a lower paying job, why is the poster saying "It's so clueless as to be offensive " to my post?

Because, if I am following the thread correctly, you blithely told the story of a move in your 20s before you were established in what you do. To compare that in any way to what the OP’s DH is going through is tone deaf.

I prefaced that by saying it's harder as you get older. But, those are the options. There are 25 yr olds who refuse to move to where the jobs are, too.

Like I said, my parents moved to this country with 4 kids < 10 without knowing the language for better opportunities/jobs. Back then, there was no support services for immigrants or nonEnglish speakers. If people like that are able to do it, surely a well educated person who knows the language can move to a different city/state to get a job, right? It's done deaf for you to say that a well educated English speaker cannot move to a different city/state while probably telling coal miners that they should retrain and move to where the jobs are.

Life can be tough, and sometimes you have to make tough choices. I've had this discussion recently with my 18 yr old. I would think you as an adult would know that better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

I have empathy (as a 55 yr old). I was responding to the "It's so clueless as to be offensive " poster. And I bet lots of 50 yr old feds 5, 10 years ago didn't have that much empathy for coal miners when they kept saying that they wanted to stay in their jobs and not have to move and retrain.

What exactly am I clueless about? I've been laid off before; I was a contractor and have had several contracts termed (all private sector); I've moved for jobs.

So, if OP's DH is willing to move for a lower paying job, why is the poster saying "It's so clueless as to be offensive " to my post?

Because, if I am following the thread correctly, you blithely told the story of a move in your 20s before you were established in what you do. To compare that in any way to what the OP’s DH is going through is tone deaf.

I prefaced that by saying it's harder as you get older. But, those are the options. There are 25 yr olds who refuse to move to where the jobs are, too.

Like I said, my parents moved to this country with 4 kids < 10 without knowing the language for better opportunities/jobs. Back then, there was no support services for immigrants or nonEnglish speakers. If people like that are able to do it, surely a well educated person who knows the language can move to a different city/state to get a job, right? It's done deaf for you to say that a well educated English speaker cannot move to a different city/state while probably telling coal miners that they should retrain and move to where the jobs are.

Life can be tough, and sometimes you have to make tough choices. I've had this discussion recently with my 18 yr old. I would think you as an adult would know that better.

Were your parents over 50 when they made this move and found jobs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am 64 and got two unsolicited job offers in last 60 days for sr. Executive roles. It is not age alone, it is fact with age you are expected to know more. If you do same job and pigeon holed hard to get new job at 60.

I was taking to a woman at work just celebrated 25 years at my job. Only 46. She worked her way up. If she was fired tomorrow good luck, has a bs degree second tier school and no certifications, only knows our company.

Lot of Fed workers are like her.

Executive roles are not about skill or competence but about relationships with other executives, owners, and board members. It’s just social class filtering for the most part unless you are the founder (which still tends to run UMC and UC because of risk tolerance).

In have no connections or relationships. I just know how to do a lot of things that companies need and willing to pay for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has your husband asked any of his peers to review his resume and cover letter and provide candid feedback? When one of my former colleagues was struggling to land interviews, I asked if I could help by reviewing their resume. Long story short: I edited it (dramatically) and they quickly landed a few interviews. Start there.

Is your husband doing anything to bring in cash? Door Dash/Instacart/Uber? Any cash is better than nothing.

I heard Gov. Moore say MD started a fast-track teacher certification program for former feds, etc. Good benefits, steady paycheck, plus the flexibility for a side hustle (tutoring, college application support, etc.).

If he managed grants and can handle budgets and basic accounting, perhaps lean into that?

Is he handy? Could you invest in real estate, flip a house, or become landlords?

This is terrible advice. Teaching is not nearly as flexible as DCUM thinks and it's really hard work. There's not much time or energy for a side hustle, especially for a career changer in the first few years.

If you had kids in mcps high school or middle school, you would know that most teachers phone it in and have a side hustle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

I have empathy (as a 55 yr old). I was responding to the "It's so clueless as to be offensive " poster. And I bet lots of 50 yr old feds 5, 10 years ago didn't have that much empathy for coal miners when they kept saying that they wanted to stay in their jobs and not have to move and retrain.

What exactly am I clueless about? I've been laid off before; I was a contractor and have had several contracts termed (all private sector); I've moved for jobs.

So, if OP's DH is willing to move for a lower paying job, why is the poster saying "It's so clueless as to be offensive " to my post?

Because, if I am following the thread correctly, you blithely told the story of a move in your 20s before you were established in what you do. To compare that in any way to what the OP’s DH is going through is tone deaf.

I prefaced that by saying it's harder as you get older. But, those are the options. There are 25 yr olds who refuse to move to where the jobs are, too.

Like I said, my parents moved to this country with 4 kids < 10 without knowing the language for better opportunities/jobs. Back then, there was no support services for immigrants or nonEnglish speakers. If people like that are able to do it, surely a well educated person who knows the language can move to a different city/state to get a job, right? It's done deaf for you to say that a well educated English speaker cannot move to a different city/state while probably telling coal miners that they should retrain and move to where the jobs are.

Life can be tough, and sometimes you have to make tough choices. I've had this discussion recently with my 18 yr old. I would think you as an adult would know that better.

You are hung up on this coal miner business. When the real issue is age. Let me try it again.

Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional, if you can’t find work, the advice to retrain and be open to geographic resettlement is both good and actionable.

Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional, in your 50s, your choices are severely curtailed from people in their 20’s.

Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional who has lost a job in your 50’s, being told about how someone moved in their 20’s for a job is completely irrelevant.

Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

I have empathy (as a 55 yr old). I was responding to the "It's so clueless as to be offensive " poster. And I bet lots of 50 yr old feds 5, 10 years ago didn't have that much empathy for coal miners when they kept saying that they wanted to stay in their jobs and not have to move and retrain.

What exactly am I clueless about? I've been laid off before; I was a contractor and have had several contracts termed (all private sector); I've moved for jobs.

So, if OP's DH is willing to move for a lower paying job, why is the poster saying "It's so clueless as to be offensive " to my post?

I'm a different poster and I too found your post to be ridiculous. Answer this one question: when was the last time you were "laid off" or "moved for a job"? It doesn't matter if your 55 NOW; it matters if you are 55 and laid off NOW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has he applied to state and local government jobs, or to teach, just to get his foot in the door? Those jobs have good health benefits.

This. I work for a state gov’t and we’ve hired quite a few former feds. With paycuts—but they’ll able to rise through the ranks. Good healthcare and a decade will be enough for a small pension.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am 64 and got two unsolicited job offers in last 60 days for sr. Executive roles. It is not age alone, it is fact with age you are expected to know more. If you do same job and pigeon holed hard to get new job at 60.

I was taking to a woman at work just celebrated 25 years at my job. Only 46. She worked her way up. If she was fired tomorrow good luck, has a bs degree second tier school and no certifications, only knows our company.

Lot of Fed workers are like her.

Executive roles are not about skill or competence but about relationships with other executives, owners, and board members. It’s just social class filtering for the most part unless you are the founder (which still tends to run UMC and UC because of risk tolerance).

In have no connections or relationships. I just know how to do a lot of things that companies need and willing to pay for.

I would love to hear what skills those are!

[Anonymous]

I haven't read all the posts but out of my 3 friends who used to work for USAID - one found a job managing an international fellowship program (based in Europe but with a DC office); one is starting a doctorate in public health in a different state; one found a job in global operations for a start-up on the West Coast. It's tricky though if your spouse has a stable job here and your kids are in middle/high school. All 3 of my friends are single.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

So you moved for a job 30 years ago when you were 25 and it worked out great.

That is not really applicable to a 55 year old.

Why not? I understand it's harder at 55 (I stated as much). But, if he did get a job overseas, they could do it.

Like I said, we tell coal miners to move to where the jobs are. White collar workers should be able to do the same, no?

I'm sympathetic to OP and her husband, but the reality is that a 50 something year is going to have a tough time, period, landing a new job. So, go wherever you can find that job by keeping your options open.

We are fortunate to have enough saved where I can not work if I got laid off right now but if I needed the income (for health insurance), you bet I'd be looking at other states/countries. As a matter of fact, my spouse came here for work from another country.

Not sure why you are obsessed with coal miners. Most advice is to retrain and then move, so unlikely applicable to a 55 year old man — is heading to grad school?

Grad school might be a good idea. I went in my 50s and started a new career at 60.

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Anonymous wrote:My only advice is to apply out of the area, maybe even out of the country (like those countries that your DH has experience with). For years, we've been telling coal miners in WV to move to where the jobs are. I think white collar workers in DC need to be willing to do the same.

FWIW, I despise Trump and fully support USAID. I actually thought about working for them decades ago. If/when USAID ever comes back, you could potentially move back.

It sucks, but I also had to move to where the jobs were. In my case, it was the best decision ever. My career really took off, and I made a ton more money.

NP. What field are you in and where did you move to

This was a long time ago (I'm talking 30years), and not in the government. But, the point remains, when you are out of a job, and clearly need a new one, and the area you live in doesn't have jobs that fit you, you need to move to an area that has some jobs that you may be a fit for. That could be in a different city (me since the state I lived in was huge), or a different state, or even a different country.

IMO, it sucks to start over, but doubly so in your 50s (I'm 55). But, if you don't have much tying you to this area, like HS kids whom a move would be difficult for, with the DH's background, I'd look into jobs in other countries since OP can work anywhere.

I guess I'm projecting because if I could get a job in Spain, for example, I'd move there in a heartbeat right now. But my kids are in college, so it would be easier for us.

I appreciate the empathy but moving jobs and locations when you are 25 and have say 3 years of full time work experience is very very different

It's so clueless as to be offensive

IMO, you people are the clueless ones. Why can't a 55 yr old move to where the job offer is? What did you tell the 50 yr old coal miners in WV who have been out of a job for a year? You probably told them to pivot or move to where the jobs are, right?

It's offensive for exFed white collared workers who had cushy jobs to think they shouldn't have to move but expect blue collared workers to do so for jobs.

FWIW, my parents were uneducated blue collared workers who immigrated to this country with 4 kids under 10, without knowing how to speak English. I think if you can speak English, are educated, you can absolutely move to a different state/city at the age of 55 for a job. You just don't want to.

People move for jobs all the time. Companies relocate; close. Why do exFeds think they are special and shouldn't be expected to do this?

I'm sorry, but you guys come across as entitled and helpless. Very unbecoming. And I feel awful for DOGE'd feds.

Please read before you spout off. The OP said on page 1 that they would be open to moving and that he would be open to taking a lower salary. Everything is harder job wise in your 50s. Whether you are a coal miner or a white collar professional. Show some empathy.

I have empathy (as a 55 yr old). I was responding to the "It's so clueless as to be offensive " poster. And I bet lots of 50 yr old feds 5, 10 years ago didn't have that much empathy for coal miners when they kept saying that they wanted to stay in their jobs and not have to move and retrain.

What exactly am I clueless about? I've been laid off before; I was a contractor and have had several contracts termed (all private sector); I've moved for jobs.

So, if OP's DH is willing to move for a lower paying job, why is the poster saying "It's so clueless as to be offensive " to my post?

Because, if I am following the thread correctly, you blithely told the story of a move in your 20s before you were established in what you do. To compare that in any way to what the OP’s DH is going through is tone deaf.

I prefaced that by saying it's harder as you get older. But, those are the options. There are 25 yr olds who refuse to move to where the jobs are, too.

Like I said, my parents moved to this country with 4 kids < 10 without knowing the language for better opportunities/jobs. Back then, there was no support services for immigrants or nonEnglish speakers. If people like that are able to do it, surely a well educated person who knows the language can move to a different city/state to get a job, right? It's done deaf for you to say that a well educated English speaker cannot move to a different city/state while probably telling coal miners that they should retrain and move to where the jobs are.

Life can be tough, and sometimes you have to make tough choices. I've had this discussion recently with my 18 yr old. I would think you as an adult would know that better.

Were your parents over 50 when they made this move and found jobs?

Yes.