I got laid off in late December and am miserable

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I keep getting rejected. Or ghosted. Or networking calls that come to nothing.
Was at the same firm for 10 years. I feel old and useless (I'm 44). It's beginning to wear on me. I feel like I'll never find another job.
I feel even worse because my partner's career is thriving and she's pulling in the lion's share of our income - my severance wears off in two months as does our insurance which my firm provided.
I don't know what to do. I haven't looked for work in a decade. I feel obsolete and like my life has zero structure.
I also am questioning my credentials. I am being rejected for jobs I could clearly do well.
Someone say something. Am considering going on meds to help.

It took me nine months to find a job when I was laid off due to a contract ending. I was a few years older than you are, which I am sure contributed to it taking longer. It is really hard to stay optimistic at times, but know that you will find something. Add structure to your life with contract work, volunteering, or by doing training to keep your skills sharp or learn new ones.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP,

Hang in there. I have a friend who is 51 (in this case he definitely looks his age as he doesn't take good care of himself) survive 4-5 layoffs since 2008. He's in an industry that is very much tied to the economy. He recently landed at a new job after being laid off in Oct. 2023. He said he traveled at bit and after clearing his head he networked and landed his last position. It looks like you have to proactively reach out to people and talk to friends of friends etc. to get your resume etc. out there. Something similar to what the PP poster mentioned above about coming close several times. It does sound daunting but I've seen it work for this friend. Good luck!