Layoffs at 50

[Anonymous]

Just happened to me at 59 last year. I’m doing some piecemeal freelance work and spending at least four hours a day looking for work. I’ve managed to get several interviews but haven’t gotten the jobs. And, yes, they do pay less than I was earning before, which wasn’t a huge DCUM salary to begin with.

On the positive side I’m enjoying not dealing with the commute!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

Become an RN. Just got a new job (age mid 50s). Felt like changing patient populations. Can work PRN, part time, full time. I am ramping up to full time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

More so than tech skills?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

More so than tech skills?

Not for people in 50s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

Become an RN. Just got a new job (age mid 50s). Felt like changing patient populations. Can work PRN, part time, full time. I am ramping up to full time.

It takes a couple years to become in RN right ? And it would be costly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

More so than tech skills?

Not for people in 50s

Why not? If you have taken required courses/license there will be plenty of places who would be happy to hire you. Plenty of companies need entry-level trade workers and they know a mature person will be reliable. Not many younger people are looking at trades since so much of our culture has been "get a degree, get a degree"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

More so than tech skills?

Not for people in 50s

Why not? If you have taken required courses/license there will be plenty of places who would be happy to hire you. Plenty of companies need entry-level trade workers and they know a mature person will be reliable. Not many younger people are looking at trades since so much of our culture has been "get a degree, get a degree"

Plus, trades are an area where looking older is actually a benefit. Let's face it - if you have a middle-aged HVAC person show up at your house you are probably going to trust their judgment just as much if not more than a 20-something. That sure doesn't happen in the tech world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

Become an RN. Just got a new job (age mid 50s). Felt like changing patient populations. Can work PRN, part time, full time. I am ramping up to full time.

I know several single RNs who opted for traveling nurse options. Pretty lucrative and you can live in warm climates in winter, northern in summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

More so than tech skills?

Not for people in 50s

Why not? If you have taken required courses/license there will be plenty of places who would be happy to hire you. Plenty of companies need entry-level trade workers and they know a mature person will be reliable. Not many younger people are looking at trades since so much of our culture has been "get a degree, get a degree"

Plus, trades are an area where looking older is actually a benefit. Let's face it - if you have a middle-aged HVAC person show up at your house you are probably going to trust their judgment just as much if not more than a 20-something. That sure doesn't happen in the tech world.

Fair enough but trades do have a barrier to entry for the older, too. People are less likely to take a 50 year old apprentice/trainee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

When I decided to go back to work at about 43, I had a VERY difficult time getting interviews because my network was small (we had relocated.) After a frustrating year I abandoned the job pursuit and decided to pursue an entrepreneurial passion in educational services. It has been a slow grow but the business is finally getting traction after 5 years. In the meantime I started subbing and now have credentials for a teaching license (my undergraduate degree qualified me for an initial license.) Full time teaching is my side hustle, provides benefits and enough income to contribute to my family. I have someone running the business between 9-3. After 3 and on the weekends I work on the business. Projections for the business are that I will have to teach for another 5 years.

At 43 I weighed the risks of getting a job and getting laid off at 50 or finally starting the business. I chose the latter. 5 years later I have a blend that is working while I grow the business but it has been a very difficult 5 years. I am also always hustling looking for other means of income. Now that I am credentialed I will probably start tutoring and other freelance jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

More so than tech skills?

Not for people in 50s

Why not? If you have taken required courses/license there will be plenty of places who would be happy to hire you. Plenty of companies need entry-level trade workers and they know a mature person will be reliable. Not many younger people are looking at trades since so much of our culture has been "get a degree, get a degree"

Plus, trades are an area where looking older is actually a benefit. Let's face it - if you have a middle-aged HVAC person show up at your house you are probably going to trust their judgment just as much if not more than a 20-something. That sure doesn't happen in the tech world.

Fair enough but trades do have a barrier to entry for the older, too. People are less likely to take a 50 year old apprentice/trainee.

Okay then, so what is a good strategy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would highly encourage people 40+ to think twice before throwing more money at getting more education towards a degree in a white-collar field.

Competition will continue to be stiff and it's ALWAYS easier for companies to hire younger, hungrier and cheaper employees.

My advice is to look at trade-related options which will always be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, HVAC, construction manager, carpenter, welder, etc.

Also look at options in health-care related fields.

With a bit of experience under your belt you can be your own boss. If you demonstrate to just a few clients that you are competent, honest and fair priced you won't believe how many referrals you will get and the kind of income you can generate.

The trades guys that I've had at my house are all smart, smart, smart and really on the ball. They are all driving the brand new big pickup trucks. I'm guessing they cost around
$70,000.

There is huge demand in the trades.

Become an RN. Just got a new job (age mid 50s). Felt like changing patient populations. Can work PRN, part time, full time. I am ramping up to full time.

It takes a couple years to become in RN right ? And it would be costly?

You can do direct entry RN-BSN if you have a degree already (hard to get in to but faster than ADN to BSN route). You can get hospital to pay toward loan/education (mine did) at some places .

[Anonymous]

You gotta save once you hit 47. I made $450k a year until the ax finally fell at 52. I was able to find a job at half that and am now 55. But the ax is going to fall here too. My next job will be half the current salary so not much over $100k. Plan on retiring at 60. Some companies don’t but many do. Cheaper and younger.....

[Anonymous]

To those who were laid off, have any of you sued your former employers? Age discrimination is illegal. If there’s a pattern at your org of laying off older workers, you may have a case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You gotta save once you hit 47. I made $450k a year until the ax finally fell at 52. I was able to find a job at half that and am now 55. But the ax is going to fall here too. My next job will be half the current salary so not much over $100k. Plan on retiring at 60. Some companies don’t but many do. Cheaper and younger.....

OP here. You all run on way way richer crowds. If my family and friends we’re pulling in $0.5M/year and got laid off at 50, they would have simply retired.

We are normal professional: first line technical managers, sys admins, project managers, chemists. We make at most $200k at the peak of our career.

Your step down salary after laid off is amazing.

Maybe we are just unlucky and our lower salaries will protect me?