Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Attorney?

For what? Getting laid off is not illegal

They’re asking in OP is an attorney because they say they were laid off by a firm.

Think, don’t stink.

If a company can tell how old you are by looking at your resume, then you are drafting it wrong.

If you are getting interviews, but not a second call back, your interview technique is off.

You may need a head hunter/recruiter/or resume service to help you over the hump.

Anonymous wrote:Attorney?

For what? Getting laid off is not illegal

I’m right there with you OP. I’ve been searching since December too.
Accept that It’s a roller coaster of emotions, frustration, fear, hope, boredom, worry, you will have good days, and really bad days. It’s okay!
I’ve applied to jobs that I thought I was a shoe in for. I’ve done dozens of interviews, sometimes multiple rounds, come close a couple of times but didn’t land the job. The ego definitely takes a hit, but stay positive! Here’s what has helped me a little -
First, Use meds if you need to, no shame, I use a beta blocker when I get panicky.
Try to create structure in your day so that your day isn’t so loose,., throughout the week I exercise, plan a recipe, cook a meal (small achievements) go for walk, job search, try to connect with 3 people each week via phone, zoom or linkedin, attend an industry meeting or happy hour. I don’t do all of these every week but it helps give each day a small task or goal.
Beef up your skills and stay current. I’ve completed a professional credential, and taking another online course in my field, I also regularly read newletters, articles, in my field to stay current.
Create a list of headhunters you can reach out to. Make a plan to connect with them.
Possibly look for contract work in the meantime
Do a project in your house as a distraction when you just can’t job search anymore. it will give you a sense of accomplishment. for example, I cleaned out the garage. Very satisfying.
Journal, you should see my last entry! but it helps to vent somewhere, and it helps to process emotions.
Realize that it may take 6-9 months. So implement things today that can sustain you during that period.
Hang in there! Good luck! Sending you positive vibes!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Being laid off is only a problem if you think it is.

1. Take 1-2 days to wallow in self-pity
2. Work on your mindset and belief that it's possible there's a new job out there waiting for you (there are great resources out there such as books, podcasts, coaches, etc if you need additional help)
3. Create a plan/schedule for your job search. In addition to the job search basics (resume, networking, searching for opportunities, applying, interviewing, etc) be sure to include
-time for daily exercise
-additional time to step it up in housework
-get outside the house at least once a day, ideally some networking events mixed in with a coffee shop, errands, etc
-reach out to your network
4. Execute your plan

If this doesn't work there are only two possibilities:
-your plan needs tweaking
-you aren't executing it

Hope this helps.

Agree with all but the last paragraph.

If you are struggling mentally, definitely see a psychiatrist. Meds can help.

And consider doing contract work or consulting on your own. It can fill the resume gap and keep skills fresh. Try volunteering as well. Hang in there!

NP. You don’t need to see a psychiatrist. Your primary care provider can prescribe an SSRI.

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry. When I was laid off it took me nine months to find a job. After numerous failed interviews, including several in the final round, eventually I got two offers in the same week. Keep at it and don’t give up.

One thing I found is that some close contacts who I thought would have helped me did very little at all, while other people that I hadn’t spoken to in years went out of their way to get me interviews. The point is that you need to speak with everyone, not just your current contacts; you never know who is going to be truly helpful.

This was my experience as well. Tough times really lets you know who you can count on.
When you finally get that new job, be that person who helped the most and pay that kindness forward!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband was laid off in December. He’s 50. It is hard. He uses his network for every job he applies for. Custom cover letters. It is hard work for him.

Keep at and keep positive. My husband has lost a ton of weight during this time because he does exercise more. I think he is more confident because of that - he just feels better.

If this goes on too long he agrees to work at Starbucks or something similar just to get out.

You husband is not looking and goofing off. Cover letters are not needed most jobs. If you need then you use Chat GPT and load resume and job description and it spits out a custom one on one second.

His network? Truth he has no network he is an unemployed man soon to be 4 months unemployed. If he is 50 he was born 1974 and there is like almost zero discrimination at that age.

He needs to expand his connections. It is a myth connections gets you jobs when older and unemployed. My last search someone I had a very very loose connection to on LinkedIn was a recently retired executive who was on one board and was bored and we set up a bi-weekly reoccurring zoom meeting. He got me no leads but just knowing I had someone to give updates to and give me motivation helped. It helped

There is absolutely age discrimination at 50.

Absolutely not. It is not like 50 you turn magically old. Out last CE0 we hired a young guy for role who was hip and going to shake things up at 50. 50 is the new 40 and 60 is the new 50.

I think it only really hits you around 62 as companies feel you could quit any moment.

When I was 50 I had a 5, 9 and 11 year old at home. Not a single gray hair, not overweight. Unless I told someone I was 50 how would they even know. I was doing take your kid to work day with my kids at 55.

Al Pacino, Robert Deniro, Joe Biden, Jamie Dimon Warren Buffet all working , some still having kids.

At 50 he had at least 30 years left in career maybe more. Heck my uncle retired at 82 his big big job and now at 92 has a much younger girlfriend who is only 80 and hitting the parties and enjoying life.

I know people who were laid off 9 months ago and are still looking for work. It is harder for more senior roles and if you are middle aged or older. Use your network, reach out to people on LinkedIn, do temp work, get more training via a certification or classes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband was laid off in December. He’s 50. It is hard. He uses his network for every job he applies for. Custom cover letters. It is hard work for him.

Keep at and keep positive. My husband has lost a ton of weight during this time because he does exercise more. I think he is more confident because of that - he just feels better.

If this goes on too long he agrees to work at Starbucks or something similar just to get out.

You husband is not looking and goofing off. Cover letters are not needed most jobs. If you need then you use Chat GPT and load resume and job description and it spits out a custom one on one second.

His network? Truth he has no network he is an unemployed man soon to be 4 months unemployed. If he is 50 he was born 1974 and there is like almost zero discrimination at that age.

He needs to expand his connections. It is a myth connections gets you jobs when older and unemployed. My last search someone I had a very very loose connection to on LinkedIn was a recently retired executive who was on one board and was bored and we set up a bi-weekly reoccurring zoom meeting. He got me no leads but just knowing I had someone to give updates to and give me motivation helped. It helped

There is absolutely age discrimination at 50.

It generally takes longer than 2.5 months for a job requiring experience.

Anonymous wrote:My husband was laid off in December. He’s 50. It is hard. He uses his network for every job he applies for. Custom cover letters. It is hard work for him.

Keep at and keep positive. My husband has lost a ton of weight during this time because he does exercise more. I think he is more confident because of that - he just feels better.

If this goes on too long he agrees to work at Starbucks or something similar just to get out.

You husband is not looking and goofing off. Cover letters are not needed most jobs. If you need then you use Chat GPT and load resume and job description and it spits out a custom one on one second.

His network? Truth he has no network he is an unemployed man soon to be 4 months unemployed. If he is 50 he was born 1974 and there is like almost zero discrimination at that age.

He needs to expand his connections. It is a myth connections gets you jobs when older and unemployed. My last search someone I had a very very loose connection to on LinkedIn was a recently retired executive who was on one board and was bored and we set up a bi-weekly reoccurring zoom meeting. He got me no leads but just knowing I had someone to give updates to and give me motivation helped. It helped

My husband was laid off in December. He’s 50. It is hard. He uses his network for every job he applies for. Custom cover letters. It is hard work for him.

Keep at and keep positive. My husband has lost a ton of weight during this time because he does exercise more. I think he is more confident because of that - he just feels better.

If this goes on too long he agrees to work at Starbucks or something similar just to get out.

You are entering the prime of you earning life, so not “old” at all. Time to hit the gym, gain some confidence and up your game.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Substitute teach.

?

Be a substitute teacher at a middle or high school.

Doesn’t a job at Starbucks pay better than that?

I'm sorry, OP. I also got laid off in late Dec and I just accepted a new role, but it doesn't start until late April.