Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has been unemployed for a year and a half. He’s 46 and in an industry that’s not doing poorly. He has no idea what he’s doing wrong. He’s never been unemployed before.

Which industry? Same for my husband -mortgage loans. 😔

Anonymous wrote:One thing I hate about later stage capitalism is we are pushed into extreme specialization requiring years and years to become useful and earn real income but then if our company goes under or lays off that same specialization is not usually valued elsewhere and we are just suddenly screwed. it’s just dumb luck. I realize other systems like feudalism and communism don’t offer much better but I really hope our kids and grandchildren come up with a better system somehow.

Agree. It's also ridiculous that our formal high cost education is usually in our 20s and that education is our big investment that's supposed to be foundational for at least 40 years. Going back to get new degrees in mid-life doesn't seem to provide the same financial return as doing it in your 20s. Yet you would be able to work for 20 more years at your new specialty. Reaching the same mid-career peak again in your 60s. It's just that few want a 50 year old with a fresh BA.

I had hoped the Boomers would fix age discrimination in the workplace because everything has always been torqued around their needs. But instead we just got improved access to Dollar Store goods.

Anonymous wrote:My friend who is 48 was laid off last year from a job making $225k. I am his age and have been making around $100k for a long time. He can't even find a job that will pay him $100k. I am very surprised. My assumption was always that people who make a lot especially over $200k are so unique in terms of skill sets that companies will hire them as soon as they are available.

It really makes me wonder wonder people are just randomly paid a certain salary.

A lot of it comes down to right place/right time, knowing the right person in the same company, and luck. It's not all about skill/worth.

I was laid off at 53 and wasn't able to find work for 1.5 yrs. It was the longest time of my life with bouts of depression and fear of loosing my family and home. Because of stress, my health suffered greatly.
BUT I ended up with a great job at 50% more pay than I had before.
Here's some things that helped (or at least made me feel I was working it):
1) Using my network which provided minimal help but it was good connecting with friends and former colleagues.
2) Making a new network. I messaged new people on LinkedIn with similar jobs that I was applying for. Some responded, some didn't.
3) Every application required a customized resume or cover letter that used key words from the job ad. I know it's a PITA. Just do it.
4) Purchased a vanity domain so my email looked professional.
I thought I did horribly on the job interview for the job I eventually got...but I got it. I feel blessed.
KEEP it up. Don't give up, no matter how many rejections. Trust me who went through he!!, you are worth it.

My neighbor has been unemployed for a year and a half. He’s 46 and in an industry that’s not doing poorly. He has no idea what he’s doing wrong. He’s never been unemployed before.