Just recently informed that my position and a couple of coworkers' positions were no longer needed. So just like that, I have been caught up in the latest round of Tech Layoffs.
The recent developments in my career have put many plans on hold and now have me searching for a job to help sustain myself and my family. At first, I thought that this was just another bump in the road called life. A friend told me that with my age and gray hair, I would be fighting ageism. I just turned the big 50 recently.
Googling and reading some articles on aging workers has me a bit worried. I read on LinkedIn from JohnGself “johngself.com”, that it takes 4 times longer for people in my age bracket to find a job. Also, younger generations seem to be job-hopping even during this recession.
I do see Companies are posting positions, however, there will be fierce competition for those jobs. A few that I have applied for in the short time, that I have been unemployed have already had more than 200+ applicants. I met with a "Career Strategist" paid for and recommended by my former company. The Career Strategist has suggested not to reference or quote anything that might put an age to me, like some older SNL skits or movie quotes. I kept thinking about the sound a dial-up modem makes when trying to access the internet. How exciting it was to buy, a new 56k modem to replace our 14.4k modem. Younger people will not be able to relate to that unique sound.
I have been reaching out to my contacts, and networking, I am open to new opportunities.
