I was laid off at 57. How do I start over?

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My company underwent a big restructuring and I got laid off as a result. I’m 57 years old and had been working at the same company for almost 20 years. I have no idea how to start over again and find a new job. I’m worried about facing ageism in the hiring process. I’m also considering whether to pivot to a different career path (I was good at my job, but I didn’t love it). How do I figure out what my next steps should be?
Jarren MacDougall, co-director and principal coach, Harc Creative, Vancouver
Facing a layoff after nearly two decades at the same company, especially at 57, can be daunting. However, with the right approach, you can navigate this transition confidently and with hope.
Start by researching companies that genuinely prioritize diversity and inclusion. Look for signs of age diversity on their websites and in their hiring practices. Your extensive experience is a tremendous asset, offering resilience, determination and a wealth of knowledge to any new role. Embrace these strengths confidently as you move forward.
It’s crucial to acknowledge and process your emotions during this time. Grieving the loss of a long-term job is natural and necessary. Allow yourself to feel this grief and seek support from friends, family or a professional. Many regions offer workshops and support programs specifically for individuals over 55, providing a community and resources tailored to your situation.
Consider leveraging neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and learn at any age. This is a perfect time to acquire new skills or pivot to a different career path. Reflect on tasks you enjoyed most in your previous job to guide you toward a fulfilling new direction. Start by making a list of all your skills, including those that may seem basic but are highly valued, such as reliability, loyalty and teamwork. Knowing that you can continue to learn and adapt is empowering.
Explore online courses or community college programs that align with your interests and strengths. A coach can offer invaluable support, helping you set achievable goals, stay motivated and navigate this transition with clarity.
Remember, this is an opportunity for reinvention. Your experience, skills and resilience are powerful tools in this next chapter of your career. Stay positive, keep learning and embrace the journey ahead. Worthwhile employers recognize the value of mature professionals, and you have much to offer.
Neha Khurram, founder, Beam Career Coaching, Toronto
Before jumping back into the job market, take a moment to assess a few markers that will inevitably come up in your interviews. That is, take stock of your priorities and deal-breakers, consider your optimal target start date, research the market and consider your lifestyle to determine your minimum compensation range. Think about how far you can commute and adjust your maximum location radius, and finally, consider what are agreeable hours for your schedule.
Your priorities should include factors such as industries you would prefer to work in along with functional roles you would enjoy and the environment you would settle into based on your work style and preferred team dynamics.
To gain career clarity, consider the intersection of what you are good at, what the market needs and what you enjoy doing. Then identify jobs on Indeed, LinkedIn or a dream company (go directly to career pages) and tailor your resume accordingly. Unless you’re applying for executive roles, it’s best to focus on the last 10 to 15 years on your resume. A trick to overcome ageism is to not be too precious with your career history and if you feel strongly about listing relevant experience from a long time ago, you can list it under a subheading that obfuscates the exact dates by adding your early experience under a subheading titled ‘Prior to 2010′.
Job seeking requires resilience, curiosity and adaptability. It’s a great time to reinvent yourself, reconnect with past colleagues and friends and consider who might work as a bridge to your next opportunity.
Working with a resume writer or career coach can help you navigate discrimination and the new methods of job seeking. They can also work with you to uncover blind spots and instill confidence as you move through your journey.
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