I hate having to look for a job at 55. I have a huge problem with interviews because I can completely tank them every single time, no matter how much I prepare. The thought of having to face another one makes my stomach twist and my anxiety spike, and I dread every second leading up to it because I know there’s a very real chance I’ll blow it again. I hate this.
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@OP Don’t give up. I was also let go in April from FIS. It’s ruff but I did get some contract work and then full time work. Be encouraged.
@eb This is very solid advice!
I was hit during the last round. Basically a two week notice, last day coming up shortly. I guess to train people as I have so many items that I have only covered. Most are client facing or regulatory related. The good news is that I am of retirement age; can’t imagine interviewing after over 20 years. Noticing a lot of tenured folks being let go, especially over age 50. Now I am navigating through applying for Medicare, how to fill my days. Already started on home maintenance/organization/improvement, putting me first. I would be exhausted after each work day, so my personal life suffered.
It does sound like they are preparing to sell, maybe selling pieces and parts. Fire sale?
You will do fine. Someone will want you with all your experience and knowledge; you will finally be valued after being just a cog in this broken down chaos train. Good luck!
You’re 55 and I’m sure you have a wealth of knowledge that would be highly valued in some capacity by our competitors. Prepare your story well, your answers to standard questions with authenticity, and make an exception (if you can financially) to buy yourself a nice, tailored-fit, shirt and sport coat (or suit). At this point, you have the ability to interview like an industry veteran - not arrogant, but experienced and confident. You’ll likely have far more experience than anyone interviewing you.
Prepare, be calm, be confident, and do the work on the backend with your mental health and physical appearance (WORKOUT WORKOUT WOROUT! for both of these things). Wishing you the best OP - you’ve got this!
Same Boat here - but was let go in the previous round and 56. This will take the stress off. Rule of 55 allows 401k withdrawals like early retirement. Just set up enough to cover your mortgage and health insurance. Trust me you will be able to sleep at night knowing you have that covered. It might be only 2% while your fund still makes more than that each year so you wont go backwards. Then in all honestly find something else for your last 8 years and then fully retire. If you score a great job you can always cancel the withdrawals - its all penalty free if you keep all your funds in the the FIS 401k. If you move the money then you are stuck. Accept the new reality, dial down your lifestyle and remove all that stress and worry.
I know you’re still relatively young, but if you’re able, consider retiring early or even exploring something completely different. A friend of mine went through something similar after spending 18 years at her company. She was 60 when she was laid off, and after a year of searching for another corporate role, she shifted gears completely. She got certified in a bunch of areas and started doing side gigs on her own schedule. Eventually, she officially retired, picked up a part-time hourly job with a large company, and took advantage of their 401(k) match which actually boosted her take-home pay since she was already retired. She’s not earning what she used to, but she has her peace and full control of her time, and that’s priceless. Now she says she never wants to work in a traditional office again.
Be humble and honest. I'm sure you have some great skills. And if you survived FIS, you are flexible. You're used to getting your hands dirty in the trenches. And you are a "can do" employee. God bless. The best is yet to come. Nothing happens by mistake.
Do practice interviews with friends, family. There are even AI apps to help you with the interviews. I'm 61, and I will never interview again. Last hire when I was your age, it was an interview of merit based on my years of qualifications.
You survived working at FIS all this time. If you can handle that you can handle anything.
Frame the feelings of anxiety instead as excitement to take advantage of a new opportunity and to bring value to the new org. You got this
@OP same!