58 and Laid off for the first time in. my life. I spent most of my adult life in the military so this is a new experience for me
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I retired in November at 57. I say take 6 months off and get to the things you put off in your life until later. Do those now. They will never be less cheap to do than right now. And you have the time now as well. Presumably you have health and a package, so think about whether health, or other life circumstances might change your plans before you do. Change is inevitable. Life is literally a process of change. I recommend a book to help guide a path: When Everything Changes, Change Everything. It was written by Neale Donald Walsh who is an inspiring author and teacher.
Sorry to hear about your job loss
I was 55 when I got laid off, and instead of shrinking, I sharpened my interviewing skills and aimed higher. That setback became the push I needed to start applying to unicorns. Do not let anyone — including that little voice in your own head — tell you that age limits your ability to land a great job. That idea is pure nonsense. And even if someone believes it, you can’t rewind the clock to 35 or 40, so why waste a second undermining yourself?
This is your moment to level up. Use it. As @a3 mentions unicorns are where the money is generally flowing.
Explore the unicorn list here: https://www.cbinsights.com/research-unicorn-companies and treat this transition as a launchpad. See how far you can go, who you can interview with, and what doors you can open. You might surprise yourself with how high you can climb. Good luck.
@OP sad to hear you lost your job.
For whatever it is worth here are my tips.
I am also in my 50s and have been laid off once before.
Don’t make the mistake of saying to yourself - I’ll take 4-6 months off and enjoy it for a bit. By all means take 2-3 weeks off, after that get back in the saddle and push. Why? You be surprised who quick the times goes. 1,2,3 and 6 months have passed and you blink and another 4 months have gone by.
Follow the money. Go for start ups (series c,d funding rounds) Follow those LinkedIn profiles that are connected to what is happening in the start up (Ai) market. Incl vc companies.
Don’t be picky.
Good luck!!
Welcome to the club!