At this age, nobody’s hiring. I'm "too expensive," "too set in my ways." The severance won’t last, that's for sure, and we don't have much savings. I feel like I'm letting my family down and it eats at me every damn day. I know it's my own fault for not having a backup plan. I feel like such a fool. Don't make the same mistake I did. Even if you feel safe. You're not.
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I got the email from a Sr Mgr, as did my Mgr. We will find out officially soon.
Network, Network, Network. Contact people you worked with in the past. Keep in touch with others already gone who may or have gotten jobs. Most of my jobs were found through networking with those who knew I was a good worker and team player.
I also did unemployment, took every class they had to keep a schedule while looking and more networking there. Looking for your new job is your job. Network at your place of worship, if you volunteer, any place you visit ask if they are hiring. You will get a job and just maybe one you will really love.
Do not know if this applies to everyone, so take it for what it is.
In iris search for: "Cigna Enterprise Severance Pay Plan (Final).PDF"
Include the " "s
If anyone feels they have a better doc, please share.
Where can you find the details on severance?
Been at Cigna for 10 years and my
Salary is so bad. There is an upside tho is I make less than most entry level jobs with my education and background. I’ve learned to be so careful with money and go without if I do get laid off I’ll be okay. I feel for the folks with 30 years at the company making over 100k with no education getting laid off. I can’t see things going well for you, especially cause big salary usually equals big mortgage and big bills. Good luck wish you the best you will find a way.
A cautionary tale. It is impossible to know other folks' financial situations, but consumerism in America has become excessive. Folks buying too much vehicle(s), too much house(s), too much toy(s), too much outsourcing of chores, etc.
Here are a few suggestions that have worked for me.
- Get active on Linked In, and network with local groups in your career field.
- Unless a college is required for the position, take the date or degree off your resume.
- Only list the last 10 years of your work history, unless more is required.
- Work on getting certifications and put those dates up front.
- If you have certifications or recent experience that matches the position, do not be afraid to push back if asked graduation date.
Few years ago my previous employer laid off my entire team including my director probably in his 50s. One day I met him at Lowe’s and he was working there helping people checkout. I also saw my project manager posting on LinkedIn after he got off his night shift from Walgreens in the midnight. It’s tough reality, but life is keeping going on. “You just gotta keep going and fighting for everything, and one day you'll get to where you want. As long as you're moving forward whether it be one step or ten feet man, you got to keep going.”
Include only the last 10-15 years of experience on your resume and then have an "Additional Relevant Experience" section where you highlight major accomplishments without dates. Take dates off education. When you do get an interview, be super enthusiastic about it, and thank the interviewer for setting up the time to discuss the position. Have a sincere answer for why you're interested and enthusiastic. I know the primary reason is because we need a job (I'm older and looking as well), but only apply if there is something there that jumps out at you. It's a perfect fit for your skills, so you feel you can add a ton of value. You are excited about the company mission and want to help achieve it. Etc., etc. Also, I suggest only applying for roles where your experience is current with the job responsibilities and you'd be a top candidate. And when you get on camera, make sure you're looking stylish and not old fashioned corporate. I break my dangly earrings out for interviews!!! Best of luck to you.
Try being 60 and looking for a new position. I did all the things to fight ageism but it didn't work and I decided to retire 5 years early. I even went so far as to have my information removed from google search results. Companies get around outright asking your age by requiring you to supply graduation dates. I wish you luck in your search.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this and I hope something comes through for you soon. You are not a failure!
Thank you all for the advice. This kindness is exactly why I miss the people I worked with.
Don't include more than the last 10 yrs. of your work history on your resume.
People who are now middle aged have been told all their lives that loyalty and hard work will grant them security and stability at their jobs- can't exactly blame you for falling for a lie that's been beat over your head for decades. I hope you have a good turn of luck and find a good replacement job, good luck out there!
Don't be down on yourself...the world does that enough as it is. Be your own best friend and cheerleader, no one else is going to do that for you!
Psyche yourself UP, not out.
Take dates of graduation, etc. off your resume.
Don't include a photo.
Yes, it's possible for hiring personnel to find your age anyway, but to get your foot in the door, you have to play their game.
Dye your hair if need be.
Smile, when interviewing.
Keep updated with new skills, and mention those in your resume, calls/interviews, and how it can benefit that particular company.
Yes it su-ks being laid off at middle-age, but it's not impossible to get hired somewhere new either. I know, it happened to me in my 40s and 50s. You just have to keep plugging away at applying and interviewing. Like not just one application a day, more like between 10-15 per day. I ended up getting hired at a new company at the highest wage I'd ever been offered (6 figures) at the ripe "old" age of 58! But I'm a young-in-spirit type of person. I have an upbeat personality, and a curiosity and knack for learning new things. These traits help, when seeking new work situations. You have to sell yourself, and show the interviewer that you're on top of your game, and enthusiastic about the future.
Try other avenues for finding work, as well.
Look into getting contract work while you look for full-time, or do temp. to hire through an agency. You might have to be flexible with taking lower pay for that at first, but it could lead to something better. Just keep moving forward. Don't get yourself stuck in the mire of ageism. Show 'em how it's done!
You can survive and thrive, but you have to have a mindset of success, as if you're already there, rather than a defeatist attitude of, "Oh well, no one will want to hire me."
Be a Tigger, not an Eeyore!