When I was 55, I was laid off from my job with one of the world’s largest multinational companies due to the pandemic situation. I had worked there for 30 years, and I was devastated.
After all, I had dedicated my entire working life to the company. I remember being so angry and confused. I had thought that after working for the company for so long I would be able to stay until I retired.
But I was wrong.
Now I’m 57, and the job search has been an uphill battle. To make matters worse, I keep getting told that I’m too old to be hired.
Everywhere I go, I’m asked about my age, and potential employers always seem to think that I’m too old to be of any use or will just say that I am overqualified. I’m extremely frustrated because I know that I have a lot to offer.
At first, I was angry that I had to start over again. I was angry that I had to go through the entire job search process again. I was angry that I had to confront ageism and all the other biases that I was up against.
But I eventually made peace with my situation. I realized that it was not the end of the world and that I had to make the best of it. I decided to focus on the positives.
I had a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills to offer. I had a network of people who could vouch for my work. I had a passion for my work and a willingness to learn.
So I got to work. I started applying for different jobs, taking every opportunity to showcase my skills and experience. I attended job fairs and networking events.
I asked my contacts for help and advice. I kept a positive attitude and stayed open to learning new things.
It hasn’t been easy, and I’ve had to face a lot of rejections. But I’m not giving up. I know that if I keep trying, eventually I’ll find the right job.
I’m confident that I have the right skills and experience to make a positive contribution to any organization. I’m also open to learning new things and taking on new challenges.
Ageism is a real problem in the job market, but I’m determined to prove that age is just a number. I may be 57, but I’m still full of energy and enthusiasm.
I’m still as eager to learn and contribute as I was when I was younger. I know that I can still make a difference. So I’m going to keep fighting, keep trying, and keep believing.