Laid Off After 40

Laid Off After 40: Talking about Ageism; Three Pieces of Advice from Matthew Levy

May 22nd, 2011

By Bob McIntosh

I was searching around LinkedIn for some questions to answer. It’s been awhile and I miss my old routine of answering tons of questions. I came across a great question from Matthew Levy on ageism, but instead of answering his question, I decided to write this blog article in response to a very important topic—ageism and how to break down the barrier of age discrimination.

Let me start by saying that Matthew’s article was very insightful, albeit lengthy even for a verbose writer as myself. He suggests three methods for the 40+ crowd to use in combating possible age discrimination. The first method he talks about is modifying your appearance to make you appear younger. Second, he urges you to dive into social media; and third, he advises a strategic approach to writing a résumé.

Modifying one’s appearance. Matthew writes that one day he advised a gentleman to shave his beard, which according to Matthew, took five years off the man’s appearance.

I also witnessed a man who had shaven his beard and took years off his appearance. For some men it’s hard letting go of a beard he’s had for a good part of his life; but once the job is secured, the beard can return. » Read more: Laid Off After 40: Talking about Ageism; Three Pieces of Advice from Matthew Levy

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Laid Off After 40: Ageism…Between Truth and Consequences

May 12th, 2011

By Gwendolyn M. Ward, Principal at FOOW?

I spoke to a woman in her late 50’s who was humorously telling me about ending her 30-year marriage. Her husband had an affair and, after she confronted him, he asked her was she happily married prior to the discovery? She said, “Pretty much,” and he then confessed to having other affairs over the years; but since she was ‘pretty much’ happy, then why divorce?

She was stunned by his revelation and even more shocked when the majority of her friends agreed with him. Her friends told her that she had a great house, luxury cars, and three successful adult children. Why rock the boat? Why change at her age? Why throw away 30 years? Why start over?

She questioned why change in her 50’s was labeled as starting over. Why couldn’t it just be change? A divorce didn’t negate her successes prior to it; she was still a loving and supportive parent, caring daughter, and a successful executive. She loved her husband but not at the cost of her self-respect; he wasn’t her life but a part of it.

To her, the divorce was a change in course while moving forward. It was not an ending point where she needed to start over. In other words, she hired movers to move her husband out because she was moving on.  

I think about her when I am conversing with people over 50 who claim ageism when they are forced » Read more: Laid Off After 40: Ageism…Between Truth and Consequences

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Laid Off After 40: Why You’re Not Too Old

March 17th, 2011

By Katrina Robinson

You’re not too old to be in the job-hunting arena. It doesn’t matter if you’re thirty, forty, fifty, or  reaching sixty—more and more career-minded people find themselves scouring the job markets looking for a new position. You’re not alone!

Whether you’ve reached the end of your tenure at your previous company, you’re burned out in your current career path, are having financial issues that call for a change, or are simply dissatisfied with your career, you can successfully find a new job by taking the necessary steps. Here are some tips to consider if you’re looking for a new job:

  • If you’re not sure if you were in the right industry to begin with, try a few career assessment tests. If you feel as though you’re in the wrong career but have no idea what job path you’d like to take, these tests can help to assess your skills and interests and may help you discover the ideal job for you. 
  • Don’t rush into anything. Take some time to evaluate each potential job opening, and carefully deliberate » Read more: Laid Off After 40: Why You’re Not Too Old

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