Midlife Career Crossroads: Navigating Job Uncertainty

Job loss can be a devastating experience at any age, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're in your late 30s, 40s or 50s. With years of experience under your belt, it's natural to wonder if you'll ever find another job that's as fulfilling or lucrative as your previous one.

I've lived this first-hand. My husband, who works in advertising, was part of a team at an agency that lost an account and rendered his entire team redundant. After working with his company for over a decade and having another decade+ under his belt, it was a crushing blow. It didn't reflect his talent, as he's ripe with it. He's whip-smart, creative, and loved by clients and coworkers. It was merely a financial decision for his company, but it didn't make the sting any less painful.

As his partner, it was heartbreaking to watch him deal with it. I kept asking myself how to help him while he was feeling down about the situation, but I knew the last thing he needed was advice or unsolicited feedback -- especially from me. I eventually realized that my main role was that of a cheerleader and sounding board, And trust me, being silent with my opinions and advice is not something that comes easily to me. The year we navigated being incomeless felt f'ing scary, hard, and admittedly - a rough road in our marriage. We did our best to shield our son from the stress and attempted to make it seem business as usual (pun intended), but I'm sure the tension seeped in here and there - even for our little 8-year-old. Such is life.

If you've been laid off, feel malcontent in your position, or wonder if your current role is the peak of your career mountain - I hear you. We work incredibly hard early on in our careers, and when we hit this middle point, there seems to be some sort of seismic shift. And it's weird. Very weird and very unfamiliar. We begin to wonder if we are too old to be relevant...if the lines on our faces stop us from getting invites for happy hour drinks...or if we're making an unknown misstep with our GenY coworkers by wearing the wrong socks. Looking for a new job at 40+ is way harder than it is at 30. It's sad to say but ageism is very much alive and kicking.

When I was in the throes of figuring out breastfeeding and feeling so overwhelmed taking care of a new human life, I remember someone giving me some of the best advice I've ever received: REMEMBER THAT EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY. No matter how long or short - situations change and evolve. You WILL get through this. It may be a rough ride for a bit (and when I say rough, I mean there might be tsunami-sized waves of ups and downs) - but damn it! This isn't your final chapter! Not even close!

I asked my husband to pull together some of the key learnings he unearthed during his year of job searching. Side note: I'm happy to report he landed somewhere amazing! The stress for our family lessens daily, and it feels like we are getting back to our old groove. He made a job of finding a job, and it paid off. I know the same is on the horizon for you!

Job Searching Advice 101

Engage

Job hunting can feel lonely, but don’t shy away from social media! On platforms like LinkedIn, engagement boosts your visibility. Share opinions, react to posts, or create your own content—every little bit helps.

Invest in LinkedIn Premium

Paying for something extra feels tough when cash is tight but think of LinkedIn Premium as an investment. It gives you visibility, access to 21,000+ learning courses, profile insights, and interview prep tools. Keep an eye out for promotional offers to offset the cost!

Network

This one’s a no-brainer, but your network is gold. Reach out to friends, even those you haven’t spoken to in ages—they might surprise you with their willingness to help. Plus, you might rekindle old friendships or discover you’re not alone in this.

Routine and Balance

It’s easy to fall into a funk after a layoff. Create a daily routine. It can be as simple as going to a coffee shop each morning or getting up and working out and getting dressed as if your'e going to work. Simulate a workday routine and keep yourself motivated. Balance is key; indulge in hobbies and spend quality time with loved ones. Turn the job search into an opportunity for self-care!

Patience

Ah, patience—the hardest virtue! It took my husband over a year to land a job, but he said sticking with it felt great in the end. Stay positive; the right opportunity will come.

Don’t Fear Visibility

Worried about appearing desperate? Don’t be! Adding the “looking for work” banner on LinkedIn can attract help. And if ageism worries you, turn that into a strength—highlight your experience and mentor younger talent. You’ve got worth!

Use the Resources

Leverage job boards, online courses, and career workshops. There’s a wealth of support out there waiting for you! (I personally subscribe to Masterclass.com and have taken a boatload of those classes, but there is also a myriad of free online courses at Coursera.org)

Beware of ATS

If you haven’t job-hunted in a while, meet your new frenemy: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It filters resumes based on keywords, so tailor your resume for the ATS first and keep a creative version for personal touches later. Spend some of your time researching the pitfalls of ATS and learning how to use the right keywords.

Keep Track

Job searching can be chaotic, so stay organized! Download a good planner app (or get yourself a paper planner for the old school pen to paper enthusiasts.) List your connections and note when you reached out to them with outcome, when and where you filed applications, and note important follow-up reminders. It’ll save you from the overwhelm and help you stay on top of your game.

Stay Open to Opportunities

Sometimes the best jobs are the ones you didn’t see coming. Be open to roles outside your usual scope or industry. You might discover a hidden passion or a skill you didn’t know you had. Plus, diverse experiences can make you a more attractive candidate. Embrace the unexpected!

Tailor Your Applications

Generic applications are like one-size-fits-all clothing—rarely a perfect fit. Customize your resume and cover letter for each job, using keywords from the job description. It shows you’re serious and makes it easier for recruiters to see why you’re a match.

Follow Up

After applying or networking, don’t hesitate to follow up! A simple email can show your enthusiasm and keep you top-of-mind. Just be polite and brief—it’s a friendly reminder, not a hard sell!

Practice Self-Advocacy

Be your own biggest cheerleader! Learn to articulate your strengths and achievements confidently. Prepare an elevator pitch that highlights what you bring to the table. Your enthusiasm and self-assuredness can make a big difference.

Seek Feedback

Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on your resume or interview performance. Friends, mentors, or professionals in your network can offer valuable insights that help you improve and stand out.

Lean on Your Loved Ones

Your ego likely took a hit and you probably feel frustrated and down. A saving grace? Your people are there for you and likely want to help. While you may want to remain insular in this process - remember to rely on and use your loved ones for support. Your mental health is of the utmost importance! It's so important to stay connected to your support system.

You've got this!!!