A few people I know who were laid off in the past several years have decided to take a year (or more in one case) off before even attempting to find a new job. While I envy them - who wouldn't enjoy a lengthy vacation - I'm not sure how smart of a move that is, especially considering how the job market is currently treating anybody with a few grays in their hair. I wouldn't risk it...
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Another thing that is causing delays in finding placements and depending who you are.. 1) you could be in the ageism thing 2) lot of these companies are in between making decision with hybrid, remote workforce. These are not helping with finding a permanent home. For example, If I applied for a job that stated "remote" back 6 months ago, but now, it is no longer remote and they're in California and I'm in Connecticut. Timing is important.
“ Who the h3llcan afford to take a year off work?”
People who don’t work at IBM pay wages. That’s who.
Just another strategy to consider...it worked for me. I am in my early 60s and knew my time was coming someday so, I did go out and find another job. I asked them for a delayed start (90 days) because I had stuff to wrap up at IBM and personally. As soon as I had it in writing, I knew which Boss to upset...and I did (gleefully)....I got the call and a 90 day package PDQ. I literally hung up from getting laid off and Laughed....it was a GREAT feeling.
Shaved my head.
No more grey hairs.
No more haircuts.
Did it work!?
Let’s just say everyone calls me boss.
Just get yourself Just for men Hair Color .Problem solved
Seems easier to get another job when you have a job. I was Ra'd June 30 and easily selected for a job because of skills and willing to take less pay with the government at age 71. Mine is exception. I left IBM June 30 and started new full-time job July 6.
@kho - not every IBMer is an "at will" employee. Or, to be clearer, IBM operates in many countries that have decent labour laws. Europe, Canada, etc... Employees in those counties are entitled to decent severances, based on years of service.
That, or the OP knows how to save $$$
Who the he-l can afford to take a year off work?
If you have been keeping up on your network (router, switch, firewall (Palo Alto), VMware NSX network, and VMWare Security) skills and not just being an email forwarding person, then you will not have any issue finding a new job. This is not the first time ATT or IBM took over the companies I worked at to obtain the remaining product lines or obtain the customers (which they can never retain). The last time at 64, I was let go on a Tuesday, got 5 interviews that week, got two offers, and started working on Monday. I was always hoping for 1 or 2 weeks off, but that never seems to happen. At 67 now, if you think being let go by any of these fat behemoths stops me from working and enjoying my life, then guess again. I was trained by the best my father and mother and the US Navy. NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!
I was recently RA'd in my 50's. Updated LinkedIn to say I was "taking a sabbatical", to protect my ego. I knew at my age I would be hard pressed to get another IT position. Certainly not with IBM.
After a few months I realized:
- Carefully managed, I could get by on investments
- I was turning back into a normal human being
My LinkedIn profile is still vague but I'm sure as heck enjoying life once more.
So if you plan on re-entering the workforce, but want some time out and aged 30+ my advice is to minimize employment gaps at all costs. I went surfing/scuba for 9 months aged 33 in the 1990's and just got away with it from a career perspective. Fantastic time. Your mileage may vary.
I was laid off in December. I took a 3 month vacation and definitely don't regret it.
That said, heed the warnings that it may take a little longer than expected to find your next job.
Absolutely once I get RA’d plan to take the rest of my life off! Just hanging on to reduce medical benefits costs until
I reach 65. Such a great feeling when your management no longer has any leverage on you. I hope everyone gets to experience it 😉
If you do that, please use part of your time to gain new skills so you come out more marketable snd can explain why you took the year off. Or else you’ll be in trouble.
I'm not speaking from experience... But these days, it takes WAY longer than you think to find a new job, _especially_ if you're older.
Sure, take _some_ time off, but start networking right away. Like, now. WHO you know is incredibly important. Getting a referral gets you the screening interview that you normally wouldn't get invited to through a standard application.