I see many people who can't wait to leave and are praying to be laid off but I'm not one of them. The last thing I want is to be laid off. I can't even imagine how much of a problem it would be for me to find a good fit elsewhere at my age. I have been here for far too long to simply up and leave. If I was a decade or two younger, then maybe. As it is, all I can do is pray I'm not laid off and wait for retirement.
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I am 66 Y.O. I opened my resume up on LinkedIn and was offered a job within a month. It's a great job market for all!
I'm 62 here and have lots of offers. Stay positive.
@1sow has it right. Keep your chin up and be a contender. 'Head in the sand' is obviously not a viable strategy.
@1sow+1eLLQe79 Excellent advice well written..
To the OP.
It is true that it takes longer to find a new job for seasoned employees. It's harder to just waltz into a new role and many companies are seeking newbies at low salaries. You might have to consider upgrading some skills with a course or two, consider consulting roles, taking a type of job a little different from what you have now, etc. But there are many people who have good careers going into their 60's and even 70's - if they want to and if they put in some effort. Ageism is an unfortunate fact of life, but you don't have to give up because of it.
HOWEVER, the fact that is could take longer to get a new one is all the more reason for you to brush up your skills, your resume, and put yourself in the right position to consider next steps! It is fine if you prefer to stay, then make sure you need to "get on board" and make sure to do a really good job while supporting the company's agenda. But there is no guarantee that the company will let you go along in your job until you are ready for retirement and a very good chance that you will not last that long.
Everyone - at all stages of their career and at all ages - should always keep their resume and career profile up to snuff, and should be thinking, 'if this job went under, what would I do' and even 'is there something better for me out there' and 'what next after this". The mere act of doing this, of staying current, often helps a person keep their edge and give off a more positive, desirable vibe. It's kind of like "not letting yourself go" in a long term relationship. The more desirable and hirable you remain, the less this will be a problem for you.
If you feel you can't do it alone, then join a group or pull in the short term services of a resume service or career coach to do a tune up for you.
But sitting around praying that you make it to retirement is definitely NOT the best strategy my friend! If you are a religious person then I courteously remind you that the gods help those who help themselves!!
Frank - are you listening to the advice being given here? You're not too old to find another position! Strike while the iron is hot. ;-)
I can't even imagine how much of a problem it would be for me to find a good fit elsewhere at my age.
Except that you have experience and you can still learn. You could be a mentor and still learn. Don't sit in the backseat and wait for some weird outcome that leaves you decimated. Book your own flight, man. You are done when YOU decide you're done.
Previous poster is right!!! Don’t lose confidence. You likely have an awful lot to offer
I’m in my mid 50s and found an awesome job with an amazing company. Age didn’t play a factor in my search, nor in the offers I got. You’ve got experience that many companies will gladly take, especially when it’s coming from Fiserv. Do it now while it’s an employees market. You got this! You deserve better.
Agree that age carries experience on many levels though not every firm can see that. Like any job hunt, it takes time to find the right spot and a YES. Now I do not claim that all jobs are alike. Many years ago when I was stupid enough to quit a job without thinking the car payment through ..... I did Deli work for a time, and while lousy pay, it was alot of fun. Meeting people was a joy. And I developed alot of respect for anybody who cuts on a meat slicer. THAT blade is sharp. So don't go crazy on age limits. Yeah, they exist but do not let them rule your life.
I’m 57 and don’t want to start over building my reputation. If I can get 5 more years then I’ll be good
I'm a bit seasoned as well, but there is no way I'm going to let fear be my motivation for staying at this company.
I have to say that I kind of felt the same way - I don't know your age - but I've started looking at there is A LOT of jobs out there right now. Most that I'm looking at are also a 30% bump in pay. Don't sell yourself out - it's like buying a car - go look and test drive a few, put yourself out there, you don't have to leave until you're laid off, or you decide to go!
Why don't you start looking and see what's out there? Some companies might find value in your experience and wisdom. What have you got to lose?