I'm approaching 50 and would like to work another 15 years before retiring.
Given the current environment, I'm concerned that if I were laid off in my 50s, finding a comparable role could take much longer than it would today.
Would you recommend starting a job search now while I'm still employed, or staying put and only looking if a layoff actually happens?
CDW has proven it targets older workers for layoffs first. The company sees coworkers as commodities, so it no longer values expertise and experience.
Keep that in mind as you decide. Key issue is it will be much easier to find a job at 50, than 55 or older.
Absolutely 100% start looking now, while you’re still employed.
If you’re in the CDW ecosphere, look for a vendor or distributor position managing CDW.
Preferably in services or software: No product shortages, tariff issues, or logistics (shipping/tracking) hassles.
That’s my advice as a former 20-year partner selling hardware solutions to CDW.
Do you read the news? Do you follow the tech industry? Do you understand that it is taking people months, if not a year+, to find comparable jobs in some cases?
I can't believe this is a serious question from someone who is allegedly 50 years old. If you think you are in danger of being laid off and don't have funds to last 12-18 months without a job, then yes, you should start looking now. Many of us are.
Since you are getting career advice from this site I would recommend you stay here and wait for the axe as you fit the typical CDW intelligence profile and are probably safe.