Laid Off After 50? How to Rebuild Your Career and Find New Opportunities
If you’re a Gen X’er like me (born between 1965 and 1980), you may be at the peak of your career and you might even be looking forward to retirement and a slower pace.
But lately, I’ve been noticing a trend on YouTube—people in their 50s sharing their stories of being laid off. Not because they weren’t good at their jobs. Not because they didn’t care or put in the effort. But because, somewhere along the way, the workforce started seeing age as a liability instead of an asset.
It’s frustrating. It’s unfair. And if you’re in this position, it probably feels personal. After decades of experience, loyalty, and hard work, suddenly finding yourself without a job can feel…just weird. It’s more than just the loss of a paycheck; it’s the feeling of being pushed aside, as if your value has somehow expired. Here’s one person’s story.
When One Door Closes...
Being over 50 doesn’t mean your career is over—it means your next great opportunity is just beginning.
If no one has told you this yet, let me be the first: you are not done. Your skills, your wisdom, and your ability to solve problems didn’t disappear just because a company made a short-sighted decision. The world still needs what you have to offer—it just might take a little creativity to find the right place for it.
Some people take this moment as a chance to step into something new. I launched a catering business in my mid-50’s. Others find joy in freelance work, part-time roles, or sharing their expertise with the next generation. And sometimes, it’s not about rushing into the next big thing, but taking a moment to breathe, reassess, and move forward with intention.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re in this season, I hope you know there’s no shame in grieving what was lost. It’s okay to feel angry, disappointed, or even a little lost. But I also hope you know that this isn’t the end of your story.
Maybe this is the chapter where you finally do the thing you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe this is where you discover that your worth was never tied to a company in the first place. And maybe, just maybe, this is where something even better begins.
Resources to Help You Move Forward
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some resources that might help:
Job Search & Career Pivot Support
AARP Job Board – A job search platform focused on employers that value experienced workers.
The Muse – Career advice, resume tips, and job listings.
Idealist – A great resource for remote, freelance, and part-time job opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
Freelancing & Consulting
Upwork – A platform to find freelance work in writing, consulting, design, and more.
Fiverr – A place to sell your expertise in anything from business coaching to graphic design.
LinkedIn ProFinder – Helps connect freelancers with businesses looking for professional services.
Entrepreneurship & Business Support
SCORE – Free mentoring and resources for small business owners.
Small Business Administration (SBA) – Government programs, loans, and guidance for starting a business.
Side Hustle Nation – Ideas and inspiration for starting a side business.
Skill Building & Online Learning
Coursera – Online courses from top universities.
LinkedIn Learning – Courses in business, tech, and creative skills.
Udemy – Affordable online courses in just about anything.
Networking & Community
Meetup – Search for networking groups or industry meetups in your area.
AARP Work & Jobs – Career resources, legal support, and advocacy for older workers.
Whatever comes next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. There’s a whole community of people walking this road too—and you, my friend, still have so much to offer. 💙
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Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. She is the host of the Pray to Play podcast, where she shares practical tips and heartfelt advice for parents navigating the busy world of athletics. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting about God’s goodness with women.
