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Career development

 1w

I'm 58 and just lost my job - I'm terrified no one will hire me again

dailymail.co.uk
I've just been made redundant at 58 after more than three decades in the same industry. I worked my way up, gave everything to the company, and now I'm out - replaced, it feels, by younger people who cost less and 'bring fresh energy'.

It's only been two weeks, but I already feel invisible. The thought of job interviews terrifies me. My super isn't bad, but it's not enough to retire on comfortably, and I still have a small mortgage. My husband is supportive, but I can tell he's worried too.

Part of me thinks this might be the universe forcing me to slow down, but I can't shake the fear that I'll never earn a full-time income again. Everyone keeps talking about 'reinvention,' but how do you start over when you're nearly 60 and your confidence is gone?

Is there any way forward for someone like me, or should I accept this as the start of retirement - ready or not?

Sarah.

Sarah, I hear this story far too often - and not just from women. The shock of redundancy after decades of loyalty is like a sudden identity loss. It's not just the job that disappears - it's your daily rhythm, your sense of purpose, and the validation that comes from being needed.

The good news? You're not done. Not even close. In fact, for many people, their late 50s and early 60s become the most powerful years of their life - if they can shift how they see their own value.

Leading money educator Vanessa Stoykov

Start by reminding yourself: you have something a 30-year-old can't fake - perspective. Employers, clients, and even younger teams need that. They might not advertise it, but life experience, reliability, and calm under pressure are gold.

Let's talk practicalities. First, take stock financially. Sit down with a financial adviser - even just one meeting - to get clarity on what your safety net looks like. Sometimes when we actually see the numbers, the panic eases. You can find someone reputable near you using my free adviser-matching tool here.

Next, rethink your next chapter around your strengths, not your job title. What do people always come to you for help with? What could you teach, mentor, or consult on? The future of work is flexible - contract roles, project work, mentoring, and small business ventures are growing fast.

You don't need to 'reinvent' yourself so much as repackage your experience. The question to ask isn't 'Who will hire me?' but 'Who needs what I know?'

If you've always worked in one corporate world, think laterally: small businesses, charities, or education often value seasoned professionals who can bring order, systems, or people skills. Many of my readers find a new sense of freedom in self-employment - whether that's consulting part-time, tutoring, or freelancing in something they love.

Also, stay connected socially. One of the hardest parts of redundancy is isolation. Join professional groups or local business networks. The more people who know you're available, the faster opportunities come. You'd be surprised how many people quietly land new roles this way - often from unexpected contacts.

Emotionally, give yourself space to grieve. Losing a job is a loss, but it's also a release from the parts of it that probably drained you. Don't rush to fill the void - use the next few months to rebuild your energy and imagine what would genuinely make you feel alive again.

Finally, don't let age narratives box you in. The world is full of people over 50 starting second (or third) acts - from small businesses to creative pursuits. You have decades ahead, and the financial and emotional rewards of meaningful work can last well beyond a pay cheque.

You are not redundant, Sarah. The system might not always value experience, but that doesn't mean it's worthless. You still have stories to tell, lessons to teach, and contributions to make. Start there.
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  • Calvin Mulligan

    47
    1d

    19 years ago, I was at the same point as you. First, I suggest you win the battle against your mind (check your vocabulary -- "terrified,", "fear"... "worried"). That frame of mind will defeat you before you get out of bed. How about reframing your identity and what you have to offer the world in powerful and positive terms. Take a glance at Tik Tok if you can stand it, and you'll discover how much younger generations need the maturity and wisdom and experience that someone like you can contribute.

    To complete my story, I continued researching and honing my skills during my ten months of unemployment and followed up with some contacts in my professional network and went back to work. The next eight and a half years proved to be the most rewarding of my career. I've now been retired for a decade and mining my career and life to write essays and my first book. Be bold, be strong and remember no matter what path you choose, "God's not finished with you yet!"      more

    1

  • Wendy Beck

    1d

    I found myself in a similar situation 7 years ago. Spent over 25 years working in the same industry - took a leap of faith to get in on the ground... floor of a venture that was supposed to be huge and it crashed and burned due to poor choices made by the CEO - leaving me unemployed. Every opportunity that was available in my field wanted to pay me thousands less than what I had been making or was worth and I felt taken advantage of, so I decided to change course, get my real estate license, work for myself and never looked back. Best decision ever. more

  • Okaba David

    2d

    It's so painful to loose a job especially when you have no idea of what to do next, but try to watch the clips of Prophet Samuel Kakande on YouTube... you will get an answer to your questions.
    Just type the Kakande ministries and see the miracles Good has done in our lives. Thanks.     more

  • Errol Britt

    3d

    Yes, there's remote work but also, there are other sidehustles and other ways of making money. For instance, if you have a decent vehicle, and the... will, you could do food, medicine delivery,..things that people who may not be able to otherwise have the best of transportation, you could assist them. Maybe even with those two in combination, you could provide your own patient/general transportation services at little lower prices than Uber/Lyft, etc. in your area. Or you could contract out your services to companies in/around the area. That not only would keep you busy, but paid, and at less risk, or worrying abour losing your employment,..b/c you now work for who??..."Yourself (and to some degree, on your own terms). Now, I just gave you 3 ways to make yourself income w/o in a way having to count on someone for your livelihood. Add on another side hustle where you able to assist a company or something remotely while in your downtime between jobs, you just removed the "redundancy." more

  • Tauna Petersen

    3
    6d

    I'm sorry to hear that Sarah. But you're right maybe it is God telling you to slow down. If you want a free second option on your finances, I provide... a free consultation to people, worst-case you know that what you have in place is good and you're financially set more

  • LOGISTICS Jones

    12
    6d

    Im sorry to hear that. But God gave you breath not to be dependable in playing support in someone else’s dream. Have Faith! You are the resource, the... cup that is running over No matter the outside circumstances . MCC ( millionaire collective corcle)is a group that shows you how to create digital products that speaks to your heart and attracts your tribe. You will get the tools, support and even a start up store for $30. If this speaks to you, ill let you know how to get started. I am the founder and was homeless and witnessed my bro death right in front of me. I asked God how can i pay it forward the tools that was given to me to get through it all and came up with this more

  • kibet wesley

    9
    6d

    I wanted to comment but realised I don't know the country you come from. Labour laws reflect international standards. Redundancy is effective for... those who may have worked for less than three months or at most six months probation period. It is with sadness to see you having worked for longer period. However,hasn't your job been continous. That's to say, having you been working on renewal contractual terms each less than three months in recurrent for your stated time. Weren't you a member of any employees union? If you have all signed employment terms then try filing your grievance with the labour industrial court before taking personal direction.  more

  • Eserophe Esemiteye

    6d

    I have been looking for remote work over two years but none yet

  • Margo Bell

    6d

    Do not be terrified just change the course. This may have set the course for something better at this stage of your life.

  • Uma Aggarwal

    24
    1w

    Sarah
    The days of somebody working all their life at one company are behind us. It is becoming more like 3-4 stints, of 7-10 years. Obviously it hurts... your pride, your self confidence and begins a new worry. But it is time to move on. A lot of people have ended up with better careers after being let go, But cast aside all negativity first. Kick out all the anger, hate and self pity to start moving towards a better tomorrow.
    Read the advice of Career Development. All those points are very helpful and point the way to a brighter tomorrow. In large companies, redundancies are pretty well explained in writing. You should get hold of whatever is available in writing. Ask questions where necessary. You should have already applied for unemployment compensation.
    Pay attention to your resume. Have it critiqued by many. Now step out in the world with great attitude, confidence in your abilities and look for a fitting job and organization.
    Good luck, Sarah. Show them what you are made of.
     more

  • Nicole Gardner

    1w

    There's always remote work