Laid off @ 57

by Al
(Canada)

Hi all,
I worked in television for 30 years. I was recently laid off and I fell into a fairly bad depression. I wasn't planning on retirement for at least 7 more years. I loved my job.

I have found out one thing about myself. I don't do well with no schedule. I try and get busy doing odd jobs around the house and that helps. I may even go back to school just to have some routine back in my life. I spent weeks applying for every job that I could. I have been offered a minimum paying job but if I take it I will forfeit my Employment Insurance which is actually going to be more money. I'm still considering it because the alternative is laying around and I feel myself sinking deeper into depression.

This is not the way retirement was supposed to be. Why can't I just be happy? It's so hard to be done. I am at a loss and searching the internet for answers. I couldn't sleep and my Dr. Has me on antidepressants. I keep reading stuff like, get a hobby, work out, read but I'm still having a difficult time. Even if it had been voluntary I don't think it would be much different.

Anyway that's all I can say for now. This font is so small on my iPhone I'm surprised I can read it. Bye for now and if you are contemplating retirement my advice to you is "don't" -Al-

Comments for Laid off @ 57

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Dear Retirees:
by: Wendy

You guys (and gals) simply ROCK... I am so humbled by all the helpful responses!

Love You All!
Take the job
by: Anonymous

Take the job. Unemployment will pay you the
difference between your unemployment and what
your new job will pay for a total of 26 weeks. By
that time, you may get a raise at your job to make
Up for your unemployment ending.

Even though you are working, You will still simply
have to report to unemployment (online) how much
Pay you received each week.

Hope this helps.
Understand how you feel - it can get better
by: Gina London

Hi, I was somewhat manoeuvred out of my long term job and thought it would be wonderful and I'd get another job that suited me more. However in a recession and at 55 and a woman this was not doable.

I fell into a panicky depression - I have come out of it now. I volunteered and now am paid at a museum - met v nice people, I joined a choir - nice people and local social context and joined a walking group.

This gives me structure and meaning and I then "do" the rest of my life in between. That is hobbies friends and family and keeping my flat nice and cosy - did a big declutter too.

I really sympathise with you, give yourself some time and structure and things will improve - and take exercise. Change is good as they say. Good luck.

g
It's not easy
by: Cyndy

I retired at 60, couldn't take the stress any longer of my job and management who wouldn't deal with coworkers and issues within the area I worked in.

I was happy at first to be free of the stress but then sadness crept in. Those feelings of resentment and now what do I do. I have been retired almost 2 years. I did nothing the first 10 months and felt very depressed then I decided I needed to get back out there.

I work a part time job 2 days a week. Pay is peanuts compared to my other job but it's just enough to keep me busy give me some feeling of purpose and I like that. So far so good.

I worked at such a stressful job with so much overtime having free time wasn't anything I was used to. It was an adjustment.

I turned 62 this year and I am feeling better about life in general. I can understand your feelings especially if you loved your job and to be laid off would be a difficult situation. I know someone who is facing similar circumstances and I can't even imagine.

What I do know is it will get better if you want to work again try part time if it won't mess up your unemployment compensation, Your still young and have lots to offer so if you chose to work again full time go for it! I worked at my previous job 28 years so it was all I had known but now I am doing something totally different and I am happy again.

Take care of yourself first and foremost. Be gentle to yourself it's a learning process discovering things at this stage in life. Thinking of you and wishing you the best.
Life is good. No, really!
by: Doc CC, Minnesota

Yes, getting laid off really blows. A person would always like to go into retirement on their own terms, but, alas, that wasn't how it worked out for you. You must have heard the old cliché about "making lemonade out of a lemon", but you have it in your power to do just that.

I get it, you prefer routines, but, take it from me, escaping the routine can be a rather positive experience in and of itself.

I had a nice career and went just about as far as my abilities could take me, but I leaped at the chance to bail out at age 62 and have never looked back. I have done so many things since retirement that I never had the time or energy to do while working full-time. It has been a revelation.

Why work at unchallenging jobs when your government stipend is a better option? If you are in need of more money, O.K., but working just to be working is not a logical approach.

I did take several post-grad courses at my alma mater, but I did so simply to savor the collegiate ambience and enjoy the learning experience -- nothing more. You had thought about doing that, so go for it. I can't recommend it too highly.

Bottom line, your situation is what it is and you should try to derive enjoyment from your free time and not look at that time as a curse, but instead a blessing. Having some fun is way better than Zoloft. I wish you well.

As we say in Minnesota, "it could be worse".
Same thing happened to me
by: Anonymous

I was 61 when I was laid off. And it came as a big surprise .

I still had a mortgage to pay off and finish paying for a Grandson,s college.

I went down hill fast. Sat in my chair doing nothing. Causing several health issues. Then no health insurance.

Was in the hospital several times. Lost my house. The home I was raised in.

After nearly dieing on one of those hospital visits I gave myself a big talk.

I am not great but much better than I was. I get up each day and make myself do something.
I believe it is a lot of mind over matter. You just have to make yourself move on.

I hope you find your way.
do want you want
by: Bob - Tucson

One year ago I retired, by plan, at 60. After 40 years in the head down, ass up corporate rat race I called it quits. Took lots of planning and even more savings :-)

I lived in CT and worked in NYC so we sold it all, sent the kid to college in Philly and moved to sunny southern Arizona.

I chose the segment of my corporate life I liked best, established a boutique consulting firm and hit the networking trail. Work has been slow but making new connections has been fun, my time is my own and I won't let it interfere with 3 days a week of tennis.

I too was very structured and everyone was worried about me.

Best advice - retirement is about doing what you want but it's also about being able to NOT do what you don't want.

Tap into your past corporate life, do what you really like, shove the rest aside, stay fit and live in a place & climate that makes you happy.
Passion
by: Carol Lynn Parker

Isn't there something you are really passionate about? Even in your distant memory, before you were employed, was there nothing that you really got excited about doing.

Retirement should not be about filling your time or trying to establish a routine. You are not a robot..(I speculate).

Think hard or remember, imagine what you like to do so much you can hardly wait to get at it every morning.
Laid off
by: Connecticut

I have been laid off four times in my career. Once just before 911 when the internet was shutdown and our way of life altered forever. It took me a year to find a job. I was laid off in my 30's,40's,50's and at 60.

My job never defined who I was. I had to work since I am self supporting and I still am.

Working should provide a roof over your head, support for yourself and your family. It's not a lifestyle.

There is life after a working career.

You may have to take less money at 57. If you need to take the job at that point do so, but keep looking for other work.

Companies today don't care about people, they look to their profit margin charts death by Power Point I call it. The bottom line.

So you pursue your job search interview them, check them out on Glassdoor.com. Be picky and selective.

There are plenty of not for profits that could use your experience. Pick one and network.

Never ever downgrade or belittle yourself.



laid off at 57
by: corvairbob

this of this as an unplanned vacation. in my early years i was laid off every year, and then i got into a field that kept me working. 9-11 happened and i found myself laid off again after 25 years of no layoffs. so i just coincided that as an unscheduled vacation and had fun.

i kept looking for work and that in itself was a job so just the work search as a job. another thing you can do is get into a routing like for instance radio forums and join and share your experiences.

good luck
Spent 30 years in tv too.
by: Bruce

Look... the business changed, big time. What was a collegial business where folks did the right thing became an ageist game of lifeboat survival. Also, as new younger regimes came in older folks, despite vital experience and outlook, were marginallized.

What you need to do is institute some kind of schedule and fit through the depression.... Go to the gym three times a week...hire a trainer.... break the routine... and forget t.v....

Yes, these were interesting jobs but now they only represent a need for life long learning and a desire to focus on trends that matter to your life. period.

You might also look for a few folks who you know to share in the pain. That's valid, but it can't stop you from moving forward and realizing that the good old times weren't good for a while.
Laid Off
by: Elna Nugent, Lenox, MA

Al:

I think it's about time colleges and universities offerred adult night classes entitled "What happens when we retire?"

This is an extremely important time of life but retirees and especially early retirees often feel lost and wonder who they are without their work identities.

All of our lives we have managed to distract ourselves with busyness and activity so that we don't have to wonder who we are, what's life all about, and what in heaven's name we are doing here on this magnificent clump of earth.

I believe we are here for a very specific purpose, and that we are given challenges that help us develop physical,emotional, and psychological muscle, while learning important lessons.

Psyching out and discovering our purpose for our life here is a fabulous journey.

Elna
LAID OFF AT 57
by: LINDA/CA

WHAT A BUMMER. 57 IS TOO YOUNG TO BE LAID OFF. LOOK FOR MORE WORK. YOU HAVE PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE. I WISH YOU ALL THE GOOD LUCK I CAN MUSTER UP. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO OUR FAMILY AND IT IS SO HARD. GOD BLESS YOU.
Consider Part Time Work
by: Crystal

Have you considered part time work? I think with unemployment, you are allowed to work several hours a week and keep your unemployment benefits. That way, you are bringing in some extra money, you have a schedule, and part time work sometimes turns into full time work. Just a thought.
It Takes Time and Patience
by: Linda/Nevada

I'm going on my second year of retirement and it has not been easy. It's similar to getting a divorce or losing a partner. You feel like you lost a part of your life that can't be replaced.

I had good days because I felt free from work related stress and I've had bad days because I can't figure out how to feel the void.

It might sound a little phony but I have learned a lot about myself studying palmistry. If you find a really good and easy to understand book, you can find answers that will help you understand yourself better.

I have more acceptance and peace these days because I have a clearer understanding of who I am and what makes me the person I am. I live one day at a time and I challenge myself to not look back at a time that is no longer a part of my life.

I don't feel lost anymore and that black cloud over my head is floating away.
Basic things to do
by: Anonymous

First, be sure to get enough magnesium in your diet.
This may seem strange but it is a crucial mineral in our bodies.

Exercise in moderation and get some morning sunshine every day if possible.
Comments for Laid Off
by: Nancy

When I was 56, I had a new supervisor who decided he hated me and wanted me gone. He was very successfully manipulative with his boss, so he made my life hell. I was able to get a transfer back to my old job and successfully stayed employed; however, it was never the same so I found another job at age 58 and started it.

However, when I retired at age 62, almost 63, I felt like it was a big mistake and I had a terrible time adjusting, like you. Depression, feelings of worthlessness.

I looked for jobs. I realized that if I took a job like the minimum wage job you described, the problem wouldn't be the low pay. The problem would be how people treat you at that low wage.

This is a great group here. Also Wendy has a Facebook page which is very helpful.

Sounds to me you are not ready to throw in the towel. I wasn't at age 58. And I found something suitable at that age and you will too.
Hey Al...
by: Wendy

I wonder what you did in tv for all those years...
wonder if you'd like to connect with video (as in YouTube) community of business owners who are learning to do video and ranking on YT. Maybe you'd find it interesting??

Just an idea off the top of my head...

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