I am in my fifties and was laid off at the end of 2009. I am the left’s worst nightmare. A staunch conservative that has voluntarily dropped out of the workforce, cutting our family taxable income in half. Spending my new found spare time bashing the left and working to insure they are defeated in every election until I die. My small way of going Galt.
my personal advice to the employed in this market:
1. keep your skill set very competitive. it’s a hassle but we have to constantly assess the market and then update our skills (e.g., classes, certifications) to match what is on the horizon and what recruiters currently want.
2. keep your boat in the river. keep your resume updated and out on the internet so others can decide they can’t live without you.
3. let God have control of your life and career. you can do all you can do to help your situation, but ultimately it is comforting to know that someone else is in control and has your best in mind.
Congrats. It’s so difficult. My DH started his own business because in his former field no one wanted to pay the higher cost of the experienced any more. You get so discouraged, but eventually with some creativity there is a new world out there.