Congratulations Terrell...very pleased you had a "soft landing". You may feel so lucky to have this job and there is probably much truth there. But equally true, if not more so, your new employer is quite fortunate to have you. Enjoy this new "marriage ".
I was made redundant last year, and managed to get a new job within three months. At the time it felt like an eternity, but now I see both fiends and others I don’t know talking about how their unemployment journey has spread to six months, a year, longer - and I feel very lucky.
Well done on hitting the ball that came your way out of the park Terrell; and getting used to going into the office full time again (which I can’t imagine - three days a week for me, two at home is enough!).
Right there with you, Craig! Your schedule sounds PERFECT, by the way! And yes, I'm definitely seeing stories just like the ones you mention... it's not easy out there right now, for sure.
Several things changed for me in my late 30s. I decided that being a physical therapist just wasn't the "fit" I thought it would be. I took a job in a school as an ed tech in special education after the birth of my third child and decided I really wanted to be a teacher. I went to school at night for that while continuing my paraprofessional job during the day. After three years, I was certified to teach. I secured a teaching job in the school I was working in. I think back and wonder how this all worked out for me. I am forever grateful for the change I made. As always, thank you for sharing your journey, Terrell. Your attitude is commendable:)
It takes a lot of courage to make that kind of change when you have three little ones to take care of -- and belief in yourself! I'm inspired by your conviction, Debby -- this is something I'm going to think about and noodle on. There's something about turns in our lives that we need to make them when the opportunities come, isn't there?
I also got laid off from my full-time day job in January, Terrell. I was the main breadwinner of the family, and I've worked from home since 2015. I'm working part time, but it's tough out there. The severance is dwindling, and I just don't know how the next few months is going to play out.
Derek, I feel for you, big time. I’m glad you have the part time gig for now — that’s a good thing. How has the response been when you’ve applied for jobs lately? (And have you noticed any recent trend up or down?)
Congratulations on the new role (& chapter). I like your wife's advice not to focus on the age thing. Unfortunately, even if you don't others will and one of the skills you'll be honing in your new chapter will be dealing with that. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks for following up on your post about the layoff with this good news. I’m glad to hear you’ve found a new gig, and I hope this new phase of your work life is called “fulfilling!”
Before the pandemic crushed it out of existence, I worked at The Trial Lawyer's College in Dubois, Wyoming. We had students from all over. There was a woman who had retired at 65, and she was on a full scholarship to UW to get her law degree. She had every intention of practicing, too. I think such a perspective on age is wholesome.
I am THRILLED you found a new job...Even though it has elements that might not be your first choice! As for aging...Check out Ageist magazine (free, via email)--I love it--because it's about what I call "renegade aging"--as in refusing to buy into those old narratives/constructs. Congratulations again...and phew! D
Thanks, Diana! 🙏 I’m relieved as much as anything, but I’m also excited to be out there again. I will definitely check out the magazine! Where can I find it?
If I can message you via Substack, I'll send you the link--or, you can email me at diana@dianamwilson.com and I'll forward you a coup of the latest digital issue. I LOVE it. It will fill you with hope versus anxiety.
Oops I mean about the age thing. Congratulations on the new job!!! I quit the post office at 38 and went to nursing school I graduated that in 2011 went to NP school finished that in 2017. ….. still don’t know what I wasn’t to be when I grow up but I was at the post office during anthrax scare and ER during COVID so watch out world 😳😬
blessings to you as you go through this transition. It's not easy, and you're doing a great job leaning into all the things to learn in this new situation.
Between the lines, though, I sense your grief.
You've lost a lot of things: a job, the ability to work from home, a set environment where you felt comfortable and productive.
It IS like being in a new school - and that's stressful. You're wonderfully philosophical about it all.
And so - as someone on the cusp of 60 - I'm going to give you some advice....
Don't forget that where you are now is not THERE. You're not where you're called to be - yet. It doesn't seem so, from the way you share about it.
This is the place you need to be - and need to learn from - on your way THERE.
Congratulations Terrell...very pleased you had a "soft landing". You may feel so lucky to have this job and there is probably much truth there. But equally true, if not more so, your new employer is quite fortunate to have you. Enjoy this new "marriage ".
Thanks so much, Clark! 🙏
I was made redundant last year, and managed to get a new job within three months. At the time it felt like an eternity, but now I see both fiends and others I don’t know talking about how their unemployment journey has spread to six months, a year, longer - and I feel very lucky.
Well done on hitting the ball that came your way out of the park Terrell; and getting used to going into the office full time again (which I can’t imagine - three days a week for me, two at home is enough!).
Right there with you, Craig! Your schedule sounds PERFECT, by the way! And yes, I'm definitely seeing stories just like the ones you mention... it's not easy out there right now, for sure.
Several things changed for me in my late 30s. I decided that being a physical therapist just wasn't the "fit" I thought it would be. I took a job in a school as an ed tech in special education after the birth of my third child and decided I really wanted to be a teacher. I went to school at night for that while continuing my paraprofessional job during the day. After three years, I was certified to teach. I secured a teaching job in the school I was working in. I think back and wonder how this all worked out for me. I am forever grateful for the change I made. As always, thank you for sharing your journey, Terrell. Your attitude is commendable:)
It takes a lot of courage to make that kind of change when you have three little ones to take care of -- and belief in yourself! I'm inspired by your conviction, Debby -- this is something I'm going to think about and noodle on. There's something about turns in our lives that we need to make them when the opportunities come, isn't there?
Amen on that, Terrell!!
I also got laid off from my full-time day job in January, Terrell. I was the main breadwinner of the family, and I've worked from home since 2015. I'm working part time, but it's tough out there. The severance is dwindling, and I just don't know how the next few months is going to play out.
Derek, I feel for you, big time. I’m glad you have the part time gig for now — that’s a good thing. How has the response been when you’ve applied for jobs lately? (And have you noticed any recent trend up or down?)
Congratulations on the new role (& chapter). I like your wife's advice not to focus on the age thing. Unfortunately, even if you don't others will and one of the skills you'll be honing in your new chapter will be dealing with that. Enjoy the ride!
Welcome back to the busy ness world. Must be uncomfortable not working in your pjs, but that check and some news friends should help
The check definitely helps!! Thanks so much, my friend 🙏
Thanks for following up on your post about the layoff with this good news. I’m glad to hear you’ve found a new gig, and I hope this new phase of your work life is called “fulfilling!”
Thanks, Chris! I do too!
Before the pandemic crushed it out of existence, I worked at The Trial Lawyer's College in Dubois, Wyoming. We had students from all over. There was a woman who had retired at 65, and she was on a full scholarship to UW to get her law degree. She had every intention of practicing, too. I think such a perspective on age is wholesome.
Love that, Joshua — what an awesome story (and woman!)
I am THRILLED you found a new job...Even though it has elements that might not be your first choice! As for aging...Check out Ageist magazine (free, via email)--I love it--because it's about what I call "renegade aging"--as in refusing to buy into those old narratives/constructs. Congratulations again...and phew! D
Thanks, Diana! 🙏 I’m relieved as much as anything, but I’m also excited to be out there again. I will definitely check out the magazine! Where can I find it?
If I can message you via Substack, I'll send you the link--or, you can email me at diana@dianamwilson.com and I'll forward you a coup of the latest digital issue. I LOVE it. It will fill you with hope versus anxiety.
Oops I mean about the age thing. Congratulations on the new job!!! I quit the post office at 38 and went to nursing school I graduated that in 2011 went to NP school finished that in 2017. ….. still don’t know what I wasn’t to be when I grow up but I was at the post office during anthrax scare and ER during COVID so watch out world 😳😬
Ha! 🤣🤣🤣 I totally get it! (And live your story — are you still doing that now?)
So far 🤣
I’m with your wife
blessings to you as you go through this transition. It's not easy, and you're doing a great job leaning into all the things to learn in this new situation.
Between the lines, though, I sense your grief.
You've lost a lot of things: a job, the ability to work from home, a set environment where you felt comfortable and productive.
It IS like being in a new school - and that's stressful. You're wonderfully philosophical about it all.
And so - as someone on the cusp of 60 - I'm going to give you some advice....
Don't forget that where you are now is not THERE. You're not where you're called to be - yet. It doesn't seem so, from the way you share about it.
This is the place you need to be - and need to learn from - on your way THERE.
there's more in store for you.
Keep up the good work 🙌