With the U.S. feeling like a pinball machine flashing TILT and the white-collar job market informally closed to anyone older than 55, it's time to build "spiritual strength."
Excellent article! My little piece of advice that I have recently incorporated into my own life, is don’t underestimate even the smallest steps or changes you can make, and don’t be afraid to try them. For example, I am making a point that at the beginning of my day, everyday, to not look at any devices (phone, tablet, computer, etc.). Instead, if possible (knowing full well that everyone’s life and responsibilities are unique) spend 5-10 minutes just sitting and breathing. If you want to sip on your coffee that is fine, but don’t do anything else. I have found this simple 5-10 minute habit to help me immensely with mental health and fortitude and sets a stable tone for my day.
TR, thank you for mentioning that. I could not possibly agree more with you about building a habit of not allowing phones and devices to start your day with you. They're vectors to stress and anxiety more than anything else, so removing them from your first waking moments is honestly one of the healthiest things I began doing over the last several years. I appreciate you mentioning it.
Thank you for sharing this. I lost everything in 2008/09 in the housing market bubble in Florida. I was divorced, lost all my writing gigs with print newspapers and magazines. I was 45/46 at the time and ended up on welfare with my kids who were 4 and 7 at the time. It was hell. Thankfully the contacts I made over years of interviewing cool people led me to being an editor and writer in the digital realm and eventually at 50 I launched my own publication. I did not foreseee being a paid influencer (the concept didn't even exist) but that's where it all led me (I tend to lean into the evolution of communications) and I've been making a living full-time with my own brand for 12 years. I have and still do write for publications (the latest was Business Insider), mostly for the byline. Anyhow, been there done that, and I feel you're going to figure it out. For one this Substack is one of the most interesting ones I'm subscribed to. Thank you for that.
The corporate world’s loss is our gain! Thank you Paul for reminding us about resilience especially over 50. In 2020, my law firm imploded during covid when our senior partner passed away with no succession plan. I had been a paid W2 partner my entire career (34 plus years) essentially working for one boutique law firm. I had a handful of my own clients to whom I felt responsible to finish their work. I had 30 days to find another position or… start my own firm? I did not know anything about running my own firm. But, with the help of friends, colleagues, my long time secretary and an audio book called “How To Start Your Own Small Law Firm”, I figured it out. 3 years later- I am busier than I want to be at Lauren, 6.7( refer to Paul’s earlier piece on aging)! Kudos to us who remain resilient. Hang in there Paul- I love your weekly pieces!
Lauren 6.7, thanks for sharing that remarkable story. As I was reading your comment I started hearing a song in the back of my head: "I get by with a little help from my friends…"
One thing I learned in my 40s is that we are each, all of us, capable of so much more than we think we can achieve. Pushed to create, solve, repair or invent, we do. We just have to keep going through hard times to see the results, which are most often non-linear and not what we had expected.
Strange are the kinds of doors that open when you start pushing through the first few.
Great insights. I’ve started memorizing passages or poems I find simple and inspirational to repeat and reinforce w myself. This one is a print I have in my home:
Normal Day:
Let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest for some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Sandy, great stuff. I love this. Thank you for sharing. Your comment reminds me that I forgot to include the word gratitude in my post. It belongs there, certainly. For anyone who sees that word and thinks it's a little too fluffy, the practice of regularly reminding oneself of what there is to be thankful for is a powerful antidote to the ups and downs of a job search, an injury or other setbacks life throws at you. Gratitude is a wonder drug.
Still working on memorizing this one - but it hits on your "spiritual" comment, who doesn't need the occasional "sudden gleam divine"? OK, I'll stop now - make it a great day!
Hast never come to thee an hour,
A sudden gleam divine, precipitating, bursting all these
bubbles, fashion, wealth?
These eager business aims -- books, politics, art, amours,
Bravo Paul! I think this should be your hero post—literally. Speaking of the cyclical nature of things, this reminds me of the saying, “Strong men make good times—good times make weak men—weak men make hard times—hard times make strong men.” Im forwarding this to a friend who’s gotten her ass handed to her after a year of futile job searches. 🦬
Marcella, thanks for your comment; love that quotation. Seems to fit the situation. Send your friend over. We'll leave a plate and a beer on the table for her. Light is always on.
Oof. My husband experienced a similar RIF in 2023 - he's a molecular biologist in biotech who went through the same challenging job search process you described. At 59, ageism was definitely on our radar. I did an overhaul of his wardrobe and reassessed his haircut, facial hair, etc., but he still encountered all the bad behavior you describe. He's such a genuinely kind person that this was really hard to watch. It took two years to find our footing after a long period of unemployment, then underemployment with a job at half the salary on second shift in a completely different industry. We did whatever we had to do, and he'll have to retire later than planned. All that to say, we understand, and we're sorry this happened to you too. But we're so glad you found your way to "Aging With Strength"!
Rachel, thanks for sharing that. It's like running a marathon in 90-degree heat (which I've never done, btw). You just need to stay hydrated and keep visualizing yourself crossing the finish line. I'm glad you and your husband have reached a point of equilibrium after some really hard times.
I love that you landed at the realization that you you didn’t need an employer to give you permission to bring your creativity to the marketplace. Each of us has a seed of creativity within us and choosing to create is what we were created to do. I just turned 63 and even though I have been self employed for 24 years, I have only recently begun to discover the value of my years of life experience and I am starting to write. I hope to inspire more people to recognize that a lifetime of experience makes you of great value in the marketplace, not over the hill. Keep writing and remember that you don’t need permission to share your insights with the world!
I appreciate this work! For me, aging snuck in between organizational collapses, after the housing screw-over that I in no way understood, becoming disabled with ongoing health issues, & a series of 'unfortunate events' (lol, really). It's the first time I haven't been able to reestablish some sense of normalcy. There aren't many people NOT being impacted with significant stressors now, & understanding that in the context of getting older is helpful. I keep thinking that I can't be the 'only one'. These writings are both practical & help me know I am not.
I really loved this piece; hearing a bit of your backstory really helps to put your whole project into context, humanises it all in a really powerful way.
Drew, thanks for your note. I appreciate that. I'm always concerned about being too indulgent in my posts so it's good to know this was helpful and not TMI.
I appreciate how your articles are candid and informative.
If more journalists were this way, I’d watch the news. But no can do right now…
I’ve shared my story before but the best way I can describe my transformation from 2019 till now is it was like metamorphosis- the process of how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. 🦋
Paul & all subscribers I’m so happy we are learning to use our new wings to fly. ❤️🎊
Excellent article! My little piece of advice that I have recently incorporated into my own life, is don’t underestimate even the smallest steps or changes you can make, and don’t be afraid to try them. For example, I am making a point that at the beginning of my day, everyday, to not look at any devices (phone, tablet, computer, etc.). Instead, if possible (knowing full well that everyone’s life and responsibilities are unique) spend 5-10 minutes just sitting and breathing. If you want to sip on your coffee that is fine, but don’t do anything else. I have found this simple 5-10 minute habit to help me immensely with mental health and fortitude and sets a stable tone for my day.
TR, thank you for mentioning that. I could not possibly agree more with you about building a habit of not allowing phones and devices to start your day with you. They're vectors to stress and anxiety more than anything else, so removing them from your first waking moments is honestly one of the healthiest things I began doing over the last several years. I appreciate you mentioning it.
Thank you for sharing this. I lost everything in 2008/09 in the housing market bubble in Florida. I was divorced, lost all my writing gigs with print newspapers and magazines. I was 45/46 at the time and ended up on welfare with my kids who were 4 and 7 at the time. It was hell. Thankfully the contacts I made over years of interviewing cool people led me to being an editor and writer in the digital realm and eventually at 50 I launched my own publication. I did not foreseee being a paid influencer (the concept didn't even exist) but that's where it all led me (I tend to lean into the evolution of communications) and I've been making a living full-time with my own brand for 12 years. I have and still do write for publications (the latest was Business Insider), mostly for the byline. Anyhow, been there done that, and I feel you're going to figure it out. For one this Substack is one of the most interesting ones I'm subscribed to. Thank you for that.
The corporate world’s loss is our gain! Thank you Paul for reminding us about resilience especially over 50. In 2020, my law firm imploded during covid when our senior partner passed away with no succession plan. I had been a paid W2 partner my entire career (34 plus years) essentially working for one boutique law firm. I had a handful of my own clients to whom I felt responsible to finish their work. I had 30 days to find another position or… start my own firm? I did not know anything about running my own firm. But, with the help of friends, colleagues, my long time secretary and an audio book called “How To Start Your Own Small Law Firm”, I figured it out. 3 years later- I am busier than I want to be at Lauren, 6.7( refer to Paul’s earlier piece on aging)! Kudos to us who remain resilient. Hang in there Paul- I love your weekly pieces!
Lauren 6.7, thanks for sharing that remarkable story. As I was reading your comment I started hearing a song in the back of my head: "I get by with a little help from my friends…"
One thing I learned in my 40s is that we are each, all of us, capable of so much more than we think we can achieve. Pushed to create, solve, repair or invent, we do. We just have to keep going through hard times to see the results, which are most often non-linear and not what we had expected.
Strange are the kinds of doors that open when you start pushing through the first few.
Hang in there, L6.7!
— Paul 5.8
Great insights. I’ve started memorizing passages or poems I find simple and inspirational to repeat and reinforce w myself. This one is a print I have in my home:
Normal Day:
Let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest for some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may.
Good stuff.
Sandy, great stuff. I love this. Thank you for sharing. Your comment reminds me that I forgot to include the word gratitude in my post. It belongs there, certainly. For anyone who sees that word and thinks it's a little too fluffy, the practice of regularly reminding oneself of what there is to be thankful for is a powerful antidote to the ups and downs of a job search, an injury or other setbacks life throws at you. Gratitude is a wonder drug.
Still working on memorizing this one - but it hits on your "spiritual" comment, who doesn't need the occasional "sudden gleam divine"? OK, I'll stop now - make it a great day!
Hast never come to thee an hour,
A sudden gleam divine, precipitating, bursting all these
bubbles, fashion, wealth?
These eager business aims -- books, politics, art, amours,
To utter nothingness? Whitman, "Leaves of Grass"
Bravo Paul! I think this should be your hero post—literally. Speaking of the cyclical nature of things, this reminds me of the saying, “Strong men make good times—good times make weak men—weak men make hard times—hard times make strong men.” Im forwarding this to a friend who’s gotten her ass handed to her after a year of futile job searches. 🦬
Marcella, thanks for your comment; love that quotation. Seems to fit the situation. Send your friend over. We'll leave a plate and a beer on the table for her. Light is always on.
Thanks Paul! Put the Phillies game on while you’re at it. She’s a big fan. ⚾️
Oof. My husband experienced a similar RIF in 2023 - he's a molecular biologist in biotech who went through the same challenging job search process you described. At 59, ageism was definitely on our radar. I did an overhaul of his wardrobe and reassessed his haircut, facial hair, etc., but he still encountered all the bad behavior you describe. He's such a genuinely kind person that this was really hard to watch. It took two years to find our footing after a long period of unemployment, then underemployment with a job at half the salary on second shift in a completely different industry. We did whatever we had to do, and he'll have to retire later than planned. All that to say, we understand, and we're sorry this happened to you too. But we're so glad you found your way to "Aging With Strength"!
Rachel, thanks for sharing that. It's like running a marathon in 90-degree heat (which I've never done, btw). You just need to stay hydrated and keep visualizing yourself crossing the finish line. I'm glad you and your husband have reached a point of equilibrium after some really hard times.
I love that you landed at the realization that you you didn’t need an employer to give you permission to bring your creativity to the marketplace. Each of us has a seed of creativity within us and choosing to create is what we were created to do. I just turned 63 and even though I have been self employed for 24 years, I have only recently begun to discover the value of my years of life experience and I am starting to write. I hope to inspire more people to recognize that a lifetime of experience makes you of great value in the marketplace, not over the hill. Keep writing and remember that you don’t need permission to share your insights with the world!
Chris, wise words. I appreciate them. Thanks for sharing part of your story. Self employed for a quarter century is no mean feat. Congratulations.
I appreciate this work! For me, aging snuck in between organizational collapses, after the housing screw-over that I in no way understood, becoming disabled with ongoing health issues, & a series of 'unfortunate events' (lol, really). It's the first time I haven't been able to reestablish some sense of normalcy. There aren't many people NOT being impacted with significant stressors now, & understanding that in the context of getting older is helpful. I keep thinking that I can't be the 'only one'. These writings are both practical & help me know I am not.
Kathy, you are not alone. Thanks for sharing a piece of your story. Hang in there.
I really loved this piece; hearing a bit of your backstory really helps to put your whole project into context, humanises it all in a really powerful way.
Drew, thanks for your note. I appreciate that. I'm always concerned about being too indulgent in my posts so it's good to know this was helpful and not TMI.
I appreciate how your articles are candid and informative.
If more journalists were this way, I’d watch the news. But no can do right now…
I’ve shared my story before but the best way I can describe my transformation from 2019 till now is it was like metamorphosis- the process of how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. 🦋
Paul & all subscribers I’m so happy we are learning to use our new wings to fly. ❤️🎊
Lisa, thanks for reading. I’m glad the piece is helpful and affirming to you. Keep going.
Yup, giving up isn’t an option. However surrender is but that’s a whole other discussion