For our Still in the Game series, Themoneytimes has been interviewing and surveying individuals in their 50s who are navigating career transitions. As we’ve shared their struggles and successes through unemployment and professional pivots, we’ve received feedback from over 100 readers via emails and comments, many expressing the same sentiment: “Thank you for showing me that I’m not alone.”
While seeking employment or starting anew at any stage comes with challenges — especially after decades in the workforce and in today’s competitive job market — some of these obstacles may be unexpected.
One particular revelation this age group commonly shares is the sudden awareness that their professional experience doesn’t carry the weight they anticipated. As these Gen X job seekers navigate the growing pains of restarting their careers at 50, they reflect on this reality along with other significant barriers they’re encountering.
Here’s what they shared with us.
Fifty is apparently considered old
In response to our survey, a 55-year-old participant noted they’re struggling to find work because companies perceive people in their 50s as being old. “They forget that my generation is the one that, much like cockroaches, doesn’t seem to age and is really hard to eliminate,” they wrote.
Nearly all Gen X workers and job seekers we interviewed believe age discrimination is a major obstacle in their current career journey. Simultaneously, they acknowledge it’s challenging to prove. “It feels obvious to me that age is a factor in why I can’t find a job,” 56-year-old job seeker Kymm Dracup told Themoneytimes.
Overcoming AI barriers isn’t as straightforward as expected
Several individuals we spoke with also raised concerns about how AI might be preventing their applications from reaching recruiters.
They also worry that their limited AI knowledge makes them less competitive candidates. “There’s AI now, and having been out of the tech world for almost five years, catching up at 52 is a minefield,” Jodi Lynn Karpes said.
Fortunately, there are solutions to the AI challenge. For instance, Karpes, similar to other non-tech job seekers who responded to Themoneytimes, is taking courses and educating herself about AI tools.
Most companies lack basic hiring etiquette — ghosting has become the norm
It might be hard to believe, but there was once a time when companies would inform candidates if they weren’t selected.
Job seekers who have been steadily employed for the past 25 years and have suddenly found themselves in today’s challenging job market say they’re shocked by the lack of professionalism companies have displayed.
“The number of times I’ve heard about friends of mine in their 50s being ghosted — it’s such a slap in the face to people,” 56-year-old Michael Shmarak said. “I don’t care how senior or junior a role is; there’s a lack of decency, and I’d love to see that come back.”
Shmarak has also personally experienced being ghosted.
Job hunting takes a significant emotional toll
While the feeling of rejection isn’t unique to job seekers in their 50s, it was one of the most commonly shared challenges in our interviews and surveys.
Frustration. Low self-worth. Panic. Desperation. These emotions consistently emerged throughout various conversations. “Rejections are all part of the process, but it’s taken a big toll on my self-esteem and contributed to situational depression,” 57-year-old Gregory Brooks told Themoneytimes. “My job was a big part of my identity, and leaving it was a big blow.”
Job seekers in their 50s must remind themselves that age and experience are assets, not liabilities
After leaving her job of 15 years, 54-year-old Nicole Cicero secured a new position within a few months. Her best advice? Enter interviews with confidence, saying, “I know what I can do.” “It’s a mindset shift that I’ve really embraced in my 50s,” she said.
Cicero also relied on her connections and professional network to quickly transition into a new role.
Like Cicero, Shmarak shared how his change in mindset has kept him motivated despite the ghosting and rejection in his job search. “People in their 50s can learn to stop resting on the laurels of what we’ve accomplished and start focusing on the value we continue to bring,” he said.
Are you navigating a career change in your 50s? Contact this editor, Manseen Logan, at mlogan@themoneytimes.com to share your story.