This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Laura Vandemark Lynch, in her 50s, based in Long Island, New York.
I was an office manager for a multi-specialty healthcare provider for two and a half years. Then, in March 2025, the company reorganized and let several middle managers go, including me.
It was shocking because I felt like I had done so much in that particular office. But to be honest, while I was upset about my job being terminated, I was also relieved.
As a person in my late 50s working mostly with younger people, it felt like there were a lot of them trying to mold me into what they wanted.
I’ve struggled to find a job since then. This is the first time in my life that I don’t know that I’ll have a happy ending.
I know I’ll be OK, but that might mean my husband and I moving in with my mother, selling our house, or draining my 401(k). It feels like I am standing on the precipice of failure, and it’s an uncomfortable place to be, but it’s not over. Here’s what I’m doing to get by.
I’m learning new skills to create more job opportunities
When I first started applying to jobs, I was looking exclusively for in-person jobs because my role in operations management in healthcare requires me to be at the facility where I work.
I’ve found that many organizations are eliminating middle management roles, making it harder to find jobs that use my skill set, so I’ve started applying to remote roles as well on job boards and directly through company websites.
I’m trying to diversify my skills, so I’m taking a coding in healthcare course. It was a part of my most recent job that I enjoyed a lot. It’s not patient-facing, meaning it’s not necessarily a job that requires me to be in a hospital or even in person. That allows me to look into remote opportunities and office job opportunities.
I’m digging into my 401k
I’m now eating into my 401(k), and I don’t know what to do. My husband works, but losing my salary has been financially devastating.
I’m wondering whether we should move somewhere else that’s less expensive, but I don’t know what’s best.
My mom has been really supportive, and my husband has helped me look for jobs. He knows that it’s not as simple as throwing my résumé online and getting jumped on to get a job.
My family has stepped in to help me feel better about my situation
My adult son, who lives at home, keeps trying to get me to go outside and garden, even though I have a track record of killing plants. My family is trying to help in their own way, especially by getting me out of the house.
Read more stories about job hunting, unemployment, and starting over after 50.
I’ve also been teaching my son to drive, which really gets me out of my own head. Believe it or not, they help by not pushing. They know I’m doing everything I can at this point.
I feel like age is a factor, and it makes me feel invisible
I feel like my age is a factor in why I’ve struggled to get hired, although I don’t understand why.
Just because I’m in my 50s doesn’t mean my brain doesn’t function well enough to do the job. I have a lot of life experience and can handle stressful situations. In my previous jobs, I had people who relied on me and my expertise on a daily basis to help them find solutions. I went from playing an important role — having a purpose — to feeling like nothing.
It feels like being in the sixth grade and not getting chosen for dodgeball.
I have days when I wonder what the point is of getting dressed, but I’m rejecting those feelings
I try not to dwell on that feeling, but there are times I think about doing something like vacuuming the house, and I think, “What’s the point of that, too?” It’s crushing to go from being a rock for so many people to feeling irrelevant and unnecessary.
My daily struggle is not to give in to the feelings of failure. To see it, own it, feel it, and then reject it. I have days when I want to give up, but I won’t. If I could tell anybody else going through this situation anything, I’d say don’t let this be the ending of your story.
Are you navigating a career change in your 50s? Contact this reporter at [email protected] to share your story.
