Losing a job unexpectedly is tough—especially when you’ve spent years building your career and reputation.
At 55, I found myself in that exact situation, blindsided by a layoff I never saw coming.
What followed was an emotional rollercoaster and a series of missteps that made an already difficult experience even harder.
Looking back, I can see where I went wrong—and more importantly, how I found my way forward.
I’m sharing my story in the hope that it helps someone else going through the same thing.
The Emotional Whiplash
When my boss called me into his office, I had no reason to believe anything was wrong. The company was doing well, and my performance had been strong.
But within minutes, my world flipped upside down.
"We’re restructuring. Your position is being eliminated."
That was it. No warning. No discussion. Just a polite thank you for my years of service and a severance package.
I walked out of that office in a daze. Over the next few days, the emotions hit me like a tidal wave: anger, embarrassment, fear, anxiety, grief, insecurity.
I’d built my career through hard work, strategic thinking, and strong relationships—yet none of that had saved me from being let go.
And here’s where I made my first mistake.
The Wrong Move: Jumping into a Frantic Job Search
Like many people in my position, I panicked. I felt an urgent need to prove my worth, to show that I could land on my feet quickly.
So, I did what I thought I was supposed to do:
- I applied for dozens of jobs—many of which I wasn’t even excited about.
- I sent generic resumes instead of tailoring them to specific roles.
- I reached out to recruiters who barely responded or told me I was “overqualified.”
- I faced rejection after rejection, which only deepened my self-doubt.
- I started to wonder if I’d ever work again.
Each rejection hit harder than the last.
I felt invisible.
Irrelevant.
Worse, I started to believe it.
What I Should Have Done Instead
Looking back, I realize that jumping into job applications before I had processed my emotions and reassessed my goals was a mistake. Here’s what I wish I had done first:
1️⃣ Allowed Myself to Grieve – Losing a job is like losing part of your identity. It’s okay to take time to process it.
2️⃣ Talked to People Who Understood – I isolated myself when I should have leaned on my network. A trusted friend or mentor can provide perspective.
3️⃣ Focused on Self-Care – Exercise, mindfulness, and simple daily routines can help clear the mental fog and reduce stress.
4️⃣ Evaluated My Next Steps – Instead of chasing another corporate job, I should have asked myself: What do I really want next?
5️⃣ Reframed My Experience – I wasn’t “too old.” I had decades of knowledge that companies still needed—I just had to rethink how I offered it.
The Turning Point: Reskilling and Repositioning Myself
After months of frustration, I reached out to an old colleague, Mark, who had successfully transitioned into consulting.
Over coffee, he said something that changed everything:
"Ted, companies aren’t hiring executives like they used to—but they still need experts.
You don’t need another job. You need to reposition yourself."
That conversation flipped a switch in my mind. Instead of seeing my age and experience as obstacles, I started to see them as assets.
So, I took action:
✅ I Invested in Learning – I took courses on AI, consulting, and digital strategy to stay ahead of industry trends.
✅ I Built My Thought Leadership – I started writing LinkedIn articles and sharing insights from my years of experience.
✅ I Reconnected with My Network – Instead of asking for a job, I asked how I could help. Opportunities started opening up.
✅ I Explored Consulting – My first project came from a former client who needed strategy expertise but couldn’t afford a full-time hire.
✅ I Created My Own Path – Within six months, I was earning more than I had at my corporate job—but this time, I was in control.
What I Learned
Losing a job felt like losing my identity.
But in reality, it gave me the chance to reinvent myself in a way I never would have if I had stayed in my corporate role.
If you’ve been let go and feel lost, know this:
✅ Your skills are still valuable—you just need to adapt.
✅ Your network is stronger than you think—lean on it.
✅ Your next chapter might not be another job—it might be something even better.
You’re not starting over.
You’re leveling up.
If you’re facing a career transition, take a breath.
Pause before you panic.
Reflect before you react.
And most importantly, know that this could be the beginning of something greater than you ever imagined.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Ted
