I’ve had a lot of conversations lately with friends, former clients, and colleagues who’ve been hit with late-career job loss. Smart, talented, experienced professionals — suddenly out of work and trying to make sense of what’s next. I couldn’t stay quiet. I had to write this. Because this isn’t just a career hiccup — it’s a full-on identity crisis.

But there is a way through it — and it’s more powerful than most people think.

Let’s be real — losing your job in your 50s or early 60s isn’t just a career detour. It feels like a freight train to the chest.

You’ve put in the hours, climbed the ladder, delivered results, led teams, and built a damn good resume. Then suddenly, you’re out. No warning. No parachute. Just a polite email, a final paycheck, and a head full of “what now?”

According to The Wall Street Journal, nearly 1 in 5 workers between the ages of 50 and 65 get laid off. And it’s not just about a job. It’s about losing your identity, your financial trajectory, your healthcare, and your sense of purpose — all at once. The numbers paint a rough picture:

Older workers face longer job hunts than their younger counterparts.
Those who land a new role often take a pay cut.
And retirement plans? They can get shredded if you’re forced to dip into savings early or lose access to benefits.

It’s brutal. But here’s the truth: You’re not done. Not even close.

This is your opportunity to pivot — with experience, wisdom, and firepower most job seekers don’t have. Here’s how you turn the ship around:

1. Grieve, then Get Moving

Feel the sting. It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to be scared. But don’t park there. Give yourself a week or two. Then, it’s time to start rebuilding.

2. Reignite Your Network

You’ve spent 25+ years building relationships — now is the time to use them.

Call former colleagues.
Set up coffee chats.
Reconnect on LinkedIn.

Don’t just ask for a job or to ‘pass around my resume’. Ask for insight. Who’s hiring? What problems are companies trying to solve right now? Position yourself as the answer. Get names and numbers and reach out to them yourself.

3. Update Everything

That resume from 2015? Burn it.

Focus on results and leadership.
Speak the language of today’s market.
Upgrade your LinkedIn with a bold headline and a killer summary.

You’re not “unemployed.” You’re “a strategic advisor in transition,” “a seasoned operator exploring new opportunities,” or “a transformational leader ready for the next big challenge.”

4. Join the Conversation

Get involved. Join industry groups. Attend events. Volunteer. Comment on posts. Show people you’re active and engaged — not retired.

5. Stay in Shape — Mentally and Physically

The job hunt is a grind. Work out. Read. Meditate. Learn. Keep your edge sharp. The next opportunity is going to demand your best self.

6. Plan for the Long Game

Retirement plans may need tweaking. That’s okay. Work with a pro. Create a new roadmap. This isn’t about just getting by — it’s about staying in control.

Here’s the bottom line:

Late-career job loss can shake you — but it doesn’t have to break you. You have the wisdom, experience, and grit that can’t be taught. Companies need leaders like you — they just don’t always know it yet.

So show them. Loudly. Proudly. Relentlessly.

Your next chapter? It’s not a footnote. It’s the comeback story. And it starts now.

If you are looking for more info to help you with this - check out this playbook.

If you’re navigating a late-career pivot and want an experienced partner in your corner, I help high-performing professionals bounce back, rebuild, and lead again — stronger than ever.