You want to know what's terrifying? Getting laid off at 59 years old. I'm a 59 year old woman.
Y'all know what affinity bias is, right?
If not, here's a basic definition: the tendency to favor people who share similar interests, backgrounds, and experiences with us.
People who are different; including people of a different generation (years gone by), often get excluded from this tech driven world we so squarely live in. I have affinity bias about my mom and technology. I think she's certainly going to mess up her phone or television just pounding on buttons in frustration.
My mother is perfectly capable of growing into a current day technology user.
But me? Why would I fear a job market that is technology driven and also the industry I worked in for 12 years? Why do I hide my gray with hair dye? Why do I beat younger workers to the joke about being old? Because I dread the thought of starting over at a new corporate job at 59 years old.
Older women are more economically vulnerable. ...
- Women's earning power declines with age
- Older women face limited career advancement opportunities
- Race adds another layer
- Older women workers are also subject to “lookism”
(Gendered Ageism: Unveiling Challenges Faced by Older Women in the Workforce, March 7, 2024, https://www.centerforworkforceinclusion.org/gendered-ageism-unveiling-challenges-faced-by-older-women-in-the-workforce/)
And you know what's crazy? Older women are the people others turn to for support when they just don't know what to do. People confide in us. They trust us. So what is it? Fear from leaders in the workplace? I can't tell you the last time I had a boss older than me, and the last few could have been my sons.
I admit that I had to really bite my tongue at what I perceived as stupidity from some of them, but I also had the urge to adopt at least one. So they're not all bad bosses. It's just that the affinity bias is air tight in the workplace. Young men hire young men. …and for a little less status and pay, young women.
We are not in the pay and promotion equity new world. Many companies are trying, but DEI suddenly became a bad word. It's too “woke.” And I don't have a job.
But that's ok.
At my age, I'm smart enough to know just how to negotiate a quickly agreed upon severance package. I feel good about the time I have to “start over.” I will use my life experience, my long list of skillsets (both technical and soft), and all of my 30 years of mistakes to rebuild myself into a helper. I've always been a servant leader, and that means I lead by helping.
So, if you're older and in my position - laid off - don't be ashamed, don't be prideful, and don't give up. If you're still in the window to do so, negotiate that severance package. Do it gracefully, but “use” your age and gender to make the case that the road will be much harder for you. Don't go crazy, but make a reasonable counteroffer. The worst that happens is you're told, “no.”
Read that severance package carefully. If you don't understand it, either reach out to your former HR department, or find a workforce advocate to explain it to you. Not too many people are really absorbing what they're being told about severance when they're getting fired, so make sure you fully understand the package. And BE GRACEFUL. You can speak your mind, but don't be ugly. In reductions in force situations, the employees are usually re-hirable. Make sure you don't change that status because you're mad.
Start cutting those frivolous services and subscriptions. You can always bring them back. Reduce regular monthly donations if you have to. I love my causes, and I love to support them, but for now, it won't be my money, but my time that I will give.
Put that severance in some kind of high yield savings instrument that allows you to access it on a scheduled basis so that you can make a little money as you're forced to spend it on the cost of living.
Apply for unemployment. You paid into the system, so now it's there for you. And take a beat. Just give yourself time to breath, cry, freak out, and most importantly DREAM.
You are one of the most experienced people in the workforce, so you can DREAM and explore a path forward that excites you every day when you get up.
For me? I defined my ideal workday some time ago. I want to get up everyday and make a positive difference in people's lives.
“I am wealthy and sustained by the positive impact I create every day.”
If I can help you find your path or hone up on skills you believe you'll need, let me know. Don't hesitate to reach out. If you're young and feel like you're flailing in the workforce, I can definitely help you! Remember, it's the older women people seek out when they most need support. Seek me out.
christy@christyclaxton.com