Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI
This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Angie Longacre, a freelancer in Pennsylvania, about her experience getting laid off at 54. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I started my career as a graphic designer. I loved to write on the side, for fun. The idea of writing professionally was scary.
I got laid off from a job in 2013. While I was looking for another one, I saw an ad looking for writers for books on different topics for beginners. I submitted a proposal to write a book about being gluten-free for beginners, as I'd had to avoid eating gluten for 15 years. They accepted my proposal, and I spent three months writing it.
In the end, nothing came of the book. I wasn't paid, and it wasn't published, but I sent the manuscript as a writing sample for a content writing job with a dental marketing company.
I got the job in 2014. After three months, I asked if I could work remotely and they agreed. I moved out of Seattle to a much cheaper area north of the city because I thought I no longer had to worry about my commute. But, I was laid off six months later, at the end of my contract.
It was really scary because it was an hour's commute from Seattle. Remote work was not normal at that time, and I was worried about finding another job.
By then I'd built a writing portfolio. I treated job hunting like a full-time job.
I got another job as a content writer, but the company went bankrupt within a year and a half.
I got laid off four more times and bounced back after each one. It helped that I knew it was the nature of the industry. Getting positive feedback from the companies I worked with gave me confidence.
I landed my most recent job in August 2022. I worked as a content writer and editor for another company. I was laid off for a sixth time in June 2023.
At first, I wasn't concerned — I'd always found a job within a month or two. I hoped I wouldn't find a job too quickly because I wanted to enjoy the summer. I'm fortunate enough to have a partner who could support me financially in times like this.
When I kept getting rejection responses, I didn't understand what was going on. I applied to 300 jobs and had four interviews. For one, the hiring manager told me she loved my portfolio. Another, which I applied for through a recruiter, said the interview went well and they liked me. But I still didn't get the job in either case. The recruiter seemed baffled.
I updated my résumé three times. I'm following trends and research about cover letters, and I tailor cover letters to the jobs. I'm not sending out stock applications. It's frustrating.
At 55, I'm at a point in my life where I thought I would be comfortable and settled. I don't have enough savings to retire. I thought I'd be working another 10 or 15 years. Older people have experience and a lot to give.
I know the job market is competitive right now, but it feels like ageism is playing a part. I don't have education dates on my résumé so employers can't tell my age as easily.
While I look for a job, I've started writing a book and I'm setting up an Etsy store selling wood carvings as a side hustle. I'm determined to make it work, but I also fear failure. I won't know how much money I'll make each month through the store, and I appreciated the steady paycheck I had in my previous job.
But, losing my steady graphic design job made room for a new, successful career. Perhaps the same will happen again.
If you have been laid off in your 50s or 60s and would like to share your story, email ehopkins@businessinsider.com.
