Turning Job Loss at 53 into a Life-Changing Gift 

If you work in corporate, remember that most of the time, you were hired, not adopted. Your company is not your family. Everyone is replaceable. Your life and mental health are more important

Most people stay in toxic work environments because they simply need the money and health benefits.

I retired a little over 14 years ago. I am debt free and I do not have a list of health issues longer than my arm. I was laid off from my last job. I told them there were no hard feelings. I am totally free of the Car Triad.(Big Auto, Big Oil, and the Insurance Cabal). I am into the bicycle. I don't have a lot of money, but Lord I know I ham free.

“ you don’t know how tired it can make you to be anxious and depressed all the time”. Word, sister! glad I found your channel.

Well done on the ‘quiet quitting’ - there’s no need to be loyal to a company that ‘loudly’ holds an axe above people’s heads every day.

We are all replaceable to employers. No matter how wonderful you are or how amazingly you perform your job you can be replaced. A company's only objective is to "get the job done" and deep down they don't truly care who does that job but only that that job gets done.

I was 53 and let go after 34 years. I got 6 months of severance. I saw layoffs regularly and didn’t leave because I was too financially invested in benefits like salary, vacation, pension and 401k. I knew leaving was no guarantee I would find something better. After I was laid off, I found another job quickly with great benefits, but it wasn’t better. I didn’t like the culture near as much as my former job. It was hard being a newbie and starting over. I have been there for over 6 years. What did I learn? Nothing is forever and all jobs eventually end. If you are not happy in your job, don’t worry because it’s not forever. Also, maintain marketable skills. If you have good skills you will find a job.

I graduated in 2020 and became a CT tech at 51. They will never layoff ER scan techs. I saw the writing on the wall in 2017 and I now make $100,000 a year with job security.

Golden handcuffs is a good description. Especially for those of us who are single, our job is our safety net.

Even if you find a new job making less money it is worth it if you lose the angst and depression from the previous job. Happiness and peace mix well with beans and rice. 😁

Absolutely loving this channel. I am about to retire from the police after 20 years and I cannot wait. 51 and lots to do. Take care. Jonathan 🇬🇧

I actually hugged goodbye the manager that “let me go”. I was so happy to leave, and I’ll never forget that shocked expression on his face. (BTW I learned he was “let go” shortly thereafter too). After that experience, I became self-employed for 10 years. After that, I became a govt employee at age 50. I’m in my 60s and looking forward to a pension when I retire. My spouse and I became mortgage-free and debt-free. We’ve learned to love living life on less. We’re prepared for retirement. I “quietly quit” years ago which greatly reduced my stress and made me more efficient at work. Be your own boss, no matter where you work. Get real, retirement is coming. Ageism is a reality. You’ll be okay ❤ Love your videos and insight. Thankyou ❤

I knew my separation was coming when my boss sold the Company. I had saved my employment paperwork which included a substantial amount of money due me if this was to happen. On my last day I was given pay that didn't include that. Not acceptable. I stood my ground and although I loved the previous owner who stayed with the new company, I let them know I was not afraid of seeing them in court. I got my money. No court.

I once was fired and I wasn’t allowed to grab personal items including a prescription bottle and my jacket! I called the police and They retrieved it….

I learned a long time ago that we are easily replaced and then I found out there are the hidden gems of jobs out there that most people don't even know about because we have been taught to think a certain way. I'm glad you found that 💎😊

Gosh, this vid is full of wise words! I was 'chopped' from my job out of the blue. It was so hurtful. It has taken me years to rebuild my confidence. I'm 61 now and as a single female, I struggle financially and wonder if i will ever land a job again. It truly is a rat race in the jobs market.

No matter how valuable or loyal you think you are to your company, you're replaceable. And all these sacrifices, unpaid hours ecetera don't matter. They let go and even talk bad about previous job performances. So now I'll give enough to be the best employee I can be, but not more than necessary. From my 40's I was told to be too old for the job market. I'm 56,my expectations are low. Also don't trust employers telling you "we're a family based company and ppl working for us are like family". No, they're never.

Amen! You planned that perfectly. I left my job of 21 years (no benefits). I was burned out! I took 2 weeks to the mountains, worked for a river outfitter the rest of the summer and loved it, then looked for a job. Our small town Bank needed help but didn't offer me an application (age 65). I found work at our correctional facility. Not my first choice but no management duties! My boss loves that I look for tasks to be done unlike the "young ones" I work with. I can walk to work and have full benefits! Hope to retire in one year. Thank you for sharing your story!

❤. I am 60 now, I am burned out. The only thing that saved me is reading.

I went through this with my Federal job in the U.S. I stayed for 10 years in a toxic work environment. I totally understand the tears. I would not recommend it for others, but it was right for me as I got my pension when I finally retired. I also quite quit, before there was a name for it.

I took the opportunity in the pandemic of voluntary redundancy allowing me to pay off mortgage at 50 allowing me to work part time instead of full time until 67 ( there was / is no other age option for me ) so on balance I’m really happy with this outcome the free time I now have in my youthful senior years is actually priceless you could not pay me any amount of money for what I now have- I’m also single so truly am captain of my own ship & voyage ❤❤

During my 10 years, I got my PhD and replaced my work income with teaching income before I quit/retired. I love that we had a plan and executed it. I totally get the tired and depressed. It was a stressful 10 years.

Very wise words. in the USA they find any reason they can to get rid of older workers and bring in cheaper labor (Ask me how I know and age discrimination is not easily proven). Like you I took the opportunity and re-trained to do something I love.

I have to commend you for your resiliency. I am about to be 67 next month and my employer just recently laid off 8% of the workforce. I survived this round and if I make it to 68 I would have worked there for 40 years. I have to say though lay off or not my employer has treated me well. Your channel has caught my attention because I am a single introverted guy myself trying how to move forward in life as an old guy. I do have a grown daughter but my wife passed away in 2021. I do get lonely though. Health is wealth.

Thank for you being so vunerable. My job was phased out unexpectedly. I lost my insurance, my state retirement, & job at age 54. We had just built & moved into our new home 18 months earlier. I was so hurt & was not in any mental shape to start over & look for a job. My husband had a great job & had just got a promotion the year before that helped to allow me to stay home-that and we were working to reduce our debt. Like you-the stress & toxicity made me physically sick that required medication. All that being said-I love my life now. Gardening, preserving, caring for our chickens & dogs….being productive on my time. Not being under a toxic thumb. I was able to stop taking my medicine & my symptoms went away. I also started a youtube channel, but it is still small and not monetized. Blessed!

You're story is very similar to mine except I fired my boss instead of them letting me go. I retired at 53 and hit the road to travel around the world (heading to Albania) now. Also, started a YT channel to document my travels to share with family and anyone else interested. Subscribed to your channel, rock on girlfriend!! ❤

I’m in this situation right now. I’ve been preparing to retire early for the last 15 years so if this ends next year, and i expect that to be the case, I’m totally good with it. I’ve known from a very young age, early in my career, that no employer is loyal. With that in mind I’ve built an exit door. I’m not rich but i will be comfortable. Bring it on, I’m ready.

Agism is real and especially impacts women. You will especially notice this at 47 years. It's extremely obvious .

In my past, I was laid off, walked out of the building, given a nice severance package, then 6 months later hired back by the same company making 5k more money than when they laid me off. Go figure.

One of the best decisions I ever made was to retire at 55 from a difficult job. There were no regrets. Great subject content.

I also quite quit some time ago. I do my job but nothing more. Funnily enough, I can see now that this is exactly what everyone else was doing all along. I have zero guilt.

Love seeing this story... I had those golden handcuffs on... at first I would save my vacation time for extravagant Tropical vacations from the PNW cold Winters... It lifted my depression just enough to keep me engaged at work... I took all the seminars and work experience trainings that were offered... and when the time seemed right, my employer got NO two weeks notice... my coworkers were dismayed that I could be happy about leaving.. LOL I was able to live comfortably on the Retirement fund money until I chose to collect my Social security... It's been 7 years now since walking out... and I am so grateful I didn't stay... My health has improved my outlook is better and I feel more in charge of my life! THANKS for sharing your story with all of us!

As soon as my husband turned 60, they let him go. They eliminated his job. And that’s after they put them in a job without training. He was miserable. I was disabled from my job and couldn’t work. So he needed his job. My husband was then eligible for pension. The human resources person said they do that all the time. Age discrimination is common.

I remember getting a surprise lay off at 55, it felt like I was a criminal in society. I recovered but holy smokes, what a trial. Luck to all.

Hi Jen! Thanks so much for this channel! 50 yr old, pre-retirement GenX-er here too. I'm currently in the same boat as your video. Waiting (and very willing at this point), to be RIF'd, while they pile more on my job knowing they don't have to hire and pay another employee. Also going through a period of self-discovery and self-empowerment! What's in the future, I don't know. But I'm ready to take my future into my own hands. So, Yay You!!! I'll continue to watch. Sincerely, your US friend.

OMG, not even a thank you??!! I am so sorry you were treated like that, Jen. But I celebrate your self empowerment and years of financial and mental preparation for what you knew was inevitably going to happen. It sounds like you definitely made the right decision. ❤Regardless, it is disgusting how they treated you, especially at the end.

Jen I wish I could give this video a hundred thumbs up. Of course you know this subject interested me but I could feel the passion you have for it. In my opinion it is your best video yet. You made all the right moves in preparation for the RIF that you knew would eventually come. It is possible if you hadn't stuck around and immersed yourself in all the training that was available to you, you would have had to take a significant pay cut. I had a similar situation. I knew I wouldn't be losing my income but I could see that I would be taken off the very technical job I was doing and given menial chores. It was known as "on the job retirement". It would have been a terrible way to spend the last years of my working life. I took all the steps you did but took an early retirement at 55. As a single woman it is so important to be out of debt and have a good amount saved for retirement. Congratulations on your "new" career and may it last until you are ready to leave on your own terms. Thank you very much for putting this video out! I hope it will be a 1 out of 10!!!!

I worked for the Australian Education Department for 20 years. When Covid hit i was told to do the "right thing" and get the jab to protect the students. I was scared as my doctor did not want me to have it as i had bad shingles. He gave me a full exemption but it was rejected by the dept. So ...to keep my job..i had it. Straight after i had severe pain in my head and arm. My ear started a loud ring and my chest was sore and tight. I could not breathe and had a heart attack. My school told me a few months later i needed another jab. I could'nt possibly take it again. So i was told to pack my things and leave the property. The thing that broke my heart was being called an anti vaxer by my coworkers. As i refused another jab. My cardiologist said he has a 80% increase in young people with heart issues after it now. Business is booming for him. All the staff i trained and loved....wiped me. Never spoke to me again. It was a gift. I started my own biz in children's therapy and i earn triple what i earned at the school. I found out WHO people really are and how our employers don't give a dam about us. I will never work for someone else again.

I get what you are saying. Job well done! I’m in the USA and always worked for nonprofits. When you are non management, the day you are laid off you walk out with no severance package. I saw the writing when over lunch in our small break room, the head of the agency said that everyone plus replaceable. Quietly I took offense as I was busting my butt, putting in extra time,etc. But later that night I realized that if that was his attitude then it was the agencies attitude and my standing despite my work ethic was at risk. It took me 2 years to pay down debt and to be able to do part time work elsewhere so I could’ve home with my kids. I agree, you have to see what is going on at work site environment.

I retired at 57. The company offered a voluntary retirement offer (not RIF). I have been through surpluses since I was hired out of college. I started saving in my 401k right out of college. When this one came through I was so excited. Once I said yes I had two weeks to get all my benefits in order and cross train. I am so glad I said yes. It has been 7 years and I do not regret a bit.

You are to be commended for being single, taking time to clear your head, and not taking the first thing offered.

“Some where out there is someone looking for someone like you”. This is very true. I was in a similar situation, but unfortunately I couldn’t stick it out to receive their severance package. I had to leave for my mental sake, but I am so glad I did. Best decision ever. Thanks so much for sharing your story.❤

Glad to hear you landed on your feet! Thanks for sharing how you didn’t deny reality and took charge.

I’d never heard the term “quiet quitting“. I’m glad that all you went through you feel was worth it in the end. I was in an abusive marriage and have learned what that can do to your health and mental state. When it got physical, I left the marriage. Leaving cost me nearly all of my finances. I was 48 years old. What you endured was on some level an abusive relationship. It’s been 20 years and when I look back I know, without a doubt, that regardless of the financial devastation, I would again take myself and my son out of that situation. Nothing is worth living with mental and emotional abuse on a daily basis. I watched a friend go through this in her job and it was torture. It’s been years and she’s in a fabulous job with a company continually rewards her job well done. But she still suffers from the constant breaking down in her previous job. I’m 68 years old. You never know how long you have to live or what’s going to happen in life. We endure a lot of things that are difficult and we all have different tolerances. No one should put up with an abusive relationship, whether it be at work, in a marriage, in a friendship, or from family. ❤

I just came across your channel, and this video could not have come at a better time. I just got my layoff notice on Friday. I will be laid off in September, right after my 51st birthday. I saw the writing on the wall back in 2015, but decided to stay because of the golden handcuffs, and because I was recently divorced with two young children. I got my finances in order back then, so I’m ready to go. My only regret is not being more proactive in learning new skills in preparation for that day. Your words brought me comfort that I’m on the right path. Thanks!

Yes, the responsibility is on the individual--we do the work, we choose, we live with the consequences of our choices as far as and as best as we can. I'll turn 65 in a few days and did not accept the responsibility for being in the driver's seat of my life until recently. (I was overwhelmed and in denial of aging.) Consequence: if all goes as planned, I'll retire from teaching high school English at age 70 and 10 months. Like you, I am choosing to be single, never been married, and have no children. The confluence of my choices requires something different than married or committed couples with our without children. It's refreshing to hear how you planned for your future and that you are content with the outcomes.

I couln'd quite quit, because all the clients were calling and writing me asking about the progress, an when it will be done, and my boss ignored my pleas thar it was too much work for me and we needed to hire someone else. The only thing he did was giving me a hard time taking my vacation ("what? 2 weeks? But we have so much work to do!") So after 17 years in the company I quit (we have no sevearance). I am 45 and will be working directly with clients, I don't need no boss for that. I've got a lot of climets requests alredy.

You're a smart lady. It's very generous of you to share your years of experience and common sense. I wish I had taken serious the signals from my employment and have your good sense and planning. You were happy because you were so prepared. Good for you, pat yourself on the back, not everyone is as practical and they pay the price.

I'm a lot younger than you and in a different season of life, but I'm really glad I found your channel. You have a very peaceful and gentle soul and I really enjoy your advice and wisdom.

pamela here. Excellent video. I do know how tired I was after being anxious and depressed for 15 yrs. I have been recuperating now about a year. There was a lot to do for me before I could sit back and heal. The resort you went to looks fabulous. You are so smart. This is how women have to be. We are better at looking ahead and planning. So happy for you!

Love your honesty! Planning is truely the key. No one rescues us. No one. We are each responsible for our decisions. A great video!

The choice to remain in a toxic environment should be done with self-preservation in mind. Great strategy: get as much as you possibly can from the employer via retirement plan matching, training, paid leave time, OT, etc. Lay very, very low. Do not volunteer for projects, be super positive in the environment, and quiet quitting is essential. Keep your resume up to date, and establish a strong network of successful professionals in your sector. Attend industry conferences on the company's dime whenever you can. Start establishing healthy habits. (This is very key; you need to counteract the toxicity of the work environment. Meditation is a good one!) This is a great story with excellent points.

I got rif'd after 17 years from a civilian NAF job with the US Navy and it hit my pocket hard. I was 55. But I got a small severance and started my pension payments, and can take $ from my 401K without penalty. I now make half an hour what I made but since I only worked part time then and now work full time, the pay is almost equal. But my free time is less. I was lucky as I really like my job and I work remotely. Sorry so those years were stressful for you!

Everybody is different. You are very resilient. Toxic environment effects my health.

I was reminded for the last 5 years of my working life that i was getting close to topping out on my salary. Even though I didn't change my work habits, they started to do "constant" job performance reviews. I was meeting my metrics . I think this was a method to try and get me to quit. The final straw for me was when they threaten to terminate me, even though I was a remote worker, because I refused to get the Jab. I retired immediately and then my employer started to complain that I didn't give them 2 weeks notice. 😁

I am so glad RU-vid served me this video. You have a wonderful presence and a very soothing voice. Something similar happened to a friend of mine. She was a saver by nature, and one can see only so many RIFs and not think that you'll be ousted at some point. The day that it happened to her, she walked out with a generous package and smile. Unfortunately, the bulk of those let go with her were shocked, crying, and scared. I don't blame them; it IS shocking. The "system" wants us to believe that we'll be rewarded for our loyalty. I am your age, and I am in an unfulfilling job, but "golden handcuffs"! I am well-paid, my job is remote, my boss and teammates are great. BUT... I am so tired of being unfulfilled and uninspired by my work. I know that this may seem like a ridiculous complaint to someone who is flagging traffic in the heat or working three minimum wage jobs.

Something broadly similar happened to me last year, aged 55. A toxic work situation came to a sudden end due to closure - I was so excited when I heard the news as I was utterly miserable and completely exhausted there. A couple of months later I became self employed doing my other career as a reflexologist which I'd wanted to return to for a couple of decades - life does seem to give us exactly what we want, although sometimes in a dramatic way, especially when we won't make the leap ourselves! I love what I do now, made some lovely new friends in the clinics I work in, have some wonderful clients and also have just enough time to have begun a self-publishing business which I really enjoy. Yippeeee! I'm living at No1 You've Got Your Life Back Lane!

Thank you for your honesty. It is still emotional for you, I can see. You did well, presenting your story. How you were treated was criminal behavior, in my opinion. How dare they?? But they do! You have to be strong to continue on, while being whiplashed, for sure! I was let go from a job in which my tenure was not lengthy. I was treated like garbage by the new rogue manager and a few of her minions. Their behavior was atrocious. They tried Everything in the book to get me to leave, until the bloody end....when they indeed....conjured up such filth....had I the funds....I would have sued them for slander. Less than 3 months later....the business closed down. I wished I could have taken some time for myself, but I was not in a position to do that. The working world is not for the faint-hearted though. I've still not found my ideal working environment, but remain present at the job, learning, and just trying to keep my spirits up. I imagine that I will move on at some point. Now, is not the time. Best of luck to you. You come across as strong, intelligent, thoughtful, and warm. Keep it up. The world needs more of your kind. Be well.

I loved hearing your story. You are a very strong woman who weighed your options and did what you felt was best. I'm so glad you gave yourself that six months for self care and that lovely trip too. I'm in the states and while I have had many jobs in many different industries, I have found that I'm happiest working for a small family owned business and that is where I am now. In less than 2 years, I have been promoted and making the best income I have made (outside of sales), am appreciated and they are financially investing in my continuing education at almost 62 years of age. I also live within my means. When I was making great money in sales, I also spent that money. I'll be curious to see if you have any videos on how you currently manage your budget now before you tap into retirement $ to travel starting 2025. Thanks for a great video!

In Ontario, it's two weeks per year of service. I hired a lawyer who obtained a settlement of one month per year (ten months for ten years of service) and full coverage of health insurance for the ten months. He mentioned that I should take half in payout (OUCH - income tax was brutal) and put the remaining half in my RRSP (benefit: NO INCOME TAX was take - SWEET!) I was covered on all bases, and happy to be downsized, as my company was toxic as well.

Suze Orman has some great financial advice for any woman who is interested in taking care of herself. I have a set of books written by her and I used those to make financial decisions for years.

Strategic! In control! Excellent, inspirational video. Thank you.

So glad you popped into my feed!

I'm silver and solo as well, I like the term you chose. Well done on the way you planned for your RIF. I'm in US in a right-to-work state, so severance is quite rare here. I've had some real problematic work separations that caused some real financial problems while I was raising kids as a single parent. It has been a tough life, actually. 7 years ago, I got blindsided with a termination and was able to leave a place I no longer wanted to live. It was quite difficult to get a new job in my mid 50's. I had great experience and still couldn't find a job at the level I had. Ageism is a real thing. I went to work for a non-profit, which was better in terms of work life balance but paid poorly. I'm eagerly anticipating retiring in 1 year and 10 months which for me will be full retirement age for US social security. In the last year, the environment where I am now has changed, not for the better, so I hope I can hang in there. I'm working hard to pay off a car loan and another debt and save as much as possible. Today's the first time I've seen your channel and I'm off to watch more. Thanks for the inspiration!

Just found your channel and new subscriber. Thank you, something most of us need to hear and be prepared for.

This was a very eye-opening video. Thank you for sharing your story.

You are exactly who I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing and helping ❤

So glad I found your channel. 💛👍🏼🙋🏻‍♀️

This is a great testimony. Thanks for sharing and you have a new follower ❤

I love this channel! Glad I found it. 55 and solo w/ a few health challenges

Just found your channel, same age. So much resonates with me, great advice.

You share valuable information, thank you Jen! I’m happy to have found you!

New to your channel…love it! How you handled your job situation was brilliant!

Smart lady! Thanks for sharing your story.

Great video Jen!

Amazing, thank you for sharing this one.

Thank you for sharing. so so happy for you that it worked out.

I love how detailed you were in sharing and applaud you for being so intentional in your planning. Thank you.

Wow Jen! You were & are so brave, discerning and knowledgeable!! God bless you 😊!

I am so happy I found your channel. This video is worth gold. Thank you so much! I look forward to learning more about your journey through your other videos.

So smart! Thanks for sharing. It sure is eye opening…

Thank you for sharing about your journey. You're a brave woman. 💪🏽

Love this strategy and your attitude. Good for you Jen. Take charge.

Being in the payroll HR world, these reduction in force campaigns are selective with good workers going when they shouldn’t be the ones on the chopping blocks. Good on you for hanging in there. Many couldn’t.

Thank you for your wise words. Wishing you all the very best going forward.

Thank you for sharing your experience. This is an amazing channel.

Thank you for sharing your story. I found it very helpful and interesting.

So smart and courageous of you deciding to make this videos and share your life with the whole world. My head off to you.

I'm in my 50's & in a very similar career situation. I know its just a matter of time. This was perfect timing as i knew i needed to plan! Thank you for sharing,new subscriber.

I just want to say I'm glad I found your videos and they have made me less alone. Thank you for sharing your journey.

I loved watching this pick me up today. Last May (2023) I wrote my Breakfast Club resignation letter because I too saw the writing on the wall. When I quit, I asked for a few things that I got and it gave me some wiggle room. Then, I found more money to give me some more wiggle room. Then, I applied for unemployment and got it for even more wiggle room. I rested a lot during this time, planted a dahlia gardent, did some projects and spent what tiime I had with my sister who passed away during this time. I checked out at that time and sunk into what and why is this happening. Unemployment was about to run out and I was getting nervous cuz the job hunt was taking way longer then it has in the past. Then, the right gig came along and just in time. Almost 11 months off of work and I am about to start a new job that pays a lot more, paid benefits (doesn't usually happen for contractors) and 401k. I am going to miss my free time, but it was hard allowing myself permission to enjoy it and KNOW I am ok. I am looking forward to interacting with people again and for what is coming next.

Great advice! I had two women bosses that were working to sabotage me and they finally did... it was a big shock b/c I was a GREAT employee... I'm in a totally better place now and it is the company's loss and ultimately the company let it happen and their "Ethics Policy" meant absolutely NOTHING... sad... and this is a REALLY big company...

Wow. Thx for this. You are strong and inspirational. Great reminder to not get complacent too.

I’m so glad I found you. Just what I needed as a new tuber and new to 50’s. You’re fabulous! ❤❤❤

this video popped up in my feed, you are such a lovely lady , thank you for sharing you experience, I am going through the exact same situation that you recounted , happy to learn from your video

What a great story. A pep talk I really needed. So smart to have room in your RRSP for your payout! Taking time for your spirit too was key. Well done ❤

Thank you for sharing your experience. I learned much from you. You have offered nurturing to me today in a way that I do not have otherwise. Keep up the great teaching!

Thank you for sharing your experience and advice.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Good Luck & Blessings!!

Thank you for sharing. I appreciate everything you are sharing.