Dear Vanessa,
I’ve just been made redundant at 58 after more than three decades in the same industry. I worked my way up, gave everything to the company, and now I’m out – replaced, it feels, by younger people who cost less and ‘bring fresh energy’.
It’s only been two weeks, but I already feel invisible. The thought of job interviews terrifies me. My super isn’t bad, but it’s not enough to retire on comfortably, and I still have a small mortgage. My husband is supportive, but I can tell he’s worried too.
Part of me thinks this might be the universe forcing me to slow down, but I can’t shake the fear that I’ll never earn a full-time income again. Everyone keeps talking about ‘reinvention,’ but how do you start over when you’re nearly 60 and your confidence is gone?
Is there any way forward for someone like me, or should I accept this as the start of retirement – ready or not?
Sarah.
Sarah, I hear this story far too often – and not just from women. The shock of redundancy after decades of loyalty is like a sudden identity loss. It’s not just the job that disappears – it’s your daily rhythm, your sense of purpose, and the validation that comes from being needed.
The good news? You’re not done. Not even close. In fact, for many people, their late 50s and early 60s become the most powerful years of their life – if they can shift how they see their own value.
Leading money educator Vanessa Stoykov
Start by reminding yourself: you have something a 30-year-old can’t fake – perspective. Employers, clients, and even younger teams need that. They might not advertise it, but life experience, reliability, and calm under pressure are gold.
Let’s talk practicalities. First, take stock financially. Sit down with a financial adviser – even just one meeting – to get clarity on what your safety net looks like. Sometimes when we actually see the numbers, the panic eases. You can find someone reputable near you using my free adviser-matching tool here.
Next, rethink your next chapter around your strengths, not your job title. What do people always come to you for help with? What could you teach, mentor, or consult on? The future of work is flexible – contract roles, project work, mentoring, and small business ventures are growing fast.
You don’t need to ‘reinvent’ yourself so much as repackage your experience. The question to ask isn’t ‘Who will hire me?’ but ‘Who needs what I know?’
If you’ve always worked in one corporate world, think laterally: small businesses, charities, or education often value seasoned professionals who can bring order, systems, or people skills. Many of my readers find a new sense of freedom in self-employment – whether that’s consulting part-time, tutoring, or freelancing in something they love.
Also, stay connected socially. One of the hardest parts of redundancy is isolation. Join professional groups or local business networks. The more people who know you’re available, the faster opportunities come. You’d be surprised how many people quietly land new roles this way – often from unexpected contacts.
Emotionally, give yourself space to grieve. Losing a job is a loss, but it’s also a release from the parts of it that probably drained you. Don’t rush to fill the void – use the next few months to rebuild your energy and imagine what would genuinely make you feel alive again.
Finally, don’t let age narratives box you in. The world is full of people over 50 starting second (or third) acts – from small businesses to creative pursuits. You have decades ahead, and the financial and emotional rewards of meaningful work can last well beyond a pay cheque.
You are not redundant, Sarah. The system might not always value experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. You still have stories to tell, lessons to teach, and contributions to make. Start there.
All the best,
Vanessa.
