Charleston2Seattle's journey

Today, I found myself reflecting on my job search strategies, particularly regarding how I present my work experience. At 54 years old, I've made the decision to scrub my LinkedIn profile of any jobs older than the last ten years. This approach seems necessary to combat ageism in the hiring process. I only include older roles when applying for positions at the Department of Defense, where I have relevant experience from my past jobs. I'm wrestling with whether I should also limit the experiences I share during interviews to just the last decade or two. I mean, when they see me in person, my age is pretty apparent, so is it worth trying to hide it? On the bright side, I often get mistaken for being younger, which has led to some awkward moments, like when people assume my adult daughter is my partner. I've read mixed advice from others in similar situations. Some suggest that for senior roles, it's essential to list 10-15 years of experience, while others recommend focusing on the last 2-5 years for entry-level positions. It seems that the industry and specific company expectations can vary widely. I also considered the advice of a career coach I consulted after being laid off two and a half years ago. They suggested omitting anything older than 5-7 years, even for senior positions, as the skills required have likely changed. It's a tricky balance to strike, and I want to present myself as the best candidate without falling into age-related biases.

I was laid off two weeks ago from my role and currently on a 60-day garden leave. My manager has been supportive and we continue to meet weekly, as he’s advocating for me to find another role within the company before my time is up. Reflecting on my situation, I remembered my next-to-last layoff was 21 years ago, and during that time, I didn’t utilize my time well. My manager shared that he experienced a nine-month layoff and regretted not making better use of that time. He wished he had traveled or engaged in fulfilling activities instead of just hunkering down and saving money. Now, I’m pondering how to maximize this time outside of job searching. I’ve started taking care of personal matters I had neglected, like scheduling doctor appointments before my insurance runs out. I also want to focus on my mental health, exercise, and reconnect with nature. I’m considering how to balance enjoying life with the uncertainty of my job search. I’d love to hear how others have made the most of their time during layoffs.