MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

So Middies, I have been under a bit of stress lately, not BC related. I am trying to keep a stiff upper lip, but it is difficult at times.

I lost my job of 17.5 yrs on 1-7-15. The attorney I worked for sold his practice in 2011 to a bigger firm, and at the start of the year, the bigger firm was taken over in a coup by a couple senior partners and some junior ones. The attorney I worked for was ousted, more or less, and I was ousted then and there! It has been unnerving. At 60 and a half, to be jobless after working your entire life is disconcerting to say the least. I had my 1st interview today, in 17.5 yrs. I think I did ok, but I could see them sizing me up as to how long I would actually be working. We shall see. It would be nice to get a govt job to be assured better $ and some insurance, which I currently don't have.

The nice thing about being jobless is, my DD is leaving the country on 2-24 for an adventure, starting in South America for 6 weeks & then South Africa for the rest of the year. Her plan is to be back stateside on 12-29 and go to Time Square for the ball drop, which is something she's always wanted to do (she & I used to watch religiously when she was little!) So, it's worked out well for us to spend more time together this last month than we would have if I'd been working.

I do need to work though unless I could win the silly lottery. Powerball is close to 400 million this weekend. Gotta play to be paid! I promise I'll share.....please!

Eph good luck on the job hunt.......

I have a question for you ladies, I have to have a hip replacement..WHAT! I'm only 53, so yes that SUCKS! I'd like to know if anyone on the board has had one and what I am to expect...You can PM me if you like...

Thanks in advance for the info.

JustAmy, Geez! I would be telling HIM where he could migrate those suckers TO! That does not sound at all normal. I thought they had little 'tabs' on them, they were sewn to your tissue???

I was laughing at Deborahs' 'Jaws with the yellow barrells', and staynsanes' 'balls of a bad juggler'! We are some funny women here, thanks for gathering us all up together here,eli, and I just realized there is another page, so after i post I still have another to read, so I will be behind..

Eph- I feel for you. It is hard to contemplate, let alone get, a great job after you turn 50 in this economy. Unless you want to be a greeter at Walmart. Then you're golden. I was recently contacted by a company recruiter who saw my profile on Linked In (I do not keep it up or even use it; I joined because some business associates asked me to). I thought "hey, what do I have to lose?" So I had a phone interview and was lead to believe it went great and she was anxious to receive my resume and set up a face-to-face. Resume sent...crickets and tumbleweeds...my efforts to contact her did not receive a response. All I can think is that once she saw my resume and the year I graduated college she panicked! The company is cutting edge and I think she thought she was dealing with someone much younger (my profile pic is a few years old, and pretty flattering, if I do say so myself. Me on a really good day).

Anyway, rewind four years. I was working at a job with a downward trend line for income. So I started looking and had several interviews and a couple offers I turned down (over the course of a year). Then I applied to a job that intrigued me, totally different from any of my past experience. After a great interview, my head started playing tricks on me. "Why would they want me? I don't have direct experience. I'm over 50." Got a call for a second interview. Job offered & accepted. Three years later, love it still. Best job ever. Scary times with the company, lots of layoffs, but have been told there will always be a job for me. Nice to hear, even if no guarantees.

My point is, PLEASE don't doubt yourself. Yes, there are many companies out there who only hire youngins. But the brilliant ones realize the value of experience and knowledge gained only by working hard and breathing for more than 25 years. I realize not having a job can allow panic to creep in. But I imagine you have unemployment income, so try to find a job that will be a good match for what you want, rather than going after just a job. It really made a big difference in my life. Who knows what this temporary setback will lead to?

Eph- just remember that many of the skills you've gained by working in a legal practice are highly valuable and transferable to other types of businesses. It might be helpful to develop a resume that is entirely skill-based, with less focus on your previous job, especially if you like the idea of making a change... It becomes an aid to remind yourself that you could be a strong contributor in a number of previously unconsidered professions and helps give you a positive frame of mind.

Eph - when I had to look for a job at 60, a resume consultant told me to delete the dates from my education entries. Also to drop off all early jobs. I found it much better doing that since I actually got calls for interviews and was able to present myself in person - emphasizing the good things & actually discussing the benefits of my age. Sorry you have to be there but wishing you good luck. I got the best boss of my entire life after 60 & the job lasted until I was ready to retire.

Eph, So sorry you have to deal with this, too. I hope you find something that suits YOU soon.

Path report today. No cancer in lymph nodes and clear margins! Doing the happy dance!

YAY Amy!!!!!   So happy for you!!!

Amy - that is GREAT NEWS!!! Very happy for you!!

Eph - sorry to hear about your job situation - hoping you will find the right job soon!

Glad to find this group just found out today that Cancer is back in right breast. Kids are out of the house and im a new Nana at 41 he is my world. Now something new will be stealing my time. Dr said at least you know what to expect ya right that's what scares the ***** out of me! I hope that things have changed in the 15 years since my last bought with this? Any 2 timers out there with some advice?

New here, trying to figure out this new unfortunate journey. 44 years old, kids all out of the house, recently remarried and now this. Stupid question, but I'm confused by all your abbreviations: DH, DD, D, tx, dx, etc. Anyone have the key? 

Glennie19 you just made things so much easier! Thanks! I consider myself a reasonably intelligent woman and was frustrated by my lack of understanding !

YAY AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the new ladies. BCO can be so very helpful. Just ask if you have questions.

createdonpurpose - Although it really sucks to have to greet another new member to bco I welcome you to the land of the middies. You will find lots of great support, encouragement and even fun here.

One more abbreviation that you might see on a regular basis is PP which is Pocket Party. Whenever someone is anxious about an appointment, is having surgery, scans, chemo or just needs some support we all jump into her pocket so she doesn't have to go it alone. Of course virtual drinks and treats are calorie free so we load up on those to help keep our energy up.