Just got laid off and scared out my mind because last time it took 2 years to find a new job. I'm 48 and unemployed in an economy that is probably now in a recession. Any help?

Ah, crap my friend. That blows, First, breathe... you will find another job. Be confident, focused and never lose hope. It is ok to grieve for a bit, but don’t let that sadness linger too long.

We are all in for a rough year, none of us will come out of this whole. Accept the loss and focus on what you need to do. And you know what you need to do.

I’m rooting for you, keep us posted.

Waiting for a new, salaried “position”, may indeed be tough/extended, for all the reasons that you fear.

Nonetheless, I would be out there looking for one when things start improving. Creating a sense of forward motion is essential.

However, with so many places taking charge of their own marketing, and with you being a creative, this might be your opening. Your experience & drive could be used to approach former clients or agencies as a “no nonsense, get it done today” creative provider.

As others have pointed out, it will be brutal year, but you are at the point in your career where some non traditional angles might be effective.

Hang in there & believe in yourself. You did not get untalented overnight - the market just turned upside down.

Find out who else got laid off. If over 25% of you are over 40, get together and speak to a labor lawyer immediately. The agencies and holding companies do not listen to complaints from women until they banded together and got litigious. It’s no joke. If a group of six or seven of you are represented by a lawyer who contacts your agency or holding company says that she has proof that people over 40 were impacted disproportionately, they will settle. I’ve seen people get a whole year’s severance out of this

Shit. Sorry. Shit.

I would:
1. Breathe. Deep breaths help me when I've been in similar situations.
2. Scour the ends of the ad earth for job leads – probably freelance is the best route right now.
3. Bust your ass throughout all of this.
4. Consider alternative forms of employment. Not sure what those would be in this crazy time.
5. Cut any unnecessary spending.
6. Breathe again.
7. Pray.

Damn I am sorry - I expect that I (and many others) will be in a similar position within the next few weeks.

Starting a new career, or a new phase of a career, when you are around 50 is not easy. Personally I am resigned to it and am targeting non agency roles to go in-house somewhere. I don’t expect the same title and am willing to step back in comp to get in the right place.

It’s not the end of the world. If you are willing to broaden your view and make concessions hopefully it’s just a speed bump. Good luck

I am almost 50, got laidoff 3 weeks ago. I find this pandemia as a big pause to reflect on next steps. Been doing advertising for almost 30 years, hard to think what else to do with your life. Now all
I (we) have is time. A luxury. Don’t panic. Breath. Cook. Jog.

Check with agencies that recently won big accounts. Offer to do a freelance project for them so they can experience what you can bring to the table with little risk. Then kick ass on that project and get hired.

I am getting laid off at the end of March but was able to get a client side job that starts in April. 90% of looking for a job is positive attitude and confidence.

I also just got laid off and am over 40 but don’t let the age thing stress you out too much. Just means you probably have tons of experience that may be transferable to many different positions. You don’t have to get the same job you had! It’s a scary time to be in this position and it stinks that a company you devoted so much time and energy to would do this during a pandemic but take some time to update maybe a few versions of your resume and keep moving forward so that you will be ready when companies start hiring again. Stay positive, I know I’m trying to!

In the same boat and in Miami- I’m just trying to do what’s in front of me. Apply for unemployment! It’s at least going to be supplemented with the stipend from Coronavirus. It’s a terrible time, but you’re not alone and banks, landlords, etc all should be working with us. Hang in!

I’m 47- I just applied to be a truck driver- if nothing else I can write a memoir and shoot a documentary- lol

Unfortunately advertising is a very risky field to be in over 40 unless you’re in the c suite. Best of luck. Maybe you can use this to explore other industries with better job security.

Same. I’m hosed. I’m the breadwinner or whatever.... got 2 kids. No one will hire me unless I take a huge pay cut and maybe not even then.

How many of you older people got severance? And how many weeks worth???

Really sorry to hear this; I think there is solid advice in this column. One last resort you might know, but part of the stimulus bill passed last week allows you to withdraw up to $100,000 from your retirement account with no extra 10 percent penalty and three years to pay back the taxes (whatever your usual marginal rate is). If you pay back before three years, no taxes!

I feel for you. While this doesn’t help your sense of financial security, you’re definitely not alone in this situation. I’m just a few years younger than you and lost my job of 10 years at the start of February. I’ve watched the job market continue to shrink over the last month or so, and talked to a number of hiring managers who are uncertain of when they’ll get things back on track. It’s tough to be proactive, but just keep doing whatever you can to move ahead. Everyone, employed or not, is dealing with a lot of anxiety, so it’s important to be kind to ourselves and the rest of the world. I’m wishing you all the best in getting through this.

Keep calm. Soul search for what you really are passionate about. Is it this business? See it as an opportunity to make yourself happy. I gave my life to advertising and honestly regret it. Too many shallow and vacuous people to deal with. Chase your dream...if it’s advertising go for it but recognize it takes no prisoners.

Healthcare it’s just going to keep growing

It’s going to be tough. I’m in-house and we just laid off a bunch of our marketing staff. I lost two of my team as well. Maybe we’ll rehire when this finally ends or maybe we’ll use freelance help. Keep your head up and like I told my team, let’s use this time to learn some new skills. Cinema 4D is first up on my list.

First, I am sending you good vibes. I know from personal experience that it is scary and just plain sucks.

Please let me reassure you all is not lost because you can land another great job in your profession. I was about that age when the great recession hit and was laid off. Heck, the entire city was laid off. I ended up working again within a few months at a job I truly liked.
Two years ago I took a year off to pursue some personal goals. When I returned to the workforce I was able find another job I enjoyed.

You can not only survive this you might find something new you love.

Right now, agencies are still trying to figure out how to navigate this new business environment so it is a huge challenge.

Work your networks. Be flexible and open to new ideas of what your next job should be. Keep your skills updated. Get your foot in the door with a freelance gig if you can. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to grieve the loss of your job. Don't panic. You can do this, it just might take some time.