Losing a job as a midlife woman can feel like having the rug pulled out from under you. Add in financial stressors and a shifting identity, and suddenly, finding your way forward feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth—this can be a turning point, not an ending.
We’ve identified 10 steps you can take to help you recalibrate, rediscover your worth, and get back on your feet (or maybe get on an even better path).
1: Take a Breath (and Process Those Feelings)
Your first instinct might be to immediately fix everything, but hold up! Losing a job isn’t just an economic hit—it’s emotional, too. Give yourself space to sit with your feelings—whether that’s frustration, anxiety, or even relief. Journaling about where you’re at or chatting with a trusted friend can be great ways to process. You’re allowed to have big feelings about this: just don’t unpack and live there.
2: Review Your Severance and Benefits
If severance was part of the deal, don’t sign anything just yet. Carefully review the terms and consider negotiating for more. Think extended health benefits, additional PTO payout, or even career outplacement services. Consult with an employment attorney to gain clarity. Don’t forget about unused vacation days, leftover bonuses, or retirement plans.
3: Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Applying for unemployment isn’t a “shameful” thing; it’s a practical move to keep you financially stable. Do this immediately. Each state, province, or country has its own set of eligibility rules, so get familiar with what applies to you. Remember, you’ve paid into this system—you deserve to benefit from it during tough times.
4: Take a Good, Hard Look at Your Finances
It's time for some money talk. Review your savings, assess monthly expenses, and identify where you can cut back without sacrificing essentials. Talk to a financial planner who can help you understand your options. Now is not the time to put your head in the sand when it comes to your money.
5: Polish Up That Resume – and LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just some “online resume”—it’s a living, breathing job-hunting tool. Update your profile to reflect your most recent accomplishments and snag recommendations from ex-colleagues and clients.
If it’s been a while since you’ve applied for a job, prepare for some f*ckery. Most resumes are now processed using automated screening tools, and writing a machine reader-friendly resume is an art. If you have a friend in HR, ask them for their perspective. You can also hire resume writers to create something strong. Many people use AI to customize resumes and cover letters for each position (if they allow you to submit a cover letter, please do!) Use AI as a starting point, but make sure you edit the documents yourself. AI is notorious for making mistakes and sounding a little robotic.
Age is an area where we still see a lot of discrimination, and the jury is out when it comes to dealing with it. Some folks recommend that you leave your graduation dates off your resume and simply list degrees and diplomas. Some people recommend leaving the first decade of your career off the resume a la Liza in Younger. It’s a personal choice. At some point, employers will meet you over Zoom if nothing else, or reference check your education so you don’t want to be dishonest. That being said, know that if it’s clear that you are over 50, you will have a harder time being selected for an interview. (Every midlife woman job searcher we know hears crickets when they apply for jobs they could do with their eyes closed.) Try not to take the frustration and rejection personally and just keep moving forward.
6: Tap Into Your Network
The secret sauce to midlife job hunts is networking. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and professional groups that align with your field. On LinkedIn, don’t be shy—start reaching out to your network and let them know you want a new job. Now is the time to call in a lifetime of favors. Never underestimate the power of meeting people in real life. Talking face-to-face might spark opportunities that LinkedIn’s algorithms can't. (Yes, that means you have to leave your house!)
7: Think Bigger—Try a Career Pivot or Go Back to School
This might just be the universe’s way of nudging you toward what’s next. If your industry is shrinking (or no longer interests you), it could be time for a change.
Start small with online courses or certifications in a field that intrigues you.
Look into boot camps for skills like coding or digital marketing.
Got a secret passion? Dip your toe into freelancing or consulting to test the waters.
Reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s exciting (trust us on this one - launching Selfish was exhilarating!) Grab our free guide to figuring out what you want in life so you can start to plan your next steps.
Step 8: Look at Your Legal Options
Did the job loss feel off? Maybe there was age discrimination or other shady tactics involved? You might have legal recourse. Start documenting everything, from conversations to emails, and consult with an employment attorney to see where you stand. That being said, do not throw good money after bad. Lawyers are notorious for sucking up your time, money and energy. Pay for a consultation, ask for their statistics around winning similar cases and ask what the average settlement is after legal fees. Emotional justice is never found in a courtroom and lawsuits are often a frustrating waste of time. It can sometimes be best to move on and channel that energy into writing a “fictional” tell-all about your dysfunctional boss a la The Devil Wears Prada.
9: Prioritize Self-Care and Stick to a Routine
When life gets chaotic, creating some structure is everything. Wake up at a consistent time, get outdoors (even if it’s just for a coffee run), and exercise regularly. Yes, even if it’s just walking the dog —it counts. And don’t forget to do little things that make you happy. A face mask, a killer playlist, or watching a great movie can go a long way towards keeping your energy positive.
Step 10: Dip Your Toes Into Entrepreneurship
This might be the perfect moment to explore creating your own venture—freelancing, consulting, starting a home business...the possibilities are endless. Bonus? You’re the boss. Consider taking small steps to analyze your ideas with market research, or sign up for a local entrepreneur workshop. You already have years of experience. Now, it’s time to bet on yourself.
This Could Be the Selfish Season You’ve Been Waiting For
Here’s the thing about midlife job loss—it sucks. Your anger and sadness are real. But guess what? It can also be a fresh beginning. Give yourself permission to dream bigger and try new things, whether it’s upgrading your skills, starting a business, or simply rediscovering your sense of purpose.
And if you’re ready to take things to the next level, check out our book, The Selfish Season to learn how to elevate yourself, find your purpose, and own your midlife like the boss you already are.
You’ve got this!
