Fired After 50: Epilogue

Have to agree with everything you said in this post. Best wishes for the near future in this job and the far future, in getting something more comfortable.

Congrats on the new job! And thanks for sharing your experience and reflections! I think the illusion of security is about the best we can expect in this life, whether we seek it in a job, a loved one, even an identity. The only consistent thing in life is change; just about the time we become contented with the way things are, something hits the fan and blows it all away, and we have to get used to a new 'normal'. Best to simply accept that fact and get on with it.

i'm really tired and can't think of what to say except that i'm relieved and glad that you were able to find another job in only two months. i know two months can seem like an eternity, but in today's work climate, it wasn't long. it was long enough, however, to panic and to imagine every last possible dire consequence that might possibly (but barring complete catastrophe, would never ever happen in this lifetime) and to lose self-confidence.i'm so happy for you! (((((((((((((((marla))))))))))))

Wow, stumbled on this thread and you know it could have been me writing it. I lost my job after 25 years due to down sizing. I had never even made out a resume. It seemed the world had gone on without me and here along I thought I had been in step with the world. Humbling to say the least. Guess the best part is I am not alone this is going on everywhere and to everyone and I am so glad for the encouraging notes from people here at this site.Job interview next week I have done contract work for a year. ok but I would like to settle down again.Debbie

Good luck with the new job hunt. I hope you find the right fit soon.And "thanks" for continuing to share your story. I'm sure it's been helpful and inspiring to a lot of people.

I hope so. When I began this series, I wasn't sure it was a good idea, but when responses started coming in from other nurses who were in the same boat, or who had even capsized and fought their way back to the surface again, it made sense to continue. They have inspired and advised, and what's more, they cared enough about a fellow nurse to give of themselves to try to keep me from drowning in despair. If I can give back even a fraction of what I myself have been given here, all of this will have been worth it.

Not in your situation-yet -but am very aware how easily any of us could be. In this part of the country, I would say about 40% of the people I know who are over 50 (DH among them) are out of work and have been so long-term. They just aren't getting hired, or not at a living wage. Luckily none of us is losing the roof over our head but it really cuts into those retirement savings when we have a limited number of years to augment them.Good for you for landing on your feet (but I never doubted you would)! I agree that from what I've seen it is easy to slide into a debilitating state of self-doubt and inertia. Thank you for a ray of hope and good luck with your future, whatever it may hold.

AMEN SISTER!!!!!!!!!

Good luck in your job search, your facility made a big mistake letting such a articulate and insightful nurse go. I guess this is a lesson to nurses not to sacrifice to much of your life to your career. Do all the missed holidays spent working or all the kids concerts and sports games account for anything, are we expected to give up major parts of our lifes to our jobs? One would hope that our jobs would appreciate our sacrifice however reading your story I realize thats not always the reality.

I was never fired but have been involved in RIF three times in my career - I'm 60 now. NEVER let this discourage you - when doors close - other doors open. The first time I required counseling because I too lost my identify. I thought I was a loser. I learned that although my employer did not value my skill set, others in a different health system would. It's not about you - it's about them. Since the three RIF's, I've gone on to complete my BSN (nights and on-line) and am now working on my MSN (on-line) so I can continue to remain competitive as I grow older. I've been in management for many, many years and these are the first positions to go....it's just a line item in a budget - nothing personal...and many times when new administrators come in, they want their own team in place. You can easily be the target of a RIF if an administrator doesn't particularly like you - for no particular reason - but, it's a God-send to be relieved from working with them - they RIF you instead of firing you. Whatever the circumstances, just hold your head up high, keep that resume current and always continue your education. I'm always preparing for the next RIF - I've always gotten another job before my severance ran out. Will be harder I'm sure as I get older but I can teach on-line after I complete my Master's.

I'm so happy that things are slowly on the mend for you, and I hope that you find a position that is easier on the ol' bod soon. I, too, have come to the realization that our employers find us completely dispensable. I'm in a better place (currently) financially, than most in this crummy economy, and I'm so thankful for this. Because of my financial flexibility, I work on a casual basis, and this is so much better for our family. For too many years, I sacrificed my children, husband, and my own sanity to be the dependable and always-there employee. No more. I'll take my own mental health and the well-being of my family over pleasing some employer that would drop me at the drop of a hat. Good luck and take care. Oh, and keep us posted!

Hi I read your post and its given me inspiration and food for thought. Although I am no where near 50 yet (I know it will come to me one day LOL) I realised long ago that there was NO such thing as secuirty within a profession - nursing is NOT immune from this. My first nursing position as a newly qualified nurse left an indeliable mark on me for all reasons - since then has left quite a bitter taste in my mouth metaphorically speaking. It taught me that NEVER assume comfortability within a job/speciality or area. Is taught me to be ambitious and never settle for less. I am ten years older than 20 and it shocks me how bitter and angry some of my colleagues who are of the same age as me are becoming. We need to dispel this myth that if you toil away and put in hours you will be rewarded for it. No if you want something YOU have to go CHASE it and get it for yourself. I am the type of person who likes challenges. These days If I am in a job/speciality that I dont like, I change and will keep moving on/retrain further study to get where I want to be. My philosophy is if after 3 years you are doing the job with your eyes closed so to speak - it means boredom/frustration and one NEEDS to move on.