Let’s talk about recovery. Not the kind of recovery from an addiction or an injury, but rather a recovery from trauma that affects many people over the age of 55. It’s the trauma of being displaced in the workforce, a topic that isn’t discussed enough but is felt deeply by those who experience it.
Men and women in their mid-fifties, sixties, and beyond—seasoned professionals who have built careers, led teams, delivered results, and mentored generations—are finding themselves abruptly displaced. Downsized. Phased out. Sometimes they are told, gently or not, that they’re “too experienced” or “not quite the right fit” for roles they could do with their eyes closed. The result is a deeply disorienting sense of loss.
I’ve experienced it. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve felt it in the voices of capable, brilliant people questioning their worth in a world that once depended on them.
- Let’s call it what it is: age bias is real.
- According to a 2023 AARP survey, 78% of workers aged 50 and older have either seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace—the highest level since the organization began tracking the metric more than a decade ago.
- Yet in this same survey, 83% of older workers said they are motivated to learn new skills and remain engaged in professional growth.
- The disconnect is staggering.
The Emotional Fallout: Grief, Identity, and the Silence of Transition
When work has been your identity for over 30 years, being pushed out becomes more than a logistical or financial problem—it’s an emotional one. There’s grief in losing a role you’ve invested in. There’s anger and shame in having to “start over” at an age when many assume you’re winding down. There’s fear, too—of becoming invisible in a marketplace that values youth, agility, and disruption over insight, patience, and long-term thinking.
But here’s the truth many overlook: experience is not a liability. It’s a differentiator. And wisdom, the kind that only comes from decades in the trenches, is not just valuable; it’s essential in today’s chaotic, rapidly evolving business world.
The Recovery: Reframing, Rebuilding, and Rising
Reinvention doesn’t mean becoming someone new. It means rediscovering the person you’ve always been—this time with intention. Here’s how professionals in this stage of life can begin to take back control:
- Reclaim your narrative.
Instead of internalizing rejection, start re-authoring your story. You’re not “past your prime”—you are at the intersection of capability and clarity. What you bring is not just skill, but perspective. - Invest in visibility, not just resumes.
Network in modern ways. Write. Speak. Volunteer strategically. Build a digital presence that reflects the wisdom and leadership you offer. The job market favors the visible, not just the qualified. - Target mission-aligned roles.
Look for organizations that value impact over optics, long-term vision over trend cycles. Nonprofits, startups needing seasoned advisors, and mid-size businesses hungry for structure are often fertile ground. - Embrace strategic consulting or portfolio careers.
Full-time roles are not the only path. Your value may be even greater as a consultant, coach, or board member. Think of your career not as a ladder, but as a legacy—and shape it accordingly.
You Are Not Alone—And You Are Not Done
If you’re reading this and wondering whether your best work is behind you, let me assure you: it’s not. There is no expiration date on leadership. There is no statute of limitations on creativity, empathy, strategy, or vision. And there is certainly no age limit on relevance.
The workplace doesn’t just need you—it craves your kind of leadership. For those who lead with quiet confidence rather than noise. For those who ask better questions instead of providing the loudest answers. For those who understand that wisdom isn’t theoretical—it’s lived.
So if you’ve been displaced, discouraged, or dismissed, remember this: You’re still rising. And your story isn’t over. It’s still evolving.