Laid Off at 55: What to Do Next

Losing your job at 55 can be jarring—but it doesn’t have to define the rest of your story.

Maybe you’ve spent decades building your career, only to be told your role has been eliminated. Perhaps you were already feeling burned out or underappreciated before the layoff. Now, you’re faced with a daunting question: What do I do next?

While it’s natural to feel anxious or uncertain, this unexpected shift can also be an invitation—to pause, reassess, and realign your life with what truly matters. Being laid off at 55 doesn’t mean you’re finished. In fact, it might be the wake-up call you needed to pursue a more fulfilling direction, one that matches your values, strengths, and aspirations at this stage of life.

Whether you’re aiming to rejoin the workforce, start your own business, or transition into a completely different path, you’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from experience.

1. Take Time to Process the Shock

The initial emotions after a layoff can be intense: shock, denial, anger, even shame. At 55, you may feel overlooked in a job market focused on younger talent. But remember—your age is also your advantage. Decades of experience, crisis management skills, and maturity are irreplaceable assets. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss—but don’t stay stuck in it. Let this emotional space be a pause, not a full stop.

2. Assess Your Financial Situation

Now’s the time to evaluate your short- and long-term finances:

Review severance pay and benefits
File for unemployment if eligible
Prioritize essential expenses
Delay large purchases or early withdrawals from retirement funds

Consult a financial advisor if you can. With the right money strategy, you can buy time to make smart career decisions instead of panic moves.

3. Reframe Your Career Identity

You’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from experience. Reflect on what you truly want at this point in life. Maybe it’s:

Doing more meaningful work
Working part-time or remotely
Consulting, mentoring, or freelancing
Starting a small business or passion project

Ask yourself: What skills do I enjoy using? What industries need those skills? Use this as the foundation for your reinvention.

4. Upskill with Purpose

Learning something new doesn’t have to mean going back to school for years. There are online courses, certifications, and micro-credentials designed for mid-career professionals. Focus on skills that:

Are in demand (e.g., tech tools, project management, digital marketing)
Complement your existing experience
Show you’re adaptable and forward-thinking

Websites like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer flexible options to upskill without a full degree.

5. Rewrite Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

At 55, you likely have a long resume—but hiring managers won’t read every line. Instead, lead with:

A powerful summary focused on value and outcomes
Key accomplishments from the last 10–15 years
Modern skills and tools
A tone that reflects leadership, not job seeking desperation

On LinkedIn, highlight your willingness to adapt, mentor, or consult. Position yourself as a contributor, not a casualty.

6. Network Intentionally

Most jobs aren’t advertised—they’re discovered through relationships. Start reconnecting:

Reach out to former colleagues, clients, or industry peers
Attend webinars, virtual meetups, or alumni events
Join age-positive job groups or forums (like AARP’s Job Board)

You’re not asking for a job—you’re exploring opportunities, sharing your goals, and staying visible.

7. Consider Coaching or Career Counseling

A layoff at 55 often triggers deep questions about self-worth and identity. A career coach or counselor can help you:

Rebuild confidence
Clarify direction
Develop a job search plan
Stay accountable and supported

Investing in professional guidance could accelerate your pivot—and protect your mental health during the process.

8. Don’t Underestimate Your Experience

Companies still need wisdom. You may be uniquely qualified for:

Interim executive roles
Contract consulting
Training and development
Nonprofit leadership or board positions

Don’t shy away from younger interviewers. Be proud of your years—they signal reliability, stability, and know-how.

9. Embrace Flexibility

You might not land a full-time executive role right away—and that’s okay. This season could be your chance to:

Explore gig work or freelance projects
Join the growing remote or fractional workforce
Work in a different industry that values maturity and professionalism

Success after 55 doesn’t always look like it did at 35—and that’s part of the growth.

10. Redefine What Success Means to You

What does success look like now? For many laid off at 55, it shifts from titles and salaries to:

Doing work with purpose
Having more time and flexibility
Sharing knowledge and mentoring others
Prioritizing health and life balance

This isn’t just about making a living—it’s about creating a life aligned with your values.

GoodLiife Score Tip: Track Your Reinvention

Navigating a layoff—especially in midlife—requires more than just updating your resume or applying for new roles. It calls for a deeper understanding of where you are in life and where you truly want to go next. This is where the GoodLiife Score App can be your personal compass.

The app helps you assess your well-being across 8 key life categories:

Health – Are you taking care of your physical and emotional health during this transition?
Environment – Does your space support your peace and productivity?
Leisure – Are you finding joy in everyday moments?
Purpose – Do you feel your life has meaning beyond a job title?
Growth – Are you learning, evolving, and open to new possibilities?
Relationships – Are you connecting with supportive people?
Occupation – Is your work aligned with your values and strengths?
Wealth – Are you managing your finances in a way that supports your goals?

By tracking your current state in each area, you gain clarity on what needs attention and where you’re already thriving. From there, you can set goals, build action plans, and reflect in your LifeBook—a built-in journaling and self-coaching tool. Whether you decide to pursue a new job, launch a passion project, or take a sabbatical, the GoodLiife Score helps you navigate with intention, not just urgency.

Think of it as your personal reset button—and a partner in designing the next, best version of your life.

JOIN GOODLIIFE SCORE APP TODAY

Conclusion: You’re Not Done Yet

Being laid off at 55 can feel like a crisis, but it can also be the start of a meaningful reinvention. You bring value, wisdom, and resilience to the table—qualities that many employers and collaborators are looking for now more than ever.

This chapter may not have been in your original plan, but it could be the most empowering one yet.