tess-martinelli | iCloud.Info

I'm 52 and can't find a full-time job. I wasn't prepared for the shame of no longer being seen as a viable candidate.

Thu, 07/16/2026 - 05:13

Tech Insider : Business, Technology, Travel

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jodi Lynn Karpes, a 52-year-old public relations professional who lives in West Palm Beach, Florida. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I'm 52, and I've been working in public relations for the last 25 years.

Careers, career-in-50s, Unemployment, job-searching, still-in-the-game, as-told-to, contributor-2026

I spend $800 on my hair every quarter and invest in dresses, heels, and makeup. They're all part of my professional confidence.

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 05:16

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Style

Cierra Desmaratti says she has struggled to embrace her feminine style while being taken seriously at work.
Courtesy of Cierra Desmaratti

Careers, as-told-to, hot-at-work, workplace-fashion, business-casual, work-outfits, Deloitte

I was laid off at 56 and took a 60% pay cut to land my next role — the biggest thing I feel is anger

Sun, 07/12/2026 - 07:06

Tech Insider : Business

Christina Jones says many older job-seekers want an opportunity to continue doing what they love.

Christina Jones

Careers, as-told-to, Unemployment, lay-off, job-hunt, job-searching, career-in-50s

I left my job as a software engineer to be a baker. I joke that I threw my master's down the drain, but my choice has paid off.

Tue, 07/07/2026 - 05:12

Tech Insider : Business

Sabrina Lim says her biggest challenge has been figuring out new ways to market her products.
Sabrina Lim

Careers, as-told-to, quitting-tech, quit-job, Quitting, quitting-corporate, small-business-owner

I quit my job at 53 and feel like I can breathe again. My advice to older job hunters: Know your value.

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 05:12

Tech Insider : Business

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nicole Cicero, a 54-year-old sales representative in New Jersey. It's been edited for length and clarity.

Careers, as-told-to, career-change, career-in-50s, female-breadwinner, still-in-the-game, how-to-quit-job

We're married and run separate businesses. We have weekly meetings, communicate often, and protect date nights.

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 09:15

Tech Insider : Business, Environment

Darnah Thompson and her husband — Vic and Darnah Thompson share their tips for other entrepreneurial couples.
Jordan Vonderhaar for BI

Careers, as-told-to, Careers, small-business, freelance-photography, rebecca-zisser, Entrepreneur

I'm a career coach. Here's the 4-hour burnout-proof job-search strategy I recommend.

Sun, 06/28/2026 - 07:41

Tech Insider : Business

Career coach Emily Worden.

Emily Worden

Careers, as-told-to, job-hunting, job-market, job-application, career-coach, applying-for-a-job

I left Google after making nearly $1M in a year. Fears about layoffs and missing out on the AI boom gave me the push.

Sun, 06/28/2026 - 07:15

Tech Insider : Business, Technology

Yousuf Imran left Google in April to start an AI company after earning nearly $1 million last year.
Yousuf Imran

Careers, Tech, as-told-to, Careers, google, big-tech, AI

I'm giving up on the job market and going back to school to become a nurse. At 45, I wish I'd done this sooner.

Thu, 06/25/2026 - 05:14

Tech Insider : Business

Kristy Layden photo — Kristy Layden says her Botox injector inspired the idea of becoming a nurse.
Kristy Layden

Careers, as-told-to, Unemployed, job-market, job-hunt, laid-off, nursing

I'm 56 and struggling to find a job. I think employers can sense my desperation, but I wish they knew how capable I am.

Tue, 06/23/2026 - 05:17

Tech Insider : Business, Technology, Travel

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kymm Dracup, a 56-year-old based in Toronto. It's been edited for length and clarity.

My daughter says, "Don't worry, Mom, you'll get a job. I've seen your résumé, you're great." I don't think my daughter realizes the effect that my age, 56, has on my confidence and finding work.

Careers, career-in-50s, Unemployment, job-searching, still-in-the-game, as-told-to, contributor-2026

Careers, as-told-to, hot-at-work, workplace-fashion, business-casual, work-outfits, Deloitte

Careers, as-told-to, Unemployment, lay-off, job-hunt, job-searching, career-in-50s

Careers, as-told-to, quitting-tech, quit-job, Quitting, quitting-corporate, small-business-owner

Careers, as-told-to, career-change, career-in-50s, female-breadwinner, still-in-the-game, how-to-quit-job

Careers, as-told-to, Careers, small-business, freelance-photography, rebecca-zisser, Entrepreneur

Careers, as-told-to, job-hunting, job-market, job-application, career-coach, applying-for-a-job

Careers, Tech, as-told-to, Careers, google, big-tech, AI

Careers, as-told-to, Unemployed, job-market, job-hunt, laid-off, nursing

Careers, as-told-to, Unemployed, job-searching, career-in-50s, 50s, Unemployment