90Dfanatic's journey

I was laid off in January 2023 from my senior marketing VP role after over a decade in the industry, right when I turned 55. It took me a staggering 42 months to secure a stable new position, and I wanted to share my journey in hopes it might help others facing a lengthy job search. In 2023, I started off with a positive outlook since I had severance and bonuses that kept me financially stable until June. I had been saving diligently and had some consulting leads, plus a consistent freelance client that brought in $20-40K annually. By the end of 2023, I had two monthly retainer clients and a couple of project-based gigs, but I made about 30% less than the previous year. I applied to 29 jobs, went through 11 interviews, but unfortunately, no offers came my way. Many of the interviews were through referrals, but I knew they weren't the right fit. In 2024, I lost my retainer clients but managed to get work from my old employer. After my unemployment ended in March, a recruiter reached out from a small Midwestern company, and I landed a new job in July, which came with a 25% pay increase. My income for the year was similar to 2023, but I applied to 48 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer after making it to the final rounds twice. Then in January 2025, I faced another layoff. The new company was disorganized, and the president who hired me had left. I received a small severance and had to restart unemployment. Consulting work became challenging as many companies started relying on AI. Thankfully, I found a maternity leave cover position with a former manager, although it paid significantly less and lacked benefits. My income dropped by 10% compared to 2024, and I applied to 21 jobs, got 9 interviews, but only made it to the final rounds three times. By 2026, my consulting gig ended in January, and I was living off unemployment and savings while in final rounds for two roles that ultimately fell through. In April, I was called back for another consulting role, which recently converted to a W-2 position. While it pays 50% less than my last job, I'm grateful to have it. My income now is less than half of what I earned in 2022. I applied to 34 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer. The job market was tough, especially with the impact of the Iran war affecting many sectors. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to have had savings, supportive family, and no major health issues. My emergency fund took a hit, but I haven't touched my retirement savings. The adaptability and resilience required in this new job landscape are overwhelming, especially with AI disrupting my field. I hope to maintain my current position until retirement and wish everyone the best in their own journeys.