Through Thick and Thin

Misery loves company

And what could be more miserable than having to look for a job after the age of 50? You know the feelings: angst, frustration, lack of control, etc.

Sometimes you want someone on whom you can just “dump”! Ideally this should not be your spouse. Chances are, you’re already doing more of that than you should. Maybe it’s time to start looking for a sympathetic ear outside your home.

Where to look

Job groups help many people along these lines. You know the drill: you sit in a room with a bunch of people who are in the same boat as you. You give your elevator speech as to what you’re seeking. You listen to others do the same. And that’s pretty much it.

But you still have this need for commiseration.

Maybe what you need is a “search buddy.” A search buddy? That’s someone who is looking for a job in the same line of work or industry as you. Someone with whom you can share. Someone with whom you can commiserate. Maybe it’s someone you meet for coffee every Monday morning; or for lunch every Friday. Someone who knows your pain because they’re feeling it too.

Maybe it’s a career coach – or someone who serves as one. Maybe it’s a mentor. Maybe it’s even a reverse mentor – someone generationally younger than you. Scary thought.

In the end, it’s someone you can bounce ideas and/or frustrations off of. Someone who is in the same boat as you, or someone who has been there and understands.

More tips.