Soon going to be happening to me, too. Mid 50’s.
Served 24 years.
At my age, no other employer will get 24.
Loyalty means nothing. I’ll probably have a bunch of short term/part time jobs until able to tap retirement accounts.
What will it matter on a resume?
Really sorry to say that you are right. Loyalty nor capability and experience seems to be an asset if over the age of 50. The good side is the Government decided not to penalize 401K’s (20% tax) after the age of 55 if you decide to cash them out due to non employment.
Guess that they understood the problem years ago but failed to act - as Government does...
As a PFC-for-life, I salute your career of dedication to your country, sir. And you’re correct - loyalty means nothing. There’s no right vs. wrong ethic with employers anymore. You’ll probably be hired by a recruiter, and farmed out to a business who will cut you loose the second you finish helping them achieve their goals. We’re being used as throwaway parts by a bunch of androids out there, and the bottom line is the almighty accounting ledger. Our experience means nothing if they can buy someone half our age at 60% of the price. I was sidelined (again) five weeks ago with a massive bacterial infection. It took me four months to find that job after getting laid off from my previous position. Now, I’ll have to start all over again after I get medically cleared. I have no idea what my prospects are after that. Almost 20 years of IT experience that will probably not be given a second glance once some wet-behind-the-ears kid makes himself known.