Most people plan to retire at a specific age. Surveys show the typical American retires around 62, even though many plan to work much longer.
Plenty of people are still employed at 60. But if they lose their jobs, for whatever reason, far fewer can get rehired at 60. USA Today reported on the difficulties older Americans face in finding jobs.
Why older workers leave jobs earlier than planned
Life events, corporate decisions and shifting industries force people out long before they intend to retire.
- Randy Seacat lost his customer service job with Amazon Web Services at 58 when roles shifted overseas.
- Maryland teacher Virginia Crespo retired at 55 when chronic pain made full days impossible. Days later, her husband’s employer shut down.
- Bus maintenance supervisor John Guth took early retirement at 56 after seeing coworkers die before using their pensions.
Sometimes early retirement is the only or best option. But for people who want to keep working into their sixties or seventies, being pushed out of the workforce just before retirement age is where the real challenge begins.
Getting hired at 60 is very different
The real challenge arises when workers over 60 reenter the job market. Hiring at that age operates under a different set of assumptions, and those assumptions often work against them.
- Randy applied for more than 1,700 jobs. Interviews went well until employers realized he was a boomer. Then communication stopped.
- Tech strategist Peter Plamondon applied for more than 100 positions after being laid off at 61. He believed hiring managers dropped him once they saw he was decades older than the team.
- Former police officer Larry Zarzecki, recovering from a brain injury, found no employer willing to take on the medical risks he needed to disclose.
These experiences mirror national data from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). Employers worry about salary expectations, longevity and team fit. They may also assume outdated skills. Even when those assumptions are wrong, they influence hiring decisions.
Warning signs your job may be at risk
Several workers in the USA Today story described subtle shifts before their jobs ended. Watching for these signs helps you prepare while you still have control.
- The company is starting to outsource roles similar to yours.
- Responsibilities shrink or move to younger colleagues.
- Older, higher-paid workers leave without being replaced.
- New technology begins replacing tasks you once handled.
These signs do not guarantee a layoff, but they highlight vulnerabilities that deserve attention.
Improve your chances of finding work after 60
Older workers face longer searches, fewer callbacks and more negative assumptions from employers. Positioning yourself for late-career hiring means showing that you are current, adaptable and ready to contribute from day one.
- Update your skills with short, targeted courses so employers see recent, relevant expertise rather than outdated experience.
- Refresh your resume to focus on achievements from the last 10 to 15 years, trimming earlier roles that distract from what you can offer today.
- Strengthen your network by reconnecting with former colleagues, joining active industry groups and showing up where referrals are made.
- Consider contract work, consulting or part-time roles that keep your experience current and often lead to full-time offers.
- Be specific about your value in interviews, focusing on problem-solving, reliability and efficiency rather than long job histories.
- Stay visible online by updating your LinkedIn profile, sharing relevant content and engaging in professional conversations that show ongoing involvement in your field.
These actions help counter assumptions about age and show employers that you are prepared, capable and up to date. They also expand the number of people who might recommend you, which often matters more than submitting applications.
Prepare for the worst while hoping for the best
Randy, Peter and Larry all wanted to keep working. Instead, they faced long stretches without income and, in Randy’s case, years of unsuccessful job applications. As he said, “There’s a big difference between working at 60 and getting hired at 60.”
Their experiences show why older workers need to be ready for the possibility of an extended job search or even a permanent shift out of the workforce.
- Pay down high-interest debt to reduce the financial strain if new income does not arrive quickly. If you have $15,000 or more in debt, National Debt Relief is one of the most respected providers of debt relief in the U.S.
- Use regular health screenings to detect issues early and plan ahead for any treatment or work limitations. Book a Life Line screening today and have peace of mind.
- Review disability insurance so illness or injury does not erase your remaining earning potential.
- Find part-time or work-from-home opportunities that help keep some income flowing while you search for a more stable role. This company's members take surveys in their free time and collectively earn over $55,000 daily.
- Cut recurring expenses and look for senior discounts from organizations like AARP, just $15/year with auto-renewal.
- Build a substantial emergency fund so you can cover essential expenses during months or years without steady income. Start by opening a better bank account. SoFi offers a combination checking-and-savings account, and if you set up direct deposit, you can earn up to 4.30% on your savings. (Can change without notice.) Get up to a $300 bonus if you direct-deposit $5,000 or more within the first 25 days or up to a $50 bonus if you direct-deposit $1,000 to $5,000. That’s money in your pocket.
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These steps help protect your financial stability if a job loss leads to a long period outside the workforce. You may hope to keep working, but preparing for the possibility of limited or no future employment gives you more control over the years ahead.
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