The wave of layoffs in the United States (U.S.) has forced many Americans to seek new employment amid fierce competition. This situation is particularly challenging for those laid off at an older age, specifically those aged 50 and above.

Although the retirement age in the country is relatively high at 66–67 years, individuals aged 50 often feel less competitive compared to younger job seekers. This makes the effort to secure a new position after a layoff even more difficult.

A survey conducted by the nonprofit organization AARP in January 2025 revealed that 74% of U.S. respondents aged 50 and older believe their age is a barrier to receiving new job offers.

Even if someone is laid off at age 52 with savings of US$ 620,000 (equivalent to Rp 10.09 billion at Rp 16,279 per U.S. dollar), they are still at risk of facing financial difficulties in meeting living expenses in the U.S., especially if the only available jobs offer low wages.

“To be honest, those in their early 50s will face greater challenges in finding work. Age discrimination is real and widespread,” said labor expert Kyle Elliott, as quoted by Kiplinger, Tuesday (Aug 12, 2025).

However, Elliott emphasized that it is not impossible for older job seekers to find decent employment. They simply need to adopt a more strategic job search approach.

“If you’re concerned about age discrimination, use LinkedIn to research employees currently holding similar positions at the company you’re targeting. This can give you insights into the company, its culture, and its environment,” he explained.

“If you notice that the entire team is in their early 20s, it may be a sign that they tend to hire younger people. But if the team is more diverse, your chances of securing the position are likely higher,” Elliott added.

Elliott also pointed out that many companies are still looking for experienced professionals. Therefore, older job seekers should demonstrate that they can be just as productive as their younger counterparts.

“You can do this by taking courses and working on special projects. Then, showcase these achievements on your resume and LinkedIn profile, and present them confidently during interviews,” he said.

If the available job offers a salary significantly lower than a previous position, Elliott advised accepting it without discouragement. In his view, having some income is still better than having none.

“Accepting a temporarily lower-paying job is not a death sentence for your career,” he noted.

“While easier said than done, try not to be too hard on yourself if you take on a lower-paying role. Ultimately, you need to look after yourself, including meeting your financial needs,” he continued.

According to Elliott, such a job can even serve as a stepping stone toward finding better opportunities later.

“If the role is not overly demanding, it can allow you to look for a new job while still bringing in a paycheck and contributing to your retirement savings,” Elliott concluded.