At 57, Gregory Brooks from Rochester, New York, is navigating the challenges of unemployment after resigning from his technology services role at a community college.
Starting over feels daunting, and he admits his age can both help and hinder his job search. Younger professionals may be more willing to hustle, but Brooks believes his experience and stability could be an asset.
Rejections Based on Age Take Toll on Self‑Esteem and Mental Health
He has leaned heavily on his PMP certification while applying for IT and project management roles through LinkedIn, Indeed, recruiters, and personal connections.
Panic initially led him to mass‑apply, but he is now refining his search and treating each small step as progress. Still, rejections have taken a toll on his self‑esteem, contributing to situational depression.
Brooks is coping by staying engaged in hobbies like reading thrillers and caring for his Labrador puppy.
He practices positive self‑talk and has returned to counseling, which helped him during a previous period of unemployment. Therapy provides mindfulness tools to accept emotions and focus on the present.
His advice to older job seekers: acknowledge feelings honestly, lean on support networks, and remember that resilience matters. “It’s always hardest when you’re in the tunnel,” he says, but he believes he will make it through again.
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