This As-Told essay is based on a conversation with Christina Jones, a 57-year-old woman from Philadelphia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Although I didn’t expect to be laid off from my business analyst position at United Healthcare last year, after 15 years with the company, I wasn’t surprised. Layoffs are the nature of the beast in the business world. What surprised me most was how long it took me to find another job.

I went through interview after interview for the next year and nothing came of it. I really think it was because I applied at 56 years old. It wasn’t until I accepted a job outside my desired scope and with a 60% pay cut that I was rehired.

My husband and I have had to make major changes to our lifestyle and are even selling our house. I’m afraid of what the future holds, but the biggest thing I feel is anger. I won’t give up on finding another job in healthcare IT. It is my passion and I want to continue doing what I enjoy.

I took a pay cut, but I’m still fighting to get back to the position I want.

I cannot prove that my age is against me in the job search. It’s a feeling. It seems like every time a potential employer finds out about my birthday, they either don’t call me back or the rejection email arrives.

In October 2025, my mother ended up in hospital and I was talking to the nurses about my search for work experience. They encouraged me to apply to work there and although I wanted to stay in IT, I applied anyway and got the job as a patient safety associate.

Unfortunately, it was at a greatly reduced price from my last job, but I took it anyway. I still work at the hospital, but I haven’t stopped trying to get back to IT.

We have had to make major lifestyle changes.

Due to my career change, my husband and I have to move house. There have been many moments of doubt and worry about how we are going to get through this time.

We didn’t use any of the amenities we used to use. We used to go out to eat a lot, but now we cook more at home. The good thing is that I have learned to cook. We also canceled our annual tickets to Longwood Gardens and don’t really have the funds to do fun things. Fortunately, our youngest son just turned 18, so we no longer have to support him financially like before.

The biggest thing I feel is anger.

Finding jobs that are perfect for me and fit exactly what I have done throughout my career, only to be rejected before a phone interview, is very frustrating. The past year has been a lot of crying and frustration because I know that I am capable of doing a great job, but no one gives me the opportunity.

I don’t know what the future holds, so I’ve been putting more energy into my happy place: my husband and my entertainment company.

It’s a side business we’ve had since 2018, and over the past year we’ve been focusing on getting more clients. It doesn’t replace my old salary, but it’s our thing and we can bring joy to other people through our content.

Many older people simply want to continue doing what they love.

I wish hiring managers knew that many older people just want the opportunity to continue doing what they do and pass on their experience to the younger generation.

My advice to other 50-somethings is that if you can’t get back to your career, in the meantime find something else that brings joy to others. Through my entertainment business, I discovered that bringing happiness to others makes lives better.

Don’t give up. If you stay positive and focused on your next step, every day will be better. Although we are 50 years old, we are not done yet.

Do you have a story to share about navigating a career change at age 50? If so, please contact the reporter at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com.