When the email arrived in my inbox, my heart skipped a beat.

The company’s co-founders announced that they had made the difficult decision to lay off about 20% of their workforce and restructure the organization. Those affected would know in the next hour or so.

For a moment, I assured myself that my role would be okay.

This was one of the most innovative advanced AI technology companies in Silicon Valley; I had been here for several years and had recently been promoted after spending the last 12 months learning everything I could about AI. I incorporated it into my daily workflow, improved my skills, and even created an AI playbook for my team.

But when I received my goodbye email and my company computer screen went black, panic set in. Who would want to hire a 52-year-old like me when they could simply pair a well-trained AI agent with a young intern?

Even before I started looking for a job, I was worried that my age would hold me back.

Over the past few months, I’ve seen a lot of reports of tech companies laying off workers (many attributing the reductions to AI) and stories about how the job market is becoming saturated with my skill set.

I had also read many stories from workers aged 50 and over who were also struggling to find work.

Having worked in talent acquisition, I also know firsthand that younger, fresher talent can be prioritized and seen as innovative, while some older candidates are overlooked because they are “overqualified.”

Sometimes that’s really just code for, “I’m worried that they’re out of touch, that they’re not moldable, that they’re not tech-savvy enough, and that they’re not a ‘culture fit.'”

The stigma surrounding workers of my generation is real: Some describe us as burned out and overworked, difficult to manage, and simply looking for a paycheck while plotting our exit strategy for retirement.

There are so many young, talented professionals out there, and I realize that I may not be evaluated solely on my skills when I enter the job market. I know my experience is valuable, but I’m definitely worried that my age, over 50, might hold me back.

So before updating my resume, I felt like I needed to update my face, hair, makeup, nails, jewelry, and wardrobe. I wanted to look younger and bring that energy that hiring teams look for.

I had already been on a self-care journey when I was laid off, so I knew exactly what I had to do; Now I needed to level up and maintain it.

I have been updating my wardrobe and improving my appearance to look younger and more energetic.

In my experience, many women my age are growing out their gray hair and cutting their hair. So first, I focused on blending my gray into my brown hair (I had luck using Overtone’s Temporary Color Depositing Hair Mask) and getting long hair extensions.

I also started doing red light therapy on my scalp to hopefully stimulate hair growth and further hide my hair loss.

A smile tells a story, and aging teeth can become crooked and yellow over time, especially if they are not cared for properly. So, I started continuing to use Invisalign and whiten my teeth.

I also wanted to achieve a natural, younger look with makeup and skincare products. No Botox or facelifts for me.

My new routine starts with a double cleanse, followed by multiple applications of moisture-rich toners as part of a popular (and divisive) Korean method called “skin flooding.” Some of my favorite products are from Korean skincare brands such as Mixsoon, Anua, d’Alba, Dr. Melaxin, and Medicube.

I started using exfoliators regularly to remove dead skin and tretinoin to help reduce dark spots. I’ve also been applying serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, and vitamin C to try to hydrate and brighten my skin.

I changed my makeup bag to focus on products designed to help diminish fine lines, from pore-blurring primers to setting sprays that plump skin with dewy finishes.

My routine began to include lip plumping serums, glosses, and liners so I could achieve a more youthful, pouty look. I also got eyelash extensions done to enhance my eyes and hopefully make me look more awake.

Fortunately, there are many beauty brands with products aimed at mature skin, making it easier for people my age to achieve this type of look. Some of my favorites are Sacheu, Tarte Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Laura Geller, Clarins, Laura Mercier, Buxom, Charlotte Tilbury, POV and Anastasia Beverly Hills.

My wardrobe also needed some updates, as I had been working from home for almost seven years and only went to the office once a week.

With many potential employers hiring for hybrid or in-person roles, I knew my company-branded t-shirt, hoodie, and Chucks weren’t going to cut it.

I already picked up some modern, well-structured pieces to interview and practiced styling them with delicate modern jewelry.

I am confident in my abilities as a worker; I just need to convince the hiring managers to give a 52 year old like me a chance.

For me, youth begins from within; It is a holistic approach to body, mind and soul.

Beauty routines aside, I start each day by journaling and praying, taking my anti-aging supplements, eating protein-rich meals, and doing at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. I also lift weights three or four times a week and take a weekly injection of GLP-1.

I know all of these routines seem daunting, but if I want to survive the hiring process, I absolutely need to feel confident in myself.

I am a middle-aged Latina with decades of valuable leadership experience in talent acquisition and I firmly believe in my capabilities, skills, and value as a worker.

Now, I’m doing my best to convince anyone focused on hiring younger talent that I, too, am a worthy candidate and that they shouldn’t rule me out because of my age.

As I continue to look for work, I feel ready and confident to show up for any interview, answer any question, and share my professional accomplishments—hair extensions and all.