
I'm 54, jobless, and facing yet another considerable rent hike. My savings? Wiped out by medical bills, too much time off between projects and the terrifying rise in the cost of living. Forget smashed avocados; my diet looks more like canned tuna on cucumbers. If I don't get a job soon, in two months, I won't be able to afford rent, moving costs, or my mounting medical bills.
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I've worked in adult education for years—a job I love. It's the perfect blend of writing, designing, and teaching. Last year was brutal, with opportunities drying up faster than my menopausal vagina. The world of learning has changed with the introduction of AI, cheaper ways of creating learning experiences, and the younger generation, who cost less and provide more technical skills. In July, I finally landed a project that promised an extension. But the dreaded budget cuts hit in December, and my contract was axed.
Now, I spend my days scrolling through Seek and LinkedIn, wading through listings with hundreds of applicants for each role. Businesses are tightening budgets, and salaries are plummeting while rent and groceries skyrocket. And then there's ageism. At 54, I've got life experience, creativity, and wisdom, but will recruiters even see that? Or am I just another resume for their AI bots to toss aside? The reality is harsh, and I'm hoping someone out there values the unique qualities I bring to the table, even with silver hair.