At 54, I thought my career path was set. After 15 years as a marketing VP at a major media company, I was a seasoned expert. Then, the restructuring happened. My role, along with my entire division, was eliminated. It was terrifying.
The job market has changed since the last time I looked. And yes, ageism is real. But what I discovered is that NYC is also full of incredible resources, and my years of experience weren’t a liability; they were my superpower. This is the story of how I navigated my mid-career pivot and the playbook I created along the way.
My Playbook for a Mid-Career Reinvention in NYC
1. Reframe Your Mindset (and Your Resume)
Instead of a resume that read like a long history book, I learned to create a modern, accomplishment-driven document. I booked a free one-on-one virtual coaching session with the NYPL’s Career Services. My coach was incredible and helped me translate my decades of experience into the language that recruiters are looking for today.
2. Tap into Age-Positive Networks
I discovered job boards and organizations specifically for experienced professionals. A key resource was the NYC Department for the Aging, which offers employment programs for older adults. AARP also runs a job board with employers who have pledged to be age-friendly.
3. Embrace New Models of Work
“I realized I didn’t have to find another all-consuming VP role. I started exploring consulting and fractional work. My experience was a huge asset here.”
My “unexpected pivot” led me to a portfolio career as a marketing consultant. I have more flexibility than ever, I’m still doing work I love, and my experience is more valued than ever. The layoff felt like an ending, but it was actually the beginning of my best chapter yet.
