The plot of the movie "Tokyo Sonata" describes a middle-aged unemployed hero who goes out and goes home every day according to the normal commuting time in order not to let his wife suspect. This story has many similarities to myself and other middle-aged unemployed people.
After the age of 35, the initial unemployment did not matter to me, I used it as a long unpaid vacation, I could go to coffee shops, visit museums, go for walks in the newly opened nearby park, etc., and enjoy a relaxed life. However, over time, I gradually realized that unemployment gave me a huge sense of crisis!
Compared with the job-hopping of young people, for middle-aged people, finding a job is more about gaining security and stability in life. Some say that turning 40 is an important turning point in the workplace and a peak in your career. However, for older professionals, finding a job may become more difficult because they lack core competencies.
Unemployment is not only an economic loss, but also a psychological and spiritual impact. I feel uncertain about the future, doubt my worth, have lower self-esteem, feel socially alienated, change my lifestyle, etc. Unemployment is a huge blow for middle-aged people, requiring more psychological coping and self-adjustment.
In the workplace, middle-aged people may feel that they have reached the trough after losing their jobs, but they do not expect that there is a deeper rift valley below the trough, making us feel in a dilemma and hopeless. However, as a passer-by, I have learned some lessons:
For those who are still employed after the age of 35:
First of all: I advise them not to quit, not to lose their jobs, not to start a business!
1: Even if the salary is lower, it doesn't matter, as long as the leader doesn't drive you away, maintaining a job can get some security in life.
2: Rely on leaders or bosses with strong abilities and accumulate more pension qualifications, connections and resources.
3: Learn to lighten yourself and choose some light jobs to free up more time to try new directions and prepare for the future of entrepreneurship.
4: If you have to accept a (current) low salary, also give yourself more time to breathe and prepare, and avoid excessive periods of unemployment.
For those who have been unemployed at home after the age of 35:
1: I recommend that they take a comprehensive inventory of the family's financial situation and network resources, and analyze whether to continue looking for a job or considering starting a business. If you have abundant connections and family funds, you can consider "asset-light" entrepreneurship and don't invest too much money.
2: If the family does not have enough funds and network resources, avoid waiting for work for a long time, and try some "guaranteed jobs" first, such as becoming a Didi driver, delivery boy, courier, or looking for short-term work.
3: In addition, middle-aged people should learn to become "slash youth", that is, "slash middle age". Once you find a job, don't stop at "there", think about career stability and part-time work in self-media, anchoring, and technology in your spare time.
Written at the end:
Unemployment is a difficult journey, but I believe that as long as we remain optimistic and positive, and bravely face difficulties, we will regain our career success.
Regardless of age, we can find our place and realize our value. The film "Tokyo Sonata" shows us the lives of middle-aged unemployed people, allowing us to understand their inner plight more deeply. I hope that with hard work and perseverance, we can tide over the difficulties and face the challenges of the future!