[USER]

At 52, with a family (16 and 12 still at home) im FatFi…So why am I struggling after being laid off. What have other people in my position done to fill their time? Feeling so unproductive.

I recently faced the challenge of being laid off at 52 while supporting a family. It’s a tough time, and I’m seeking advice on staying productive and positive during this transition.

How can I make the most of this period, whether by learning new skills, exploring career options, or balancing family responsibilities?

Any practical tips or personal experiences are welcome!

[William]

It sounds like you likely *are* financially secure, but that doesn’t mean you are fulfilled. I’d search for new hobbies and activities where you can show continued progression.

That can be working out and becoming stronger, faster, more fit; or take on a new fun project to push your skills in other areas of your life.

[Brian]

You conflated occupation with usefulness. Now that you can make $200k a year without doing anything other than balancing your portfolio you can be useful in other ways that don’t require a paycheck.

[Frank]

Consulting, teaching, getting involved with a charity, working on health, and creative endeavors.

I would start by scheduling exercising and reading.

[Carrie]

You are struggling because you were laid off and didn’t leave when you were ready. With that said it’s a mental hurdle not a financial hurdle.

Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to try – even if it’s something from when you were a kid and get out and do it.

Once you start you’ll find your way to a new hobby or a fun new gig.

[Leslie]

Educator here
Go substitute teach – schools need consistent & reliable substitutes.

You never know – a new passion may be ignited.

[Melissa]

Your teens will be gone before you realise it. Enjoy your good fortune to be able to spend time with them

[Kristina]

Part of our culture tells us we need to be gainfully employed in order to for our lives to have value. So that message is ingrained in our psyche.

The mental ingraining is probably stronger in men than in women, as (sometimes) the caretaker role is a considered to have value in society.

But feeling worthless is also something many caretakers feel, no matter their gender.

So, I think it’s a mental/psychological belief that is causing the struggle. Ask yourself—what gives my life value?

Do you feel that for your life to have value you must be gaining financially through labor?

Or can you come to believe that your life have value through family connection or other means?

[Suzanne]

I was laid off from Biotech in November. I was sort of ready but it is a shock. I have enjoyed groups through meetup (hiking, coffee house, movies, crafts, walking neighborhoods) and joined a cross fit group.

I spend my mornings on business (household stuff and rental management stuff), then cross fit or a run, lunch, nap, then afternoons for fun, reading, etc.

I keep a google calendar with all my plans similar to the outlook calendar at work-good tonic for going from the business of work to the mellow time now.

Hope you find a good rhythm or a new job, if that’s what you want!

[Brian]

Find a hobby that you are passionate about and get into it. You’ve got plenty of $ to be secure.. now figure out what makes you happy.

When you were working what did you look forward to doing the most on your days off? Don’t worry about being productive.

It’s not important. Find joy

[Casey]

Pick the top 5 things that interest you and get great at them. Sign up for classes, get mentors, and enjoy!

[George]

probably because work is your identity and when you lose your job you lose your identity.

[Sarah]

Volunteer in your community. There are websites that have tons of postings.

I’m the treasurer for our sports league and it brings great satisfaction keeping the league solvent and hundreds of kids playing every year.

[Audrey]

If ypu could do anything you wanted, what would you do? What was your favorite part of your job?

Humans needs to be productive in some way. It’s proven that it helps us psychologically and prevents things like mental deterioration.

The thing is.. it doesn’t have to be a job.

Raising kids/ maintaining a home, volunteering for organizations, mentoring.. it all counts.

[Jill]

When I got laid off during Covid, I was completely disoriented for almost a year.

Give yourself some emotional space, and start researching volunteer opportunities.

[Lisa]

Many times we don’t allow ourselves time to heal or breathe after a traumatic experience- like losing a job, becoming empty nesters, passing of a spouse, etc.

it’s so important to take that time and figure out what life will look like going forward.

Give yourself grace- 6 months to a year to figure out who you are now and what you want to do

[Christina]

Find hobbies and spend time withyour family! You are struggling because you didn’t plan for this and you are seeing it as a layoff instead of retirement.

Tell yourself it is the same thing and start enjoying life.

I golf, ski, joined a country club to stay active/hang out at. Once you have a new schedule you won’t have down time!

[Tracy]

52 is my early retirement age. I would do nothing for a bit honestly. Take some time to process what happened. Enjoy my family.

As for work, I would now use the next 10 years before “full retirement” to do something I enjoy.

Take the pressure off of being a super high earner. For me, I love travel.

From 52-62 I hope to be able to just work for an airline for the perks.

[Justin]

Congrats on your early retirement. I FIRE’d at 52 four years ago. Instead of my previous over scheduled life I had, I now give the things I want to do more white space and I try to stop multi-tasking.

My priorities are travel, health, quality time with family and friends, and learning.

I get a full night sleep, I exercise regularly (long hikes), I travel a lot, I write, I volunteer, I spend more quality time with my friends and family.

I took Spanish classes, I coach some friends and family on personal finance, I enjoy a cold tasty beverage with my wife in the evenings.

My days are full and rewarding. Your kids are at great ages.

When my kids were those ages I volunteered to coach my kids soccer teams, I played with them in recreation ultimate frisbee leagues and got involved in their love of school theatre.

Whatever they are interested in. I made sure my “chores” (see stuff listed above) were done when my kids were done with school so I could focus time with them.

Anyway, I’m sure the specifics are different in your situation, but hopefully this provides something useful. Cheers!

[Sonja]

Your identity is attached to what you did for work. Now you can reframe your identity. That is exciting! What is important to you?

What did you love to do as a child and teen before real world pressures made you lose sight of what made you happy?

Think about your values and beliefs.

[Kenna]

Sign up for classes or volunteer to tell children about your career choice. Help those less fortunate than you i.e. soup kitchens, read to babies, volunteer at senior centers, etc.

Don’t just throw money at it. Get involved…this could change your life.

Teach at a local school, become a substitute, etc.
You could just REST. I recommend therapy too.

[Author]

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