Sylvia Tillman, 69, has undergone a radical career change after being redundant following the pandemic, as many older people struggle to get work in later life.
After spending 25 years working IT and business development roles, generally earning £25,000 to £29,000 a year, Sylvia focused on helping small firms with their business development before working in a school after moving from Edinburgh to Ramsgate.
However, after the pandemic hit, she was made redundant from her part time job working in administration, which paid about £700 a month.
Sylvia said: “I was 53 at the time and had been expecting the redundancy. I was made redundant in September 2020 and started to worry about how I would find a new job in a small seaside town, rather than in a city.”
Data from the Office for National Statistics showing people aged 50 or above were the most likely to be made redundant by their employer in 2025.
According to figures published by the Labour Force Survey last month, 917,000 people aged between 50 and 66 are currently unable to find a job.
The number of unemployed older people searching for work has increased by 22 per cent since 2023, with people in this age group consistently suffering the highest rates of redundancy.
Fears are mounting that Labour’s workers’ rights overhaul will deter even more employers from hiring older workers, whilst employers are also grappling with higher national insurance contributions – something Sylvia experienced first hand.
After being made redundant for the first time, she sent 50 job applications.
She said: “I applied for many jobs in the charity sector and other roles requiring office manager, senior administration or retail work. I got many rejections and often no response at all. I only got invited to a small number of interviews.”
In time, Sylvia found another part-time job at a manufacturing company, making £600 a month and working two days a week. She sensed for a while that redundancy could again be on the cards as the business was relocating to serviced offices – a workspace provided by a third party.
“I was made redundant twice within a short timeframe. I didn’t stay long enough in either job to get any redundancy payments, let alone packages,” Sylvia said.
Amid the growth of artificial intelligence, Sylvia said she believed more jobs will be lost, even those in professional and academic roles.
Despite this, Sylvia remained calm and undeterred. She said: “I felt optimistic. I had already started some of my training in other areas and was keen to change course.
“Thankfully, I didn’t have to worry about my finances as I had sold my flat in Edinburgh for a slightly higher price than I bought my new one [in Ramsgate] for.”
Sylvia added: “I know I’ve got a lot of valuable experience to offer and am still able to learn quickly. But I am also aware that many employers didn’t appreciate my colourful career and wanted somebody who had done a similar job in the same industry for the last decade.”
In 2021, Sylvia put her plans into action and set up her business, Tremendous TRE. She specialises in tension and trauma releasing exercises, a stress release tool which encourages people to literally shake off their stress. She also practices laughter yoga, Jikiden Reiki and silent counselling.
Sylvia is now earning less money than she has ever done before, but has no desire to go back to a standard job.
She said: “I don’t miss anything from a ‘normal’ office environment, although I had some amazing jobs which I loved and worked with some great people. Now I can take time off in the morning as I play lots of tennis. The redundancies spearheaded my major career change.”
She added: “I’d always been interested in alternative health, but never considered it as part of a career move before. I get great satisfaction when clients tell me they are feeling better.
“People rarely have a forever career anymore and need to be open-minded.”
Job hunting for the over 50s
Sylvia made the most of her redundancies, but for many, the path can be difficult, particularly if ageism is suspected.
Katie Emerton, a recruitment expert at CV-Library, said: “While legislation protects against age discrimination, ageism can still play a subtle role in hiring decisions.
“Some employers may make assumptions about digital skills, adaptability or long-term tenure, even though older workers often bring valuable experience and leadership.”
She added: “For those that are over-50 and facing redundancy, a focused and confident approach to finding work is key.
“Prioritise recent experience and focus on the last 10 years and highlight measurable achievements. You don’t need to ‘age-scrub’ if your experience is relevant and adds value.
“Lead with skills, not your age. Emphasise transferrable and in-demand skills across industries. Also, upskill where needed. Enrol in courses or certifications that can help boost your employability.”
Staying active on job boards and professional websites can also make it easier for employers and recruiters to find you.
Emerton added: “You will have amassed some black book of contacts, so now is the time to reconnect with them, as you may open doors to hidden opportunities.
“Be open to flexibility – part-time, temporary or contract work will show adaptability and accelerate re-entry to work.
“As more people consider a career change, so-called ‘squiggly careers’ are becoming more common, offering flexibility, variety and strong earning potential. Many roles also provide accessible entry routes through training and development, making it easier to switch sectors.”
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