Job Loss in Your 40s, 50s, and Beyond: Advice and Support for Starting Over

What are the real emotions behind the often-used phrase, “It’s not personal, it’s business”?  

In this episode we explore the VERY personal, emotional impact of layoffs, featuring guest Tara MacKenzie, who shares her deeply moving experiences of navigating job loss. Through her journey, we challenge the notion that job loss is merely a business decision, stressing the importance of treating each individual’s contributions with dignity and respect. 

By reflecting on personal stories of job loss, we highlight how empathy and transparency in leadership can mitigate the emotional toll of such events. We cover the importance of one-on-one communication and preparedness, offering practical advice for leaders tasked with delivering difficult news and for colleagues aiming to provide genuine support. We round out our episode by exploring innovative ways to cope with job loss and how career setbacks can lead to exciting new beginnings. Tara’s entrepreneurial venture, Ragebox, was a creative response to job loss, offering humor and comfort in challenging times. As we share insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we emphasize the power of community and the support systems that can transform adversity into opportunity. 

RageBox specializes in crafting gifts, experiences and products that cater to the dark theme enthusiasts and fans of the mischievous. The company founder, who had endured multiple job losses in the IT sector (and being handed that dreaded ‘pack up your desk in a box’ spiel one too many times), decided to turn her frustration into inspiration and RageBox was born. RageBox is a brilliant fusion of her passion for true crime, horror movies, and astrology, all within the simple concept of a box. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a fellow dark theme enthusiast, or just want to indulge your own dark side, RageBox has got you covered. Check out our Themed Gift Boxes and experiences, or pick up an angry artifact from our products and collections. Get ready to embrace the thrill and dive into the darkness with RageBox – RageOn! 

In this episode: 

• • (00:00) Six common major stressors in middle age 

• • (02:37) The shock of being laid off 

• • (05:46) Karen’s change in perspective about people who get laid off 

• • (08:00) Tara’s experience of being laid off, different reactions to this news 

• • (13:07) Advice for leadership when laying off 

• • (18:15) Words and phrases to use in layoffs (and what not to say) 

• • (20:29) An ideal scenario story