Long Hair, no Job

[RacyRobin]

In 2011 I started growing my hair from a flat top. Today it is half way down my back. Pure White with no split ends, clean and always conditioned. In 2017 I sold my business of 17 years. I am considered an Icon in my industry. Recently I have applied for numerous job opportunities in my Industry to no avail. My silently accepting wife is convinced it is due to my hair length. I am 59 and applying for senior leadership positions. She wants me to cut my hair. From my perspective it is a part of my feminine self and I don't want to give it up. Your thoughts and advice. Thanks.

[Tracii G]

My hair is mid back and I have cut maybe an inch or two off since 2012 to clean up split ends.
If I needed an income sure I would cut mine if it was a deal breaker to the company.
Refusing to cut it is just vanity really.
You still have your femme self and the amount of hair you have doesn't matter.

[Crissy 107]

If you need/want the job listen to your wife, cut the hair.

[Kaylin]

I say cut it, and get that $. You can always buy some nice wigs hon :)

[vplshowoff]

I'll offer some other possibilities. As an icon in your industry, the hiring managers could feel threatened by hiring you. You could be a victim of age discrimination. Your white hair may make you look older than your are. You might want to color your hair for a younger look.

[~Renee~]

What's more important... The hair or income? You might cut the hair and still have no job. Then what?
If you need income... Then start another business as a consultant to your old company. No? I can't imagine wanting to be an employee after being a boss for 17 years and being forced to remove my hair. Sounds like a lose lose situation.

[docrobbysherry]

How do u know it's your hair? And, not the lipstick, dress, or hi heels?:battingeyelashes:

[Tracii G]

If no one wants to hire you maybe its not your hair and they just don't want you.
You could always ask if your hair is the reason and offer to cut it.

[RacyRobin]

Thank you to all for your input. Your hart felt thoughts are appreciated. Doc, not out so other than the hair no show. Traci, you may be the most levelheaded one of the clan. That said, and based on your collective input, if an outstanding opportunity shows its self I will make a trip to the barbershop. If not, I will look at starting another business as a consultant and hopefully keep my wonderful mane growing. It stinks being the happiest when the drab world looks down upon us. You all rock!

[Asew]

I doubt it is the hair and more likely the age (they wonder how many years they will get out of you and will it be worth it).

[RacyRobin]

Asew, you may be on point. The industry I have been associated with for over 45 years is youth based, 16 to 35 years old. Unfortunately today's companies don't see experience as a positive.

[AllieSF]

Remember if you decide to cut it, then cut it in one bunch to be able to donate it mto Locks of Love or some title like that. They get the hair to specialists who make long hair into wigs for those that cannot afford a wig and have lost their hair due to cancer.

Why not try an interview with your hair in a man bun on the lower back of your head? Maybe it won't impact them so much, if it does at all. Have you considered using a headhunter. They are pretty cool and will tell you if your hair may be an influencing factor or not. Let them see your resume first before asking. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[RacyRobin]

Allie, my last two interviews I did a tight braid thinking it looked clean and proper. I thought the man bun would not fit my age. If I do cut it off I will definitely follow your advice and ensure it goes to those in need. Thanks for the awareness.

[Rochal Tukque]

Maybe you can set your eyes on another type of position that your nice long hair would be more common place. You never said what industry you were in.

[RacyRobin]

Roacal, the powersports industry, specifically the performance motorcycle world. It seems strange to me but the younger leadership today seems less open about appearance with the exception of tattoos (:

[SamanthaToday]

59 and a Icon in a industry looking for a job, it's not the hair. You are close to retirement and since you are senior in your expertise, chances are the companies that you applied to think the positions available are all below you and you will get bored.

My wife interviews Men all the time and She sadly dismisses alot of males at our age for the exact reason, plus most of the time they dictators and not workers because they are used to giving orders.

Maybe look to another industry that parallels the one you were in but different.
Good Luck

[Macey]

I have long hair. I've had long hair since I was a child (except for my stint in the military, of course). In my late 30's I needed a new job and was hired, long hair and all. Now in my late 40's I still have it and am a respected employee at my job, head of my department, and have gotten raises and bonuses along the way. I doubt it's the hair, as others have pointed out it may unfortunately be age related.

Perhaps you may want to reconsider what type of employment and positions you are looking for, with your drive and experience, maybe look for consulting/contracting positions in your field.

[susan54]

You don't say where you are. In the UK hair length is usually a non-issue. I have been part of many appointments panels and we would never dream of using hair length to lose out on a good candidate. I once interviewed a guy with huge earrings. He didn't get the job but it was not earring-related - he didn't know the basics of the job requirements. Good luck with the job hunt.

[Bobbi46]

I know this may sound a bet extreme but what about cutting your hair to say shoulder length and then wear it in a pony style I have seen many like that, but also and you don't say how old you are, but the problem could also be age related, companies feel, sometimes, unwilling to employ somebody because in a few years or whatever they retire so the company is not getting a good benefit out of the whole thing especially if in house training is required as well . having said that mature workers are far more diligent and stay the course instead of younger workers who often flit from job to job.

[BTWimRobin]

I am willing to bet it's more your age, salary requirements and the fact that you are probably overqualified for the job than your hair.

[Charona]

If I might make a guess they think the industry has changed enough they think you might be "behind the curve.". Things in the powersports world are swiftly moving toward electronic and computer control. It is very difficult to stay abreast of the changes, and they may worry that you haven't kept up.

[Maid_Marion]

Where I work skills are a major issue. Only the CEO gets a secretary or personal assistant.

I do a lot of stuff in 30 minutes once a month that would be a challenge for a new hire to learn.
Especially the stuff involving old software that never worked all that well to begin with.

[Aunt Kelly]

It is almost certainly your age. Age discrimination is almost everywhere, and notoriously difficult to prove. As you say, the right position may be worth the image points a more professional hair style would bring. Shouldn't be that way, but it definitely is.

[Ressie]

It might be a combination of age, hair etc. But also, theses entities can hire someone younger with less experience at a lower wage. you might be over qualified for these positions but it's generally hard to get hired in one's late 50s compared to someone straight out of college.

Also, you've shown that you're successful at being independent which might not be desirable. You can keep looking but I think you should start another business in the meantime. That is, if it's feasible.

[Laura912]

Another vote for age. Keep the hair and do your own consulting thing. Why would you want a boss again? Your new clients will be glad for your expertise.

[Sherrii]

If you don't need the money and are just looking for something to keep you busy keep your hair. Who knows you cut it and still don't get the jobs. Find some other interest if you are just looking for something to keep you form sitting around the house. If you really need the money or can't find another way to make it then maybe consider cutting.

[Stephanie47]

My brother ran into your situation when he took an early buyout rather than be cut with no buyout....IBM. While he worked for a large corporation and was just another highly skilled employee among many, when applying at smaller companies he was viewed as a threat to the person interviewing him. He usually had more experience and skills than the person he would work for. He did get another good paying job commensurate with his expertise, but, it was a big company where he would be just another employee among many. His last job after another buyout was with in a division of a large company where he replaced a person retiring based on age. He was now the entire department. No threat to any boss.

As some have stated you may be over qualified or seen as a threat to somebody else's job. If you're in a conservative field perhaps the long hair is a turnoff. It may be an age related issue. Perhaps the company views an investment in you will not be returned if you're close to retirement. Or, you may be viewed as not affordable based on your credentials.

If you really do not want to cut your hair I go with being a consultant. If you have the needed skills a company needs then the company gets your expertise without entering a long term commitment.

[Vicky_Scot]

Would they ask a woman to cut her hair? No so keep your hair the way you want it. Doubt the length of your hair would effect your capabilities to do the job. x

[LilSissyStevie]

I couldn't resist....https://youtu.be/c9lh7lqZojc :D

[CarlaWestin]

Cut your hair, get a job, quit bitchin'.

[Bea_]

It seems to me that age rather than the hair would be the issue. If you really think it's the hair, you just have to do a cost/benefit check on keeping/cutting it. I'd tend to go with keeping it. I would suck to cut it off and not get the jobs anyway.

[April Rose]

I would think that at the senior leadership level, the long hair would be less of an impediment than if you were just looking to be a drone. This depends on the type of company, of course, but in forward looking companies of all stripes, the decision makers are seldom chosen for their conformity. Look at Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk.

In fact, (and I definitely ran into this, as I approached retirement) what you may be up against is age discrimination or at least age skepticism. Often senior people can come with impressive resumes, but then turn out to have difficulty adapting quickly to new situations. In a case like that, the long hair might actually be an advantage, signaling to an interviewer that in at least one concrete way, you definitely can think outside the box.

It is your situation, and your call, but in my opinion, for someone at your age with your level of experience, the hair is not going to be the deciding factor pro or con.

[Angie G]

Long hair doesn't make a girl cut it Robin if it doesn't help start growing it again. :hugs:
Angie

[Tracii G]

Find a new field to get into maybe.
I worked in the transportation industry for over 40 years and know it from the bottom to the top.
I decided when I retired to leave it behind and be done with it and move on to something else.
Took my hobby of repairing and or building guitars to a more serious level by working for a very high end boutique guitar builder and learned a lot more.
I now have local players bring their stuff to me to fix.The local big box guitar store reached out to me to be their in house guitar tech but I turned them down.
I have even worked for several bands as a roadie and guitar tech out on the road.Met a lot of artists too and made some great friends.
My point is try something new,you have run a business before so you know what it takes.

[abbiedrake]

Ideally it wouldn't be a factor, and indeed maybe it hasn't been thus far. One would hope society could evolve past such petty concerns but 🤷*♀️ here we are.
I guess ultimately, Robin, it's not a question we can answer. You know how badly you need to work or to earn. How does that compare to your need for the expression your hair affords you. Sometimes life is that black and white.
There can't be anyone on here who hasn't had to do things they didn't want to at some time.
The good news is your hair will grow back and once you have a job they'd be hard pressed to fire you if you grow it once your foot's in the door.

[April Rose]

I missed the part about the motorcycle industry. As a life long rider and occasional worker in the industry I'd have to say, My God! It's pretty sad that the industry has come to that. Then again, Harley Davidson hired a guy who was essentially a cheese monger to run the company, and he went and fired Erik Buell and flushed all that innovation down the toilet.

Speaking of Mr Buell, he's moved over to electric Motorcycles and bicycles, which are coming on strong. Have you taken a look in that area?

[Tracii G]

Good idea April get in on the new technology and be ahead of the game.

[abbiedrake]

Sorry what do motorcycles have to do with Harley-Davidson? They make hairdryers don't they?! Or is it uncomfortable sofas? Something like that.
Chocolate teapots! That's what the clownshoes down in Milwaukee make. 😜

[Micki_Finn]

Well, you will NEVER get a straight answer on WHY you weren’t hired, so all you can do is speculate. Some companies place greater value on appearance than others. The only thing I can suggest is take a peak at the people already working there. That will give you a gauge on their expectation of appearance.

[Trione]

It's probably the age bit, why hire an older dude when we can get 2 assholes for the same price and fire the one that don't work out. Nu

[Jenny22]

You've been applying for senior leadership positions so I do suspect its an age issue along with 'can they afford you'. As an industry icon, and presuming you've kept up with the industry advances in technology, etc., you would be a great consultant. Be affordable and you should have no problems. Good luck!

[Jennifer in CO]

plain and simple - its the age...keep the hair and screw 'em.
I'm in the real estate industry. A VERY visual industry. But its when the customers that look at you and they're first comment is...damn...hair to his butt and drive s Jag...I want that job! Its then you realize you have nothing to worry about...
I did have a client once who when after he actually met me I never got another order from him (I had been contacted by phone and done his work for close to 9 months). So I finally stopped by one day and asked what had happened and he said I didn't fit his companies image. So I asked him how many of his customers had he ever met. He said not a lot. I asked him what type of image did he want to portray. He said we should always appear professional and successful to our clients. Makes them feel better about working with us. Being honest, he said with my long hair I didn't fit the image he wanted his customers to think of when they met me.
So I asked him to come outside for a moment. Hesitantly, he came out with me. I happened to have driven the white XJS that day. So I asked him, does that car fit the image of your company? He said yes, but he could never own one. That he couldn't afford to take care of it. So I told him that was the very image his customers had of his company because that is the car I drive when I am doing appraisals. I show up in one of three Jags. They think if his Appraiser's can drive a Jag then they must be successful. Then I told him my hair doesn't drive a Jag. My hair doesn't write the appraisals. My hair doesn't make him money. "I" make him money.
I started getting orders again the next week....

[Micki_Finn]

It is ILLEGAL to not hire someone based on advanced age. This is why an interview or application will never ask your age. I believe it’s 45+ that’s covered as a protected class against age discrimination. If you honestly believe that age is the issue as a number of people have speculated, then you need a lawyer.

[Rhonda Jean]

I think it IS your hair. I had long hair my whole life until I knew an employment change was coming, and cut my hair before it became an issue. I would not have gotten the job I have today if I hadn't cut it. It's wrong, but that's the way it is.

Hair was a big deal to me. I loved messing with it and styling it at home, loved the salon, especially loved roller sets. I got it cut an inch or two at a time over a period of time trying to ease into it. To this day I still miss it. I must say, though, as a guy I look better. Also, the fact is it was/is getting thin at the crown. I didn't realize how thin until it got fairly short. I'm sure that that showed regardless of how elaborate the hairstyle, even though I didn't see it. Wigs are probably more convincing, even though it's very hard for me to admit.

[Eemz]

My 2c... more likely and age/experience thing.

> I am considered an Icon in my industry

If you're a recognizable face in the industry then you should keep the hair. Imho. If it's part of your "look" and/or makes you recognisable then you'd be mad to cut it off. Imho.

I presume you are looking for consultancy business and/or work on the basis of your reputation, in which case you actively want people saying "oh yeah that's that guy, I've heard of him". Cutting if off makes you just another interchangeable middle age guy; they probably have a queue of those around the block.

My 2c, based only on the information supplied in the OP.
YMMV.

[Eva Skarlatova]

I am wondering is it a CD issue or HR issue? We could only guess your field, probably it is not so artistic, as the long hair to be an issue. In my point of view cutting your hair is not a big deal so go for it! But I thing that in the job market exist a hidden discrimination talking in terms of age, origination of work experience, yes and LGBT prejudices as well. Your full apperiance and presentation is not only the hair. There is no one HR that would confess in front of you that your age is an issue. And it is not necessery your age to be declared in advance, there are so many other paths for guessing it.....so, welcome to the board! You can just limit some "disadvantages", not all of them. If you wish the job, cut the hair! (there are so beautifull wigs ;)) Good luck!

[Tracii G]

If they don't seem interested tell them you will go ahead and take their competetor's offer and walk out.
I have done consulting for a transportation company and it wasn't all that great of a position.
The owner that hired me to help him operate the company wouldn't take my advice anyway.
I left and 3 years later he went out of business.
He couldn't manage money or his staff so he had it coming.

[alwayshave]

Robin, I would cut my hair if I was in the same position.

[closets]

icon - a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration

i agree with eemz, unless op is over stating their icon-ness

[Nicole Erin]

It is hard to tell why someone is having a hard time finding work. At your age though, it probably isn't the hair. Usually when a man can't get hired because of long hair, it is some younger guy who is either a slob or trying to look like a rock star.
Some people try to change who they are just to get hired but it doesn't always work. I understand how important the hair is to you, so what would happen if you cut it and the situation didn't improve?


If no one wants to hire you maybe its not your hair and they just don't want you.
You could always ask if your hair is the reason and offer to cut it.
I don't know if any manager would even admit to something like that. They wouldn't want to face a potential law suit.


I doubt it is the hair and more likely the age (they wonder how many years they will get out of you and will it be worth it).
Most people do not stick around any given company for long anyways. It doesn't even matter what their age is. Even the place I work, I have been there 8 years and even manager turn-around is pretty crazy.
To put it another way, anyone from the top down is lucky to last even ONE year in most places, let alone "years".

[Tracii G]

Oh I know getting management to admit anything can be hard to do.

[StephanieIndy]

I’m not sure the specifics of your industry, but I’m an airline pilot and there is no way I can get away with long hair due to our uniform code, so there are definitely jobs out there that will hold it against you. I would love to have natural long hair!

[Meghan4now]

My 2c... more likely and age/experience thing.

> I am considered an Icon in my industry

If you're a recognizable face in the industry then you should keep the hair. Imho. If it's part of your "look" and/or makes you recognisable then you'd be mad to cut it off. Imho.

I presume you are looking for consultancy business and/or work on the basis of your reputation, in which case you actively want people saying "oh yeah that's that guy, I've heard of him". Cutting if off makes you just another interchangeable middle age guy; they probably have a queue of those around the block.

My 2c, based only on the information supplied in the OP.
YMMV.
Absolutely. I find it incredible that so many here are anti hair! Seriously, especially in the motorcycle industry, as long as you keep it neat and clean, then your're a badass. Add an earring on your left to complete the image. I think it's an age and possibly PAY issue, or perception there of. If the hair wasn't an issue before, it should be one now.

[Rhonda Jean]

I'm the opposite of anti-hair!! I've been through a similar situation,though, and had to face the same reality.

She became an icon in her business in spite of her hair. She likely built most of her reputation before she had long hair. She owned her own business, had success, and could, to some extent, do whatever she wanted. Now she's been out of the industry for 2 years. Her former competitors (now potential employers) have gotten by perfectly well without her, and the icon status is really watered down. I can easily see the icon thing working against her in this scenario.

It's not as simple as getting her hair cut, either. A lot of people she's trying to go to work for already know her as a "long hair". Even if she cuts it, they have established their opinions of her, and the hair is what they'll remember. They may also think she just cut it to get a job, then will let it grow again. Also, with us, the long hair is probably not a stand-alone thing. There are probably other little "tells" that my rub people the wrong way.

If you want/need a job, in most cases you have to conform. We all know that this is not a world where you get to do your own thing without repercussions. I'd bet that a lot of those who've recommended she keep her long hair don't have long hair themselves. Having a job/income is pretty serious business for most of us. When you're looking, you have to eliminate the things that even might be impediments. She can't do anything about her age. As difficult as it may be, she can do something about her hair.

[Meghan4now]

Rhonda,

You have some good points, and not being intimately familiar with the situation, we are all speculating and projecting. Still, I feel like the hair is likely a minor issue compared to many of the points you and others bring out. I also wonder if this was an opportunity to evoke a passive aggressive comment by the wife. Certainly not unheard of in these here parts.

And BTW my hair is cropped short, but I have a well receding hairline, and I think long hair in that case looks terrible. I feel it actually highlights the MPB, and make one look ill or unkempt.

[sometimes_miss]

I am 59
^this is your problem. Overqualified, overexperienced, you'd be a threat to both younger and older upper managers to replace them, would possibly upstage and embarrass them by knowing more. And if you succeed by being as good as you seem? They'll figure you'll leave the company as soon as a better offer comes along. Might be time to retire.

BTW, I have a friend in the same situation. He's been unemployed now for three years. At 60 he's considering retirement. Always a successful exec, but also always willing to show off just how smart he is, to me it's clear that no one would want to hire him unless their company was about to collapse if they didn't find an expert troubleshooter real quick. If you're really, really good at what you do, perhaps look around for a company in trouble, and offer to work for less than you'd usually ask in return for future compensation if you can help the company get back on it's feet.

[Rhonda Jean]

Hmmm. My third post on someone else's topic. I starting to think this hits a little too close to home for me!

Everybody has come up with good reasons besides long hair she hasn't been hired. Mostly things she has no control over. No need dwelling on those. Change the things you can.

Meghan, yep, I can see this getting under her wife's skin, too.

I used to be of a mind that my hair was non-negotiable... until it had to become negotiable. I think everybody should experience it. Whether you have it for 6 years or 60, it'll change your life, but when your life revolves around it to the point that it's impeding the rest of your life to this extent, you have to be reasonable and logical about it and let it go. Now that I don't have long hair, I hear what people say about those who do. I had no idea back when it was me. I had no idea that people made such a huge deal out of it.

Another thing. As much as I hate wigs, there's no getting around that the "right" ones look fabulous! There are a lot of girls on this board who are proof of that. They're not just for crossdressers. Seems obvious, but something I had to come around to. Real women wear wigs, and they do so because the wigs look better than their own hair. They are absolutely transformative. It bears pointing out that if you have long hair that about precludes wearing a wig. There might be a way to do it, but I never found it back in my long hair days. I always had a lump where I had a pinned-up bun, and always had my own hair sticking out where it didn't belong.

I'm very familiar with the satisfaction that comes from always having it with you, always showing a very important part of your true self. Can't get around that. Cut your hair and you just have to get over it. If I got over it (however incompletely), anybody can.

[RacyRobin]

Wow! I am overwhelmed by the quantity and thoughtful responses by all. As this was my first "major" post I am humbled by the genuine concern and advice all of you wonderful people have given. I spent the last 48 hours considering and reviewing all the inputs you have given. During my Job search and interviewing process I have felt the "Age Issue" was there but have chosen to ignore it as I don't feel or see myself as "old". In fact most of my interactions are with people well below my calendar age and I am generally accepted by them. But, based on your inputs and taking time to look from the outside in, I think age is the primary issue. So, going forward I am looking at consulting opportunities and maybe starting up another company in a much smaller niche space that will not demand all my time. So, keeping the hair for now and who knows, I may have more time to dress and be the person I feel I am. Thank you all from the hart! And, I truly feel accepted by all of you and that means a lot.

Robin

[Meghan4now]

Awesome follow up Robin, do what you can. There used to be a rule of thumb on unemployment (pre 2008) that said for every 10k in salary, expect your job search to take an extra month or two. That may have extended. Some industries have recovered and are hiring like crazy, but a lot of them are looking for that young talent. Other industries are likely to NEVER fully recover. It's the old adage of making the best buggy whips. You might be great, but are you marketable.

And keep your hair nicely groomed, regardless of length!

[grace7777]

I am happy to hear that you have not cut your hair. It would be a shame to do it just for a job. I think your biggest problem is that you owned your own business for 17 years, and there is no way to change that. A lot of employers are probably thinking you will not be able to handle being an employee after being your own boss for a long time. You had a successful business and had long hair, so another reason for your hair not being the problem. I think second would be your age, and your hair being at the bottom of the list.

To me, consulting seems like the best path. Companies that would not hire you as an employee would probably have no problem bringing you on as a consultant.

Also, I have transitioned from male to female, and work in the accounting field, and was able to find work after transitioning. In fact I had more success in finding work after transitioning than in the couple of years before. Now I work in a CPA firm. I think now, being true to who I am, has helped me be a better worker.

[Leslie Mary S]

Try the consultation job angle. Sometimes you can even get hired by a company after you prove your worth. Go to as many of the sports events and be noticed. too. Show them you are keeping abreast of the industry.

Side question IF you don't mind. Why did you quit you other job?

[sometimes_miss]

It is ILLEGAL to not hire someone based on advanced age. This is why an interview or application will never ask your age..
During an interview, there are lots of questions whose answers will lead to information that will give away a candidate's approximate age as well as many other things we want to know. You have to be VERY careful of what you ask, but it can be done. Been there, and I was guilty of doing just that to find out more about the people I interviewed. At the time, I was comforted in the old saying, 'It's nothing personal, it's just business'. Done properly, they will never ask you a question that directly implies that your age, gender, marital status, whether or not you have kids, etc., lots of other things, would rule them out as potential hires. As the interview proceeds, and they start to feel comfortable that they've got the job, they often start to give away all sorts of personal information, even though it was never inquired about. Then, when we find out something that winds up making them an unacceptable applicant, we continue the conversation, and eventually end the interview by leaving them very confident that they are going to get the job, and that we just have more interviews scheduled that we must go through with, and will let them know very soon. Then we keep looking, and if that candidate asks if we've made a decision yet, there's always some excuse we can come up with.

FWIW, I've been on the applicant side of that type of interview as well, and, that's basically where I learned those skills.

This is just how the business world works, and the most successful people quickly start to do this kind of thing naturally without even thinking about it.


I don't feel or see myself as "old".
^this is a typical response from just about EVERYONE, and it usually indicates that you are probably blind to other things about yourself as well. Perhaps contacting a headhunter would be in order to see if your own evaluation of yourself matches that of the rest of the world. Delusion of self: We especially see it here, where it seems almost every crossdresser thinks that they look much younger and/or prettier than they actually are when dressed up, which is then supported by generous cohorts that want her to feel good about herself. Sure, some are. But most? Probably not. This is especially seen in the 'Do I pass?' posts, where everyone chimes in 'Of course you do, you look great!' even if you're basically like me, a hippo in a tutu. All fun and games until reality hits back hard.

And last but not least, if you're in a financial situation where you can do it, consider retirement. I'm now 63 and rarely work anymore, and am moving to a much lower cost section of the country, eliminating many thousands of dollars from what I would be spending, so my lifestyle barely takes much of a hit at all. Remember, you don't get any more time. In the past oh, five years I've watched quite a few friends and acquaintances die off of various 'older age' problems (stroke, heart problems, lung disease, cancer, diabetes). Don't wait too long, or all those things that you thought you'd do when you 'got around to it', or when you retire, can't happen anymore. IIRC, 59 1/2 is the age when you can start drawing on your retirement funds without any penalty, so you're either there or pretty close.

In one of his songs, Rod Stewart wrote, and I remember this gem: "Never wait or hesitate, Get in kid, before it's too late, You may never get another chance. 'Cause youth a mask but it don't last, Live it long and live it fast". It was about one of his friends who died way too young. But it applies to all of us. We don't ever get any more time. Don't waste what you have left; it will go by faster than you think. My own experience, working two jobs most of my life to get ahead, and then in my 50's, realized that I had worked much of my life away.

Maybe time to take a 'Better late than never' trip?
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5020352/?ref_=nm_flmg_slf_4 (if you haven't seen it, and can't find it anywhere, there's always torrents).

[Maid_Marion]

I'm a couple years younger than you and have already done a test run for half a year to find out my actual retirement expense picture looks like.
From what I've heard, you can draw on your current 401k/403b when you stop working, even if you are in your mid 50s. I could live on that until my SS becomes available, but I also have the option of collecting widowers benefits at 60.

[Vickie_CDTV]

Of the two, your age is probably the biggest issue, the hair probably doesn't help but age is a killer. Many industries are ageist. Back when I was in IT, even in my 30s I was passed over for kids right out of college. They *love* hiring young people, because they usually have no children or spouse (they expect you to be married to your job), will work cheap because they are often desperate to get their foot in the door, and if it is a smaller company they don't have to give young people health coverage (I was literally told that by a boss, he was amazed in my 20s I cared about health insurance. Young people never get sick or have issues.. guess I was an unlucky exception.)

In other words: They don't want to pay you what you are worth, being "old" they think you are behind the times and "too slow", will cost them big money for health care and/or missed days due to illness, and they want young people they can abuse and exploit easily.

Our society treats our older people like trash. It is a disgrace.