I'm a 57-year-old unemployed tech worker, I can't find a job — and I'm starting to panic. How can I get back on track?

Christy Bieber

Sun, August 23, 2026 at 12:45 PM GMT+3 6 min read

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The tech industry is undergoing massive changes, with many tech companies openly admitting their AI investments have led to layoffs. Unfortunately, widespread terminations have occurred at many big tech companies in 2026, with some shedding jobs even as the economy as a whole added them.

While this disruption isn't good news for anyone in the IT industry, it's especially bad news for older workers, many of whom struggle to find new work after being laid off late in life. In fact, the Center for Retirement Research found that job losses increase with age, and income typically declines by 42% in an older household when one worker is forced out of the job market early.

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This can cause big financial issues. Let's pretend, for example, that Pete is a 57-year-old unemployed tech worker who has been out of work for six months. Pete is not ready to retire, but he's not sure how to salvage what's left of his working life.

So, what can Pete do, both financially and professionally, to ensure his future is still secure despite the challenges?

Shore up your financial situation

During a period of extended unemployment, one of the most important things to do is to try to shore up your financial situation as much as possible.

"The advice is really the same whether you're 27 or 57 and regardless of your industry," Mary Ware, a CFP, senior wealth advisor and managing partner at Carnegie Private Wealth, told Moneywise.

Ware said that Pete should make sure "you know your numbers," and advised him to "take an inventory of any income you still have coming in and all of your expenses, then look for ways to close the gap. That might mean cutting expenses, taking on gigs or part-time work, or both."

Workers in most states are eligible for up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, so it's likely Pete's nearing the end of his benefits. His savings may also be dwindling. This could mean it's time to make drastic moves, such as asking lenders about temporary forbearance options, applying for government benefits, or exploring other ways to avoid missed payments or debt.

While his job search obviously needs to be a top priority, protecting his finances in the interim is key to protecting his future.

Switch up your job search tactics

Since Pete's been struggling in his job search, he may also need to change tactics. "Look at your job search strategy," Anne Ryan, a career coach who often works with older jobseekers, told Moneywise. "A common mistake is spending a lot of time applying to jobs online. It feels productive, but it's not. I usually recommend that clients spend 90% of their job search networking and 10% applying online."

Kyle Elliott, a career and executive coach for tech leaders, also stressed the importance of relying on the connections you already have. "Your network is one of the greatest advantages of a long career," he told Moneywise. "In working with more than 1,000 clients, I've seen it's often the most underused too. The older a job seeker, the more intimidated they are to ask for help."

Elliott recommended setting a target for the number of people to contact each week, and making sure you follow through, while Ryan stressed the importance of "marketing yourself for where you want to go vs. where you've been." Elliott also made clear you shouldn't waste your time on companies that aren't a fit.

"When it comes to targeting, some tech companies genuinely hire experienced professionals, and some just do not," he said. "You can use LinkedIn to research who currently works there and how long they've been there. If everyone on the team is under 30, you're spending your energy targeting the wrong companies."

Invest in yourself

While Pete may have tons of experience, if he's been in the same job for a while, he may lack some of the latest skills employers are looking for. He could change that.

"Don't overlook investing in yourself," Ware said. "Are there classes, certifications, or new skills that could make you more employable in a changing job market?"

Ryan also recommended volunteering to gain experience in his desired positions if Pete doesn't already have it. She explained that studies have shown that many hiring managers view a volunteer position as equivalent to paid work.

And if you do have the experience, make sure you show it. "Most of the resumes I see from experienced candidates end up unintentionally burying their most relevant experience under a decade or two of accomplishments the employer never asked for," Elliott warned.

Think outside the box

Finally, since Pete is struggling to find a traditional position, Roei Samuel, CEO and Founder of Connectd, a talent matching platform, questioned why Pete is "forcing himself back into the traditional 9-5."

Samuel explained that as tech startups emerge at record pace in the age of AI, "the demand for seasoned fractional talent and advisory guidance is exploding," with "early-stage companies actively seeking senior leadership that can help them scale faster."

He advised Pete to consider roles such as a fractional chief technology officer or serving on boards in an advisory capacity, and Victoria McLean, CEO at Hanover Talent Solutions, agreed, telling Moneywise Pete should "keep an open mind about what comes next. Interim, fractional, consulting, or project work can be a great route back in and can quickly rebuild momentum."

If Pete takes these steps, hopefully he can find new work, remain financially secure in the meantime, and enjoy the end of his career before entering into a secure retirement when the time comes.