I’ve had to take a break. Life happened.
I’ve faced many consecutive problems occur since my job was eliminated on March 17, 2026. The catalyst, whereby when it happened I thought was going to be one of. Even that turned into a bigger issue to deal with than I expected.
Next in line, facing reality of hiring systems completely devoid of humans. Algorithms masking age logic behind automated “we have decided to move on with another candidate” replies. These over time being 65 then brought reality quickly. I would be forced to retire by a system no longer capable of appreciating a 47 year long career.
I already knew 65 was tough to find a job even when people were in the system. I quickly learned age rejection also hit people age 45 and above. Masked by simple rejections that cannot challenge age as a factor. This proved something we wall missed. Our current age discrimination laws were flawed and remain that way to day. The law does make sure you will never see “too old” again. Now masked in general terms you cannot take to court. Words do not change reality.
Next, a missed treatment of a now four year old bacteria infection. A fight with broken systems and processes. Where process wins over verifiable proof found inside their documents.
What point does anyone become overwhelmed by outside forces? That can only be determined by the individual going through their struggle. Yet, today everyone tries to judge their reaction using how they would react. However, you don’t know how you would react until you go through a similar problem.
Jobs today. Recruiters always say it is because of the applicant. Applicants say it is due to application tracking systems and recruiting. Everyone points fingers because for everyone they think they are flawless and everyone is all flawed. The end, people constantly talk about problems and never reach for discussion to solution.
When you are in crisis mode going through this, you see more, you watch more. You were already blindsided by several outside factors and you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. This finger pointing is everywhere. Not specific to hiring, healthcare, or IT. EVERYWHERE!
We reached a society that defines problems caused by others. Reflection never comes to ask, What is my role in the problem? Breaking that one question breaks communication, creates division where things can only get worse. Today is here we are.
Job loss is tragic for anyone. Now taking 10 to 18 months to get hired is the definition of panic to anyone now having to suddenly find a job. Yet advice is “your time will come” or how today the “open to work” tag is reacted to by many “desperate”. Reality, those people are desperate. Facing loss of home, ability to pay bills, eat, take care of kids is the very meaning of DESPERATE. It becomes fight or flight. Flight is beyond any option considered. Survival is built into every species.
I have always been more free to talk truth. I never bought into more money and different titles solves any problems. Today facing and moving into forced retirement by a system, removes any filter as I will no longer need a job to make ends meet. I will not need to protect even my lower income standard to find employment. That is freedom, even when forced.
We need to change. We as a collective society need to bring humans back to the table. This needs to lead to discussion to form solutions that work for everyone. Here is where our country, communities, etc. were built from. A time when we left others free to live their lives without our judgement. A time we worked together for the good of everyone.