Voices in Transition: Lessons on Career Adaptability (Articles‪)‬

Frances was 51 when she lost her job after 13 years. Divorced, and with her sons on their own, she had no one dependent on her, but also no one to assist her. She explained, "It hit so suddenly--I just feel very scared." Joe was also 51 at the time of the termination of his job. Although his wife had a job, they both acknowledged that her hourly salary would not provide enough income for long--not with one daughter months away from college and a second daughter 2 years behind her. Joe described his reaction this way: Frances and Joe both felt betrayed after putting in years of loyal service to a local company. Neither of them had looked for a job in many years. Both felt shocked.