Source: Fortune.com
Summary
According to a 2025 WSJ analysis, 14% of US citizens between 50 and 65 were laid off at least once in the past 10 years, with 4% being fired more than once. Many older Gen X workers and young boomers are being forced into retirement after being laid off with no jobs to turn to. The analysis notes that 24% of those who experienced layoffs at least once were not able to find a new job, and 11% of those who found a new job were forced to take a pay cut.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Gen Xers are being laid off and struggling to find new work due to ageism and the expectation they’ll retire soon. They’re also facing intense financial pressure, with 81% saying their current job doesn’t pay enough to make them feel financially secure. Many are being overlooked, underpaid, and edged out, earning less than their younger coworkers and being passed up for promotions.
Gen Xers are the “Forgotten Generation,” making up one-third of the US workforce but often overlooked as vital workers.
Their careers are being impacted by ageism, with 22% saying their workplaces skip over older workers for challenging assignments.
Gen Xers are being forced to work longer due to financial necessity, but are finding it harder to get new work after being fired.
They’re caught between a rock and a hard place, with no clear solution in sight.
Author: Evan Null
