Matthew English, a 64-year-old former accountant in Alabama, has been searching for full-time work since October 2024 after a decadeslong accounting career. He wakes around 3 a.m. with racing thoughts about applications and often begins job-search tasks before morning routines. He has submitted hundreds of applications, secured several interviews, but received no offers. His savings have been depleted despite owning a paid-off home, causing him to skip customary holiday gifts and reduce charitable giving. He widened his search to include part-time, entry-level, and non-skilled roles, even applying to be a Chick-fil-A cow mascot. He attributes challenges to age bias and a white-collar hiring slowdown.
I often wake up around 3 a.m. with my mind racing - thinking about which roles to apply to or what job search strategy to try next. Instead of trying to fall back asleep, I usually get up and start working on my job search, which includes sending out applications or post-interview thank you letters. Around 6 a.m., I typically might make breakfast, shower, and then start planning out what I want to accomplish that day. It's become a sort of routine.
My search has taken a major toll on my finances. While my home has been paid off, I've had to use much of my life's savings to survive. Last Christmas, I couldn't afford to buy gifts for family members I'd usually give something to, and I've been forced to cut back the charitable contributions that are very important to me.
I've been looking for a full-time job since October 2024, after a decadeslong career in accounting. Submitting hundreds of applications and spending countless hours on my job search have led to several interviews, but I haven't been able to secure an offer. I've applied for jobs related to my accounting background, but I've also expanded my search to any part-time or full-time job I feel I could perform - including entry-level, non-skilled positions. I even applied to be the Chick-fil-A cow mascot at a Birmingham location.
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