Retiring Well Before Your Time!

More and more 45+ people are losing their jobs due to downsizing, restructuring, artificial intelligence, and ageism.

In 2019, I wrote the book entitled, Why Me? And No Gold Watch! based on research and interviews of people who were recently unemployed. One of my interviewees, Doug, lost his senior IT manager position at the age of 52. His job was outsourced to a firm in India. When we met, I asked Doug, in his opinion, what is the age ceiling in IT in Canada. and his answer was, age 50. Doug added, “I’m 52, I guess I’m now retired, I’ll never get another IT job again”.

Unfortunately, Doug’s situation is not uncommon. Layoffs in 2026 for workers aged 45+ due to restructuring, AI, and M&A represent a major shift in the Canadian labor market. In essence, careers are being upended at a faster rate well before job incumbents had any thought of retiring.

Few of us have complete control over when and how our careers end. Mergers, acquisitions, shifts in management or strategic direction, restructurings, and unexpected personal events may not lead to an immediate exit, but they can set things in motion.

In my work as a retirement coach, I help readers of my books and visitors to my website explore how best to tackle the challenges and opportunities of retiring. My information is gleaned from in-depth research, interviews with hundreds of successful retirees, and feedback of clients.

My advice is, if you are 45+, now is the time to explore life as a retiree. Included as part of my website, I offer profound insights and lessons from true stories to assist you in envisioning life after work. Over 150 blogs on all aspects of retirement including:
– The importance of a realistic vision of retirement
– How much money is enough?
– Developing a balanced leisure lifestyle
– Choosing where to live
– Creating a health and wellbeing strategy
– Using legacy to guide actions
– Change in relationships
– Increasing self-assertiveness
– Engaging mentors
and more.