Former Manager Karen Del’Olio Shifts Job Search Amid Hiring Slowdown
URGENT UPDATE: Karen Del’Olio, a former research program manager from Massachusetts, is pivoting her job search after a grueling five-month hunt amidst a slowing white-collar job market. Furloughed in April 2023 due to funding cuts, Del’Olio, 59, is rethinking her career path, expressing excitement about moving away from management roles.
In a stark reflection of the current labor landscape, Del’Olio’s experience echoes a growing trend in the United States as major corporations like Microsoft and Google cut managerial positions. Del’Olio’s furlough, resulting from a funding pull by the National Institutes of Health, has left her struggling to secure interviews despite applying for dozens of jobs. “I just get recruiters who say they’re going to send the résumé on, and then I never hear back — I get ghosted,” she lamented.
As her furlough ends in October, Del’Olio worries about her financial stability. She initially applied for unemployment benefits in May but faced delays, receiving approval only in August. With her savings depleting rapidly, she is now exploring roles outside traditional management, believing that the downsides of these positions outweigh the benefits, even when they come with higher pay.
Del’Olio’s transition reflects a broader phenomenon dubbed the “Great Flattening,” where companies are reducing management layers to enhance efficiency. According to data from Gusto, manager layoffs have surged by 66% since January 2022 among workers aged 45-54, and even more—over 400%—for those aged 35-44.
This shift places workers like Del’Olio in a precarious situation, caught between the need for employment and the desire for roles that align with their skills. She now finds herself excited about potential opportunities that allow for creativity and innovation without the burden of managing teams. “I feel I can be more creative and innovative in non-managerial positions,” she stated.
As Del’Olio navigates this challenging job market, she has tailored her résumé for each application and utilized platforms like LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. She is also adapting her application strategies to combat the age bias she fears might hinder her chances. “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” she said, referencing her plans to upskill in areas like data management and AI technologies.
Del’Olio’s story highlights the urgency of adapting to a rapidly changing job market, where older workers face unique challenges in securing positions. As hiring slows, she urges others to share their experiences, shedding light on the struggles many are facing in today’s economy.
With the labor market evolving and competition intensifying, Del’Olio represents a generation of workers grappling with uncertainty and the need for a fresh approach to employment. As she continues her search, the question remains: how can she—and others like her—navigate a job landscape that is becoming increasingly complex?
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
