Finding work at 59: A year of rejection and a lifeline from tennis

The transition from a high-level engineering career to a billing clerk role came with a sharp pay cut—less than half her previous salary—but for Keller, the financial hit was secondary to reclaiming her mental health. Caring for her father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, had left her isolated and drained. Returning to the office two days a week, even for significantly less pay, provided a necessary reprieve from the relentless demands of full-time caregiving.

Securing the new position required a delicate logistical dance. To manage the hours, Keller hired a caregiver for her father, funded by her new income and supported by a flexible schedule shared with her husband and son. While she acknowledges the precarious balance between her earnings and care costs, she views the job as a vital lifeline. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the current job market: for older professionals, professional networks often prove far more effective than automated application portals.