Feeling Invisible? It’s Time to Reclaim Your Place

I’ve been at my wits’ end, have you?

There, I’ve said it. It feels like I’m screaming into the void, and no one is listening. I’ve spent years building a career, a reputation, and a sense of purpose, but now, at a time when I should be enjoying the fruits of my hard work, it feels like society has written me off. I sometimes feel invisible.

It’s not just the work rejections, though they sting. It’s the dismissive attitudes that seem to say, “You’re too old. You’ve had your time. Move over for the younger crowd.” Every door I try to open slams shut before I can step through. It’s more than a lack of opportunities; it’s the feeling that I no longer have a place in this world.

For years, my job was my identity. I worked hard, built relationships, and contributed to projects that mattered. It can leave me wondering, who am I without my job? Without the title, the meetings, and the emails?

When society defines value by productivity, it feels like I’ve been erased. The scariest part isn’t rejection; it’s the loneliness that comes with feeling invisible.

The job market seems closed to me. Opportunities that come my way feel tailored to someone younger or simply more “relevant.” Every rejection is a reminder that the world seems to have moved on without me.

Ageism is real. It’s the job descriptions asking for “dynamic, energetic individuals,” with the unspoken implication that older workers aren’t the right fit. It’s the subtle or not-so-subtle messages that say we’re too old to learn, change, or contribute.

Despite all this, I can’t give up. I refuse to believe this is the end of the road. I still have skills, experiences, and insights to offer. It’s not about going back to what I had but about discovering something new, exploring untapped potential, welcoming change, and redefining what work and identity mean in this stage of life.

I’ve realised I can’t wait for the world to accept me on its terms. It’s time to carve out my own space, even if it takes longer than I’d like. There’s a place for me and for you somewhere.

If you’re reading this and feeling the same way, know you’re not alone. Many of us have been made to feel irrelevant as the world moves forward, but our stories, skills, and wisdom still matter. It’s time to stop letting age define us and start defining ourselves.

That’s why I created INDYs, a community for those navigating this stage of life. It’s a place to connect, share stories, frustrations, and passions, and support one another unapologetically. If you’re trying to understand this phase of your life, or if you’ve come out the other side and want to show how incredible it can be, join us.