Experience matters. Years of dedication, advanced degrees, and countless late nights often define a professional’s journey. They are the milestones that set you apart, the proof that hard work pays off, and the foundation for career growth and recognition. But in today’s fast-evolving job market, even the most seasoned professionals can face unexpected challenges,struggles, and moments of uncertainty. What happens when decades of experience, advanced degrees, and relentless work ethic still aren’t enough?
A recent Reddit post by a mid-career project management professional in the engineering consulting industry has sparked intense debate online. In it, he explained about his termination after a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), shedding light on the mounting pressures experienced professionals face while navigating an increasingly competitive job market.
The professional, in his 50s and licensed in several states with advanced degrees, disclosed that he was placed on a PIP at the end of 2025 after missing a deadline. At that point, he had been with the company for almost seven months.
While acknowledging responsibility, he wrote that “the poor support of the company towards my personal situation at home (which I told them) will never be forgotten.” Stressing his qualifications and work ethic, he stated firmly, “I am not a slouch.”
He was fired at the end of January 2026 without severance. After taking three days “to lick my wounds,” he started interviewing, only to face new frustrations.
The Seniority Paradox: Too Experienced, Yet Not Enough
In his post, the engineer described what feels like professional limbo.
He believes he lacks the precise niche experience employers demand for adjacent positions. He compared it to being a street designer applying for highway design jobs and being told that local street design experience is not transferable.
At the same time, he feels overqualified for mid-level positions, yet not senior enough for vice-president or executive-level positions.
“I know, purgatory,” he wrote.
Attempts to pivot to another industry have met similar barriers. Meanwhile, his financial runway is limited, with around ten months of 401(k) savings remaining.
Emotional Toll and Mounting Pressure
The psychological pressure is evident in his words.
“My feelings go from self pity to red hot rage,” he conveyed. “I feel I am starting to lose control of my sanity.”
Although he remains busy with home repairs and job applications, discouragement surrounds. “Still I have done everything right. I work hard, I am highly educated (I self paid my advanced degrees). I am just so tired of life.”
Social comparison has worsened the emotional burden. Seeing younger peers advance rapidly on LinkedIn has become challenging. What angers him most, he wrote, is that he “worked the hardest for this employer that I ever have in my life,” often leaving the office at 11:30 p.m. during his final months. “I will never forgive them for the lack of trust and short trigger.”
While entrepreneurship is a choice, he worries about slow cash-flow cycles. “I feel like I am losing my breath right now,” he acknowledged, before adding, “Aniway, I needed to vent.”
Reddit Responds: Empathy and Hard Truths
The post resonated with several users who shared similar stories.
One commenter provided reassurance:
“If it makes you feel better, my new manager took an instant dislike to me and fired me because I didn’t send an email on a Saturday. Don’t blame yourself. People in mgmt are totally taking advantage of this market. I’m just hoping things actually turn around and AI doesn’t actually take our jobs.”
Another, aged 61, gave blunt advice:
“As a 61 year old that is praying I can hang on to my job for 5 more years, a word of advice. No one, and I mean No one cares about your family or personal issues. It’s best to keep that to yourself. Good luck, maybe try teaching as others suggested.”
Alternative Paths Suggested by Users
Many commenters encouraged exploring government roles:
“Go work for Government. States, Counties, Cities, Agencies. They all need engineering PMs. GovernmentJobs.com.”
Others cautioned about the signal a PIP can send:
“If you get PIPed during these times it means you will get piped in a few months. Start looking for a new job asap.”
Age-related challenges were also discussed. One user cited:
“I hate to say it, but its damn near impossible these days to get a job in your 50s. The only way is if you have a very specific experience they need… Maybe try to do a consulting business and say you spent the last few years doing that.”
Another comment painted a stark picture of the employment scneario:
“Any unemployed 50+ individual is in a daunting position to obtain a W-4 job. Do not waste time on that pursuit. You are now an itinerant 1099 gypsy on the make for temporary assignments for the rest of your working life. Accept that as a fact and proceed accordingly.”
Stories of Reinvention
Not all reactions were bleak. One user shared a career turnaround after being laid off in their 50s:
“I was put on a pip… Then laid off at 52… Found a great career a year later as a cloud deal manager. 8 years in the role and now retiring. This role was project management, sales and tech skills. Was great job until it wasn’t anymore. Give it a look.”
Teaching also emerged as a recurring suggestion:
“Have you thought about teaching? You have advanced degrees so perhaps you can teach junior college and then transfer to university settings. Perhaps work on a side business at the same time.”