Your Life If You Get Laid Off at 62, What Nobody Tells You

You're 62. Thirty one years at the plant, and a woman on a laptop screen just told you your position has been eliminated. There's a folder on the table, and she'd really like you to sign it before lunch. This is one American life, told in second person, level by level: the severance folder, the check that shrinks on its way to the mailbox, the COBRA letter, the Social Security question at a diner, eighty three job applications, and the bridge job that carries you to 67. Real paychecks, real bills, and the five easy mistakes nobody warns you about. 0:00 The conference room 2:07 Level one, the folder 4:35 Level two, the check 6:52 Level three, the insurance letter 9:50 Level four, the 62 question 12:48 Level five, eighty three applications 15:51 Level six, the bridge 19:27 The last scene If you got laid off tomorrow, would you claim Social Security at 62, or find a way to wait? Tell me in the comments. This is a story, not financial advice. The people are made up. Social Security, unemployment, COBRA and marketplace figures are for 2023 to 2026 and your own numbers will differ, so check your statement at ssa.gov and your options at healthcare.gov. #socialsecurity #laidoff #retirement