Intel Layoffs Force 60s Worker to Job Hunt Instead of Retire

Bassyonni

Published: April 26, 2026 1:25 PM ET

Intel Layoffs Force 60s Worker to Job Hunt Instead of Retire

Brad Jenkins, a resident of Oregon, recently faced the challenge of job hunting after being laid off from Intel. At 62 years old, he was caught off guard by the unexpected news. Jenkins joined Intel as a technician in 2021, when he was 59. Despite surviving through several rounds of layoffs, he was informed on July 7 that his last day would be July 31. The layoffs occurred after Intel’s new CEO took office in March 2025, initiating a shift in management strategy that led to widespread job cuts.

Transitioning from Employee to Job Seeker

The emotional impact of the layoff was profound for Jenkins. He had dedicated himself to his job and enjoyed his work at Intel. Initially, he didn’t plunge into job hunting right away. Relying on savings, severance pay, and unemployment benefits, Jenkins decided to take a brief hiatus. He embarked on a monthlong road trip to Colorado, where he took a free class on electric vehicle (EV) charger maintenance offered by Goodwill. His interest in electric vehicles stemmed from Oregon’s plans to expand its EV charger network, which he saw as a promising opportunity.

Job Search and Industry Insights

After his travels, Jenkins resumed his job search last November, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to seek semiconductor roles. He reached out to his former Intel network for potential opportunities, but unfortunately, these efforts did not yield results. Although he managed to secure a few interviews, no job offers followed. The semiconductor industry is currently facing a downturn, affecting demand for roles similar to Jenkins’s previous position. He has also begun exploring entrepreneurship within the electric vehicle sector.

Challenges of Age in the Job Market

Jenkins reflects on his age as a potential barrier in his job search. When hired at 59, he noted that Intel was focused on competency rather than age. While he observed older employees at Intel, he now contemplates whether the current lack of job offers is related to age or the decrease in demand within his field. He has also recognized that many technicians are experiencing similar difficulties in finding employment.

Healthcare and Financial Considerations

Retirement is not a practical option for Jenkins at this stage. The primary concerns include the high cost of healthcare, which he cannot access through Medicare until age 65. As such, returning to work is crucial for him to secure health benefits. Furthermore, Jenkins aims to increase his retirement savings and is working toward collecting full Social Security benefits by age 67.

Advice for Job Seekers

The advice he offers to others facing similar circumstances is clear: perseverance is vital. Jenkins encourages individuals to leverage their resources and networks, maintain professional relationships, and remain flexible with salary expectations. He acknowledges that job loss is challenging but emphasizes that jobs still exist for those willing to explore various avenues.