What Happens When You Lose Your Job at 60? Quick Move or Early Retirement?
Most folks would picture an early retire at the ripe old age of sixty, but Becky Chang proved that’s not a must‑do. She didn’t gather a blanket of blankets and call it a day. Instead, she kept her feet on the ground and began the hunt for a new gig right away.
“I’d rather keep working than shut up”
When the port‑and‑shipping company that had been her home for more than three decades decided to downsize, Becky got the inside scoop. It turned out her unit was slated for closure at the end of January 2020. She could have called in a retirement cheer, but she had other plans.
“Shipping isn’t just a job for me, it’s part of my DNA,” she told AsiaOne.
Age‑Anxiety, Meet Brain‑Confidence
At 60, Becky worried the number might scare employers. “If I were to send my CV, I’d be scary when they see my age, I think,” she remarked.
Instead of typing up a traditional résumé, she leaned on a network of contacts she’d nurtured over the years. A business associate sent her a news‑clipping from 2017 about a startup called Moovaz, which specialized in international moving services.
New Horizons: From Shipping to Moving
Despite not being familiar with the relocation business, Becky saw the parallels: arranging the transport of people’s belongings is, at its core, a form of shipping. “It’s all about getting things in the right place at the right time,” she explained in her meeting with Moovaz’s co‑founder and team lead.
During her interview, she highlighted:
- Shipping Expertise: freight handling, logistics, and operations.
- Customer Service: building long‑lasting relationships with agents and vendors.
- Strategic Partnerships: leveraging local and regional networks.
She even compared the two industries, pointing out the similarities in logistics and coordination.
A Fair Salary Debate
When Moovaz invited Becky for a second round, they offered roughly half of her prior salary. Instead of taking a pay cut, Becky leveraged her experience with a straightforward plea:
“Invest in me.”
Her confidence paid off, and she secured the same compensation as before.
Now Serving the Movers
In April, Becky joined Moovaz as its Pricing and Procurement Manager. She’s now steering the company toward new logistics opportunities—one displaced item at a time.
Never too old to learn
Meet Becky, the Logistics Hero Who Took a Back‑to‑School Leap at 40
Why Becky Embraced the Classroom Again
Becky wasn’t shy about the idea of hitting the books again—even though she was already a seasoned logistics pro. She told us, “By the time I hit my 40s, companies stopped sending me to courses. So when the chance came, I just said ‘yes’.”
Mid‑career education might feel intimidating, but for Becky it was all about good old time management. Between juggling a full‑time job, a stack of assignments, and two adult kids, she kept her sanity—and her grades—by treating the week like a daily game plan.
The Nine‑Month, Online Boot‑Camp Experience
- Course: Advanced Logistics Planning and Operations (SCALA)
- Duration: 9 months of bite‑size, high‑impact modules
- Format: Entirely online (thanks to the pandemic)
- Expectations: Full attendance, hand‑in assignments, and a final presentation to get stamped “completed.”
Despite the world being in a virtual bubble, Becky’s notebook stayed as active as ever. She’d flex her problem‑solving muscles and the hands on projects kept her feet firmly on the job floor.
What It All Means for Her Team
“A positive mindset is essential,” Becky shared. “Suddenly I could look at a shipment delay not as a roadblock, but an opportunity to optimize.”
Her employer, Moovaz, fully covered the training costs and even received a government stipend for her salary and tuition under the Workforce Singapore Professional Conversion Programme—making the drop‑in a win for all.
And the Big Spoiler: She Earned the Certificate in December
That December, Becky walked out of SCALA holding an advanced certificate, adding a shiny new skill to her résumé. Her career momentum isn’t slowing down; it’s getting a turbo boost.
So, next time a company asks if you’re ready to jump back into learning, take a page from Becky’s book: embrace the challenge, stay organized, keep a positive vibe, and remember that your future self will thank you.
Challenges of a new environment
60‑Year‑Old Becky Thrives in a Tech‑Savvy Workplace
When Becky joined Moovaz, the fast‑paced meetings and slick data‑management tools had her scratching her head. “Everyone was clicking and talking so fast—I was just staring at my screen,” she recalls.
Getting the hang of the software
- In her first week, Becky logged everything on her own to‑do list.
- With a few demonstrations from teammates, she mastered the system in about a month.
- Today she even proposes enhancements so the team’s workflow runs smoother.
Age is just a number in a youthful crew
She feared she wouldn’t fit in with the mostly 20‑s and 30‑s crew, but that worry vanished once she saw their welcoming vibe.
“I almost forgot I’m 60,” she says, smiling at how age doesn’t matter when everyone respects one another.
Learning every single day
From relocating shipments to handling service hiccups, Becky treats each task as a new lesson.
- When a delivery glitch caused a double payment, she highlighted the lesson to the lead: “Never pay twice for the same mistake.”
- She’s generous with knowledge, offering detailed guidance instead of a quick “yes” or “no.”
Mentoring with pride
With decades in shipping, Becky takes the time to walk interns through complex details. She says, “I take pride in what I do, and I love helping others get it.”
Bottom line
Becky’s enthusiasm, quick learning, and mentorship keep the team moving forward—and show that experience and curiosity can blend beautifully in any tech environment.
Word of encouragement
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Ready to Jump Into a New Career? You’ve Got This!
Hey there, career adventurers! If a new job opportunity pops up, think of it as a golden ticket. Just seize it. That’s the advice from Becky, who’s all about embracing fresh starts.
Why a Positive Vibe Matters
- Jumping into a new role with optimism helps you tackle any hiccups that come your way.
- Learning something brand‑new isn’t just fun—it’s a recipe for staying sharp.
- And, spoiler alert: the knowledge you gain never goes to waste.
Age Is Just a Number
No need to sweat your age when you’re eyeing a career shift. The government is rolling out jobs in booming sectors and throwing in extra perks for seasoned professionals. Young talent? They’re teaching us too. Share your experience, learn from their fresh perspective—both win!
Why It’s a Win‑Win
Becky’s mantra: “Every skill you bring to the table is a bonus for the whole team. Got something to share? Go for it—your voice matters.”
<h6 Get the Inside Scoop
Want more details on job openings and assistance programs? Check out the partnership with Gov.sg. Got questions? Connect with seasoned Career Advisors—industry pros who can guide you through the nuts and bolts of specific fields. It’s like having a mentor, but cooler.
