Employment

Matthew English, 64, Alabama: “11 years of getting up at 3 a.m. to look for work. The hiring system is broken”

He has spent 11 months applying to hundreds of jobs, waking at 3 a.m. daily to continue his search, but one thing leaves him fearing he may never retire.

AS USA

Update: Oct 2nd, 2025 04:22 EDT

Matthew English, a 64-year-old former accountant from Alabama, is among the many Americans struggling to find work amid a slowdown in hiring in his sector. Since October 2024, he has been sending out applications with no success, and says the longer it goes on, the harder it gets.

“I often wake up around 3 a.m. with my mind racing – thinking about which roles to apply to or what job search strategy to try next,” he told Business Insider, via HuffPost.

“Instead of trying to fall back asleep, I usually get up and start working on my job search, which includes sending out applications or post-interview thank you letters. Around 6 a.m., I typically might make breakfast, shower, and then start planning out what I want to accomplish that day. It’s become a sort of routine.”

A financial and emotional toll

His extended search has drained both his energy and his bank account. “My search has taken a major toll on my finances. While my home has been paid off, I’ve had to use much of my life’s savings to survive. Last Christmas, I couldn’t afford to buy gifts for family members I’d usually give something to, and I’ve been forced to cut back the charitable contributions that are very important to me.”

English has been looking for a full-time job since October 2024, after a decades-long career in accounting. Submitting hundreds of applications and spending countless hours in front of his computer have led to several interviews, but never to an offer.

“I’ve applied for jobs related to my accounting background, but I’ve also expanded my search to any part-time or full-time job I feel I could perform – including entry-level, non-skilled positions. I even applied to be the Chick-fil-A cow mascot at a Birmingham location.”

The weight of age bias

More than anything else, he says, age has worked against him. “People can look at your résumé and like it, but when you physically walk in and you’re gray-haired, bald, or have wrinkled skin, I think it does make an impact. It’s hard to prove, but I think it’s real.”

Still, he has tried to improve his chances: “I’ve developed a strategic plan and a consistent application schedule, tailored my application materials to the positions I’m applying to, attended job fairs and networking events, made posts on LinkedIn, tried different job boards, and leveraged my network.”

He says his connections have been the most helpful. “The best results have come from my network. My personal and professional connections have helped me get my résumé in front of hiring managers. I got one phone interview after a friend of a friend ensured my résumé got looked at. On other occasions, I’ve been connected with people whose companies might not be hiring, but who know someone at a different company that’s hiring. I’ve even tried volunteering for non-profits in hopes I might meet someone who’ll be helpful down the road.”

Turning to AI tools

English has also experimented with digital platforms. “I’ve also tried using ChatGPT and Copilot to help me with my job search, asking questions like what companies in my area might need an accountant, and what jobs are available for someone with a bachelor’s degree or less. It’s been a lot of trial and error. What worked yesterday might not work today.”

“Completely ignored for over a month”

One of the most frustrating aspects, he says, is the silence from companies. “One of the most frustrating parts of my job search has been spending weeks or months waiting for companies to get back to you — if you hear from them at all.”

“After a phone interview, I did multiple interviews at the company’s office. When I got home, I sent a thank-you email and hoped for the best. About two months later, the company called and apologized for not getting in touch with me sooner. They’d filled the position shortly after my interview, but I was completely ignored for over a month.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to retire”

He recently secured a three-day-a-week accounting contract paying $28 an hour. “It may last through the end of the year, but I’m still in real need of a full-time role. The financial toll of my job search is one reason I don’t think I’ll ever be able to retire.”

Looking back, English is blunt about the way companies hire. “I believe the hiring system is broken. I’m not the only one out there going through these circumstances; it affects me as an older worker, but I’ve seen younger people go through similar challenges. It needs to be fixed.”