I built a 40-year empire, then my industry died. Here’s how I’m starting over at 60

Published September 20, 2026 11:00am ET



What happens when you are 50, 60, or 70 years old and the career you spent a lifetime building suddenly disappears? 

Maybe your company downsizes. Maybe technology makes your job obsolete. Artificial intelligence may change your profession. Or, as happened to me and thousands of others, a pandemic comes along and turns a successful business upside down. 

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.