They say life begins at forty. The troubled days of youth are behind us, the kids are nearly grown and gone, and new possibilities abound for us. The accumulated knowledge of half a lifetime combined with the sensible temperance of middle age make all things possible, unless you’re discriminated against and lose your job. Have you recently been laid off due to “cost-cutting” measures taken by your employer? Were any of the younger, less experienced, and lower-paid employees laid off along with you? Most of the time the pattern is clear, but those in your position feel they can’t do anything about it. That is simply not true.