I'm in my 60s and can't find full-time work. I took Social Security early and filed for bankruptcy to stay afloat.

Thomas Heep has struggled to land a full-time job for more than a year.

Thomas Heep Thomas Heep was laid off last year and thinks age discrimination could be hindering his job search.

He's working part time and collecting Social Security, but says he's just scraping by financially.

Heep recently filed for bankruptcy and believes it was the right decision.

This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Thomas Heep, a job seeker in his 60s who lives in Denver.

He was laid off in April 2025 and is still looking for full-time work.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I was laid off from my job as an operations manager on April 4, 2025.

I've been looking for full-time work since then.

I'm currently working part-time, delivering prescriptions to patients in the Denver area, and I started collecting Social Security in my 60s, before reaching my full retirement age of 67.

Both combined aren't enough to pay all my bills.

Earlier this year, I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

I'm an only child and the last living member of my family.

Not having a family to turn to definitely increases the pressure in a situation like mine.