General Discussion

In fact I’d completely forgotten that I had a reasonable 401k plan I might have been able to draw from, but the 10% penalty would have given me pause if I’d remembered the savings.
That’s the real key: savings from as early as possible and a rigid decision not to dip in unless you absolutely have to. 10% of every $ received is the usual recommendation, I only got up to 8% as debts and car problems kept me stretching. But that iron commitment to not spending savings, saved me now as I’m in retirement.
Since you’re over 50, use the top-up provision for 401k contributions if you can.
I reduced all spending to the absolute minimum during my first long period of unemployment (2001-2003+) and made it through but it was touch and go at the end. I was 54 when I got the new job in my old field, by ignoring the advice of the job hunt advisor and listing my entire experience, not just 10 years. The job I landed was specifically looking for someone with well rounded and “extensive “ experience.
I’ve been lucky and I have survivor guilt over it.

To @Sympthsical I’m not selecting a category because user IDs can be seen easily for the all votes.

Sorry long post without much actual assistance. But it can be done.