I am too old to find a job and to young to retire. Are there other couples out there having the same problem?

Question

I can't help but wonder if there are other couples out there in my similar situation who could be so kind as to offer me advice on how to find employment. How are other senior citizens handling not finding jobs? I lost my job last December because of my age and made too much money. The employers of today do not seem to be senior friendly. Should my resume be written differently? Should I look out of state, if yes, How do I do this? Do other seniors have alternatives that maybe I am overlooking?

Answer 1

If, in fact, you did lose your job due to your age (let alone the fact that you made decent money) you can sue your former employment for age discrimination. Did you know this? You should talk to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is a Federal Agency. They will take your complaint and investigate it. If the investigation proves that your assumption is correct, then you can sue.

I worked in Senior Employment for several years and there are jobs out there for Seniors, they're sometimes hard to find and they certainly don't pay all that much. But, they are there.

Here's my suggestion to you, go into business for yourself. You may think that you are too old to do this, but you're wrong if you think this. You have years of experience in the position you lost and those are all transferable skills for a new position. It actually puts you ahead of the curve in a new business because you know what you can and cannot do. If you choose not to go into the same type of position, you are equipped for other things.

You could also get retraining. You are not too old for this. Go to your local employment office and sit down with them for a discussion of this.

Your resume should only contain your last 10 years of employment, unless you have been in a position longer. If this is true, list only your last position. Rack your brain and be sure that you have everything listed, all promotions, all things you did in the position, everything. Make sure you list your education but do not list your year of graduation, do not list your date of birth or social security number. It is unlawful for a potential employer to ask for this information, even in an interview. Once you are hired, it's OK, but not until you have been hired. Most places will want proof of your identification which includes a picture ID (Drivers License) and your Social Security card.

There are many websites that have jobs for persons of your age. Go into any search engine and type in "Senior Employment" and see the many websites. Just start down the list and look for what interests you. If you decide you want to change State residence, searches for jobs in those areas where you are interested in relocating can be accomplished on most of those websites.

You are quite correct, many employers today are not Senior Friendly, but that doesn't apply to all of them. It's a matter of time and consideration on your part as to where your sitation leads you.

I hope I've given you some areas to explore and that your search is fruitful.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I lost a job at 53 and another at 54 so I know how hard it can be when people look at age like a handicap not a benefit.
I found a wonderful company where the average age is over 50 my boss is 65 now so was 60 when I was 54 and the women I replaced was 71 so I was looked at as young.
I had extensive accounting and computer skills and until I was 53 had worked 11 in software and was a CPA with my license lapsed and no recent experience. Software jobs were down in the 2000-2002 and they mostly wanted young people. The 71 year old that had my job 11 years was scared of computers and my boss was the only one in the company that knew much about them. He loved having someone who wasn't afraid to do backups or install software upgrades.
I am working in a shipyard and experience is considered an asset. They are trying not to let people retire but the union people get to retire with pensions so we are losing them in their 50s. Some non union people are over 65 with 40 years experience so they value it more than a fresh out of school manager might.
Look for older companies that hire older workers, try to look alive and active. Lose weight, die your hair or whatever to look like you are as young as you can look. Don't go overboard looking young but good posture and other signs you are alert. Then remember the benefits of maturity like knowing not to make personal phone calls at work. You will find a boss who values maturity.
If you don't go ahead and start a business would start a CPA firm because I already have all I need except 40-80 hours continuing education.

Answer 3

I'm in exactly the same situation. I'm now in year 3 of what I had hoped would be just a temporary, fill-in job until I could get something a bit more in line with my education, experience and paid a living wage. Right now I feel pretty stuck where I am. I've applied for various jobs but have not gotten the job. It used to be that, if I got the face to face interview then I usually got offered the job. Not anymore. I've had several interviews and not gotten the job...and not because I was not qualified...frequently over-qualified. Yes, there are senior-friendly employers out there but most of these are hiring for minimum wage jobs, frequently part time and with no benefits. To answer one of your questions, I have removed a lot of my education and experience from my resume in hopes of getting called for interviews. I've tried the temp. agencies but unless you are extremely computer savy ie can just go into a business and work with several of their programs right off the bat, then they don't want to talk to you. The other things these temp. agencies seem to offer is the assembly line type jobs....on your feet for 8-10 hour shifts, working with small, hard to see and handle parts...or working in a warehouse....requirements=lifting 50 lbs. over and over...you get the idea. I'm discouraged, too..but the bills keep coming and I keep on doing the job I'm doing...until....

Answer 4

Ok, so I don't know your age
or saleable experience, but I
would advise that you now must think "out of the box".
Forget the want ads and even
forget your previous experience
probably, UNLESS you are sure you have expertise that somebody will pay for.
Think 2007, not 1975. What
will people spend money for
today? The kinds of jobs we
had in the past are gone.
They all went to India. Heh,
maybe we could go to India
and get a job? Only being sarcastic.
1) Goldwing seems to know
how to make a job on the
computer. email him.
2) What kind of collection
do you have around the house? What do you have
worth selling? amazon and
ebay are great money makers. I know a guy who has stayed home these past
10 yrs. just selling on ebay.
3) You seem to know computers. If you have any
expertise at all, you can sell
your knowledge online.
As far as the 40 hr. week and the paycheck, that was
working for somebody else.
Now, you will have to work
for yourself.
Leave your email open.
Whatever I hear about I will
let you know. Help Seniors.
Let's get this guy some work
to do!!!

Answer 5

Well I sure can direct you to where. I live in Virginia and there is a program called Experience Works, Inc., that trains people in there area of expertise, pays a training wage and then after a year or so places you with employers that hire older people. We're dependable, without a lot of family obligation and more than likely know the value of a work ethic. We are in 38 states and Porto Rico. Just pull up the above EWI for your state and area and give them a call. In the meanwhile call the Social Services of your county and they will help you with food, rent, electricity etc., Good Luck to you and keep smiling because things are going to get better. Thank iritadragon OK. xx

Answer 6

Sit back and reflect on what you can do and what you are good at and what you enjoy. Getting past the 'age' of employment is not fun--I was good at math so I did income taxes, had never done them before--started at 53 hung in for 6 years--good at key punching so took the tests and got a job with the Post Office as a data conversion operator---loved plants and gardens, went to work in a plant nursery---Worked in a resort area as a desk clerk at a motel, just think about what you like and what you can do and then go out and look---the money will never be the same as before but you will make it.

Answer 7

Maybe have some professional help looking at ur skills and what u can do to bring things up to todays standards. Possibly u need to consider some classes at a local community college to make yourself a more competitive candidate and mixing in with the students could be energizing and give u a mental jump start.Good luck!

Answer 8

My organization lost their government contract in '05 and I ran in the some thing as you describe....felt I was way too young to just sit at home and do nothing, not to mention I needed to really supplement my meager retirement and social security. What did I do? I registered with a temp to perm agency and although doing much less demanding work than before, I am in a position now I really enjoy and make a decent salary.

Answer 9

Portland section is a sturdy place to circulate. you have the smaller cities sirounding aspects for good faculties, there are a number of golfing classes and your close to to the mt and the sea. Portland is enormous so which you have each and every thing you will prefer or prefer and there are aspects right here that is great for low key. Portland is a superb place to stay there is public transportation for people who do not prefer to force. we've great hospitals. I lived in small cities all my existence and residing in portland isn't as undesirable as i presumed it has great parks. i don't comprehend what else to assert approximately Oregon or Portland its self i like it right here. Portland is likewise close to to Mt hood which has the superb snow boarding, snowboarding and each and all of the great llife for snow nicely thats what i replaced into advised

Answer 10

There are a whole host of senior employment agencies. You need to look for one in your area.

I have emailed this question to a friend of mine who does this for a living (helping seniors find employment). She will be more than happy to help you.