If 54, male, can't find job and no immediate pension?

Question

what happens in the US if someone loses their job and can not find another one-their savings is running low and there is no foreseeable pension?

Answer 1

It happens to a lot of people. It happened to my step-brother, he's around that age, and he has a college degree. Fortunately our parents took him in and helped him. Jobs are harder to find, and the welfare system, at least in my state, is set up only to help families with minor children and/or disabled people. My suggestion to you is to suck it up, and get any kind of job you can. McDonalds works, but working in a convenience store (in a SAFE area) is much more desirable, and dignified. Can you type? Go to a temporary service and find an entry level clerical job. They will pay a little better than the convenience store. If you don't see these jobs as too far below you to consider, you won't end up starving or homeless. And while you're working those jobs, you search for a better one. Then try applying for a postal job. Takes a very long time to get in, but it's very secure and i'm sure you'll have a good pension.

--edit--

I'm just adding this in response to "Mr Ed" and his comment below mine.

If you're having problems and you need government assistance and can get it I think you should go for it. You mentioned that you had a job and lost it. That means your taxes went towards that money you're getting back. That's exactly what that's for, for when you need it. It's yours, use it.

Answer 2

I haven't had th dubious pleasure of being in this position in today's world. Twenty years ago when I retired from the service (by no means a living wage) I wasn't eligible to draw unimployment because i had 'quit my job". I worked where ever some one needed me (my brother-inlaw paid me $4 per hour to clean his welding shop, $110 per month cleaning VFW hall, $3 per hour working in hay field, $5 for driving tractor) 3 years of this and I got a part time job with the Postal service that turned into a regular job 11 years later. Nobody said life was easy, but if you don't get around when you're young, it's harder as you get older. I'm comfortably retired now, but my candle burned in the middle as well as both ends in the past.

Answer 3

You obviously know how to
usa a computer. Sell your
computer skills, they are always in demand.
I understand there IS A LAW
against age descrimination but
most employers tend to forget
it.
you surely have a lot of
experience in a certain field?
It doesn't matter if they have
an opening or not, just go
and start selling yourself.
A retired friend of mine is now working for a homeowner's insurance Co.
He goes out and does an
evaluation of the house, takes
pictures and fills out a bunch
of company questions and
sends it in. He has tons of
work. He needs no degree
or license.

Answer 4

Where are you looking? Have you told everyone you know that you are looking for work? I would suggest taking an inventory of your skills, putting together a resume and going to the temp agencies in your area. If you live in a depressed area of the US, you may have to move. Temp work can sometimes turn into contract or even full time work. Your attitude will have a lot to do with your ability to find work. If you think you are unemployable, you are!!

Answer 5

I would try to start selling on Ebay until I could find something else. I was off sick for a few months last summer and needed extra income and did just that. I was surprised at how much I could make just selling things I no longer wanted or needed.I don't know where you live, but I have a friend that is retired and has become a handyman in his free time, and he has more busineess than he can keep up with. I have seen several "help wanted" posted on doors of businesses around here. You might have to start low and work your way back up.

Answer 6

I got many jobs after I turned 50, did income taxes, worked at a plant nursery, went to work for the USPO as a data conversion operator, worked in a Motel as night auditor and desk clerk, became a caregiver for mentally challenged and Hospice patients. If you really need cash get out there and find a job--they are everywhere. Work is work!! You can get food stamps for about 6 months to help you out. Get on it!!

Answer 7

This happened to my Partner and he signed on for something called Job Seekers allowance. He had to prove he was searching for a job and got paid the princely sum of £57 per week for doing so.

Answer 8

i like the last few words "no foreseeable pension" sure hope they are not planning on ss supporting them for the rest of there lives -- unless they go into the system with no debt and new everything that will last them a life time they are just looking for a lifetime of living from hand to mouth -- hope all of you young folks who sign on and read this message are taking note -- the govt did not birth you so the govt should not have to give you your every desire!!!

Answer 9

Temporary hire agencies are available. I used one when my agency lost their long term government contract and I was out of a job at 62.

I now work FT on a never ending assignment with fairly good pay...

Answer 10

There are jobs out there. Maybe he needs to lower his standards and take a less than premium job. There is training available for career changes. There are many, many programs available.