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I have almost 20 years in clerical, have worked retail and hate it. At late 50s I am experiencing the age discrimination that is not supposed to exist. Any suggestions on possible careers, anyone had any successful career moves? I can't retire yet and I am in good health.

2007-12-19 05:29:46 · 11 answers · asked by litl m 4 in Society & Culture Cultures & Groups Senior Citizens

11 answers

I don't know where you live so it is difficult to advise. I have a relative in the govt dept that handles teaching appointments, and she says that they have far too many graduates and can't place them, so it would be a mistake for a mature aged person to enter this field. I guess you need to research exactly in what field the job vacancies are available. I would caution against teaching as it is very, very high stress these days.
You need to consider your energy levels as well, as most positions are very demanding, mentally and physically. I think anything in nursing or aged care would be difficult if you can't handle lifting or stress. Do not study counselling as there is a glut there as well. Before I started as full time carer for my aged parent, I was looking for work but found that most of it was more demanding than I was prepared to accept at an age when I feel like winding down. So do your research carefully.

2007-12-19 10:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

It is really difficult to change careers at your age (my age too.) I've tried with very little success. Yes, you can go back to school (I did that too) but age discrimination will still exist. As far as nursing school.....do you have any idea how physically HARD it is to be a nurse....To start in on this career in your late 50's will be very physically taxing....not impossible but certainly something to consider. Also, not everyone is cut out to be a nurse....I packed my first and last huge decub. ulcer and said "I'm outta here." At this point, I'm very over educated and over qualified for the job I have. Please think long and hard about changing careers...I can almost guarantee you that your income will decrease and you may or may not find a position that will offer you benefits....guaranteed benefits are a thing of the past.

2007-12-19 15:18:33 · answer #2 · answered by yoga guy 4 · 1 0

When you send out a resume, leave off any indication of your age. Do not write the dates of graduation from schools, and only include the last ten or 12 years of your career. Also,, talk with your friends and associates as many jobs are found through networking. Go to community meetings like Chamber of Commerce and network there. I don't know what your interests are, but you might want to visit a vocational counselor. Many universities have vocational counseling available for returning students, and perhaps they would speak with you as a "potential" student, even if you decide not to enroll. Good luck.

2007-12-19 05:55:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

I have been in electronics and computers and when I retire, I'm going to get away from that and do something else. I've been taking woodworking and carpentry and welding classes, so I'll have something to fall back on.

Junior colleges are great to start a new career. They have occupational classes that don't require you to take "electives" to get to the core of a job.

Also there's a great Adult School here that has occupational classes, too.

Talk to a counsellor and tell them what you want to do and what your talents are. they can usually send you in the right direction.

GOOD luck
Buena suerte

2007-12-19 06:29:56 · answer #4 · answered by Dan Bueno 4 · 2 0

Have you tried applying through a job placement agency? Talking to a recruiter might help you get a good idea of where to go. I have a friend that uses a job placement agency. She gets different job positions and she loves it. I think that it is a great way to test the waters w/out having to make a big commitment. Try a tempt-to-hire position if you like it stay if not move on to the next job. It also doesn't look bad in your resume, because instead of listing diff jobs you only list the agencies name.

2007-12-19 05:44:02 · answer #5 · answered by angie m 2 · 2 0

I work for a large health insurance company and we certainly are not age-phobic. I highly recommend anything medical-related. We have many people that joined the company even *after* their retirement with their prior employer. Good luck!

2007-12-19 10:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Go to a County office to apply for billing.They usually hire by qualifications,not age...

2007-12-19 06:26:33 · answer #7 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0 0

If you can go back to school, go into education or nursing. Both profession are screaming for people.
If you can't go back to school how about substitute teacher?
Don't want to be around people(customers) How about working on a assembly line of some sort.

2007-12-19 05:42:06 · answer #8 · answered by doxie 6 · 1 1

Nursing assistant course is a good way to go. Then you can work in any nursing home or assisted living. You can do home health aide visits as well. I find it very rewarding.

2007-12-19 13:34:04 · answer #9 · answered by Aloha_Ann 7 · 0 1

Real Estate agent

2007-12-19 17:12:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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