Over 50 and looking for work, like I am?

[vigil617]

If, like me, you're over 50 and looking for work, you know how brutal it is out there.

I'm 58, and after being laid off last year, I've yet to find another job despite many applications and almost a dozen interviews.

I read an interesting, if discouraging statistic this morning: for those over 55, the average length of a job search is 54.8 weeks. That's more than a year, folks. For me, that milestone comes up next week.

I'm going to resist the urge to rant about this, as I don't need to contribute any more negativity to the situation -- mine or others' -- than is already out there.

We're of a generation that expected to work for what we had, like our parents and grandparents did, and not being able to do so is something that I take very personally.

Just know, though, that if you're an older person who still feels perfectly capable of working, contributing, and earning an honest living the way you have been all your life, and you're unemployed in this job market, you have my empathy, sympathy, and prayers that you'll find something soon.

[3dots]

I'm praying for you, Vigil. These days it seems you have to have a degree in the arts, have zero common sense, know all the iPhone apps and talk about other people you knew to get placed. You should also be texting your friends while you're being interviewed, it make you look important. Seriously, this is the kind of potentials that have come to us and upper management has hired a few, it makes me sick. Hang in there and you'll find an employer that recognizes experience and work ethic and not just a bunch of BS.

[dougb1946]

State of Minnesota had a program for long term unemployed that covered training costs for new and updated skills. I used it and got out of retail management and into a construction/service job that I enjoyed. Paid less at the start, more at the end when I retired. Also eliminated overnights and weekends and when I talked with clients, I had a heavy tool in my hand.

[zzzippper]

That's rough, I wouldn't even know how to survive. I guess I better start my post-retirement employment search early. Best of luck to you.

[M29since14]

Vigil617, like you, I don't want to unduly add to the negativity-level of the present situation we find ourselves in thanks to the trade policies of this country, but I do want to wish you luck in finding something. I hope something comes along that makes some sense for you. Best of luck.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by dougb1946

State of Minnesota had a program for long term unemployed that covered training costs for new and updated skills. I used it and got out of retail management and into a construction/service job that I enjoyed. Paid less at the start, more at the end when I retired. Also eliminated overnights and weekends and when I talked with clients, I had a heavy tool in my hand.

You were smart to do that, Doug. Especially to choose a field where once you found work, you could keep it, and not have to worry about your employer letting you go so he could hire someone younger for less money.

I thought I was getting ahead of the game five years ago when I went back to school and earned a certificate in a field I had not worked in previously, but which fit my skill set. It took four months, but I got it, and then six months later, I got hired.

After I was laid off, though, it's been tough finding work in that field. Now I wonder, do I have to go back and get some other kind of certificate instead, or keep hoping and trying to find work in the field I've been in. It's "vexing."

[zzzippper]

Vigil, what field did you retrain in? I have often thought about going to a trade school for training as an x-ray technician. Seems like they should be able to find work.

[GatorFarmer]

The Walmart here pays $12.20 an hour, starting, for overnight stocking. That is about as good as it gets these days. Otherwise you need to find a government job or else work for yourself.

[flundertaker]

My best wishes to the OP in hopes he finds something soon.

As a person who recruits, interviews, hires and terminates as better than 50% of my job duties I would like to present my observances. For one, I agree that the younger generation is, by and large, very uninspiring. However, I also see the 50+ age group as difficult to hire as well. I often interview this age group and frequently hear all about what they did in a previous career and how hard they worked, etc. Of course none of their experience translates to what they are now applying for. Their hard work COULD but when I explain the hours I have frequently been told, I am way past doing that. I did it when I was young, blah, blah, blah. The money is also a huge issue. Yes, I know you made 6 figures working for XYZ Inc. and I greatly appreciate your service but that job is gone and you are applying for a new field and need to start on the ground floor and work your way up. Yes, there will be people in their early 30's making far more than you but they have already been thru the early part of their careers. Your age is immaterial. Just as immaterial are your financial committments. I am sympathetic to kids in college, 2 or 3 car payments, a big house note, and the fact that you have been living off your retirement and savings for the last 6 months to a year but that doesnt mean the job pays any more.
In short, it comes down to realistic expectations on both sides. I would rather hire a mature person who has life experiences but only so far as those experiences dont come at a price beyond what the job in question can pay. Hard work is still hightly valued but its not assumed nor paid for in advance.

[Brian41]

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this and sure must be difficult. I wish you all the best in finding something.
I'm 62 and had to take SS Disability 2 years ago after two back surgeries and no longer able to do my job. I was planning on hitting my retirement funds heavy in the years left but that wasn't to be. I'm now living on SS and a small pension but wish I could still work instead. Sometimes life doesn't work out as planned.

[Ματθιας]

I always tell folks looking for work to sell cars. It's an easy, clean, non physical job. They will train you set you up for success - most will. The main drawback is the hours a lot of the time is bell to bell, weekends and holidays - except for, of course, big ones Xmas, Tgiving, ect.. But it's a job and it's often times it's easier to get a job when you (the general you) already have a job.
If I can do it, ANYBODY can do it.

I'd recommend a brand that sort of sells itself like Toyota, Honda ect.

There are always jobs in the automotive industry.

[Nevada Ed]

A father in law has been out of work for a year, here in Reno......
Finally got a job at a store, as a change man in the slot machine area. Only problem..................
he is a chain smoker and no smoking in the store !!

This could get nasty ?

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by flundertaker

My best wishes to the OP in hopes he finds something soon.

As a person who recruits, interviews, hires and terminates as better than 50% of my job duties I would like to present my observances. For one, I agree that the younger generation is, by and large, very uninspiring. However, I also see the 50+ age group as difficult to hire as well. I often interview this age group and frequently hear all about what they did in a previous career and how hard they worked, etc. Of course none of their experience translates to what they are now applying for. Their hard work COULD but when I explain the hours I have frequently been told, I am way past doing that. I did it when I was young, blah, blah, blah. The money is also a huge issue. Yes, I know you made 6 figures working for XYZ Inc. and I greatly appreciate your service but that job is gone and you are applying for a new field and need to start on the ground floor and work your way up. Yes, there will be people in their early 30's making far more than you but they have already been thru the early part of their careers. Your age is immaterial. Just as immaterial are your financial committments. I am sympathetic to kids in college, 2 or 3 car payments, a big house note, and the fact that you have been living off your retirement and savings for the last 6 months to a year but that doesnt mean the job pays any more.
In short, it comes down to realistic expectations on both sides. I would rather hire a mature person who has life experiences but only so far as those experiences dont come at a price beyond what the job in question can pay. Hard work is still hightly valued but its not assumed nor paid for in advance.

I'm sure many of your 50+ applicants tell you exactly what you've posted here. I don't take personally anything you said, since you don't know what I have done most recently, or my background, past salaries, etc. I honestly try not to be guilty of any of the things you have listed as detriments to an applicant's job search.

I interview well, believe it or not. And when trying to answer the question, which I have come to expect of everyone including interviewers, about why I think I haven't been hired yet, I tell them that I honestly believe it's because employers by and large are dubious about hiring older people when there are so many younger ones looking for work.

Again, I don't want to rant. It is what it is. I have made a habit of putting on applications that I plan to work for at least 10 more years, and that I have my own health insurance already, through my wife's job. I realize I'm not going to make a ton of money doing what I do, and I am only seeking to earn a living wage and to be productive.

I don't want to sound like a victim. I'm not one. I just happen to be in the workplace at a time when it isn't easy for an older person to get hired. So be it....

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by zzzippper

Vigil, what field did you retrain in? I have often thought about going to a trade school for training as an x-ray technician. Seems like they should be able to find work.

Paralegal.

[Salty RI]

I don't know what kind of work you are looking for but around here Home Depot and Lowe's love the old folk's.

[Laketime]

You didn't mention what line of work you were in,but there is always auto sales.Never a shortage of openings in this field.Good luck to you.

[Bat Guano]

My father didn't say much, but he would come out with something now and then to make me think. One was, "This, too, shall pass". He was, as usual, right.

We're all pilgrims, just passing through. It's been said that all too often life is like a bad night in a bad inn.

Hope the sun comes up soon for you.

[James&theGiant1911]

It is not easy for an over 40 applicant to find a job either. The ME millenniums are in the market now in management roles and you are interviewing for people a lot younger than you who came cheap and replaced people your age. For whatever reason, I know several who took forced retirements because this particular company no longer offered pensions for their retirees and they wanted to clear the books of anyone hanging on to the old pension plans.

You can always get a job being underemployed. That is what the majority of people who still work in this environment do. Eventual after a year to two, people see you as "why has noone hired this guy?" You have to over come that stigma along with your age. It is tough, and unless you have a hook into a particular position then it is almost impossible to get hired.

That is why you have to be creative, you got retrained as a paralegal. Have you gone to the local court houses and asked around about work. I know lots of third party background check companies who hire agents to do local investigations on applicants in your area. Those are creative ways to work in your chosen field and get experience which could help you land a better full time position with a particular company or firm.

Good Luck Virgil and yes I know exactly what you are going through. I use to think I have so many interviews and never get a job offer. Why? must be something wrong with me? then I got to see first hand a lot of times who was picked or hired over me and then realized it did not matter how well I interviewed for that job. They already had someone in line for it that they either knew or wanted to give the job to. I know how you feel, but you can not get a job without an interview and the more interviews you go on the better your chances you have of landing a job that suites you and makes you happy.

Best wishes.....

[Rustyt1953]

Vigil, I'm sure you already have but have you tried Ft. Bragg and Pope AFB? With your military background that should give you a foot in the door.
Both bases are huge and have large civilian workforces. I could hand out towels at the base swimming pool until something else opened up.

Praying for your success.

[LostintheOzone]

Originally Posted by GatorFarmer

The Walmart here pays $12.20 an hour, starting, for overnight stocking. That is about as good as it gets these days. Otherwise you need to find a government job or else work for yourself.

Good luck finding a gov't job. Everyone thinks those are easy to come by these days but I can assure you they aren't. 10 years ago you could find them without looking very hard but since the recession they are mostly gone. I know someone who just went to work for the SSA but he got in because he had a masters degree in economics. He had to start at GS 8 or some ridiculous level but since has moved up a few levels. I worked for the gov't for 30 years building roads and I've been retired now for 2 years. Before I left they were downsizing and put some pressure on me to retire. I was 63 at the time. I had thought I would work until 65 but everyday became a challenge with so much negative feedback from supervisors.

The job market is still tight and even the over 55 crowd with jobs are finding it difficult to keep them. The new mantra is fewer workers producing more. Employers want younger people to carry heavier work loads.

I wish you luck in your job search.

[GaryS]

Vigil617, I commiserate with your plight. My wife has been laid off a couple of times, and might be looking at that again in June. In her case, she's old enough to retire, but with a reduced pension.

The two times she was previously laid off, it took her a longish time to find new jobs. She's a teacher, and I think the reason she was hired, is that her field is dying and there aren't any young teachers getting that certification.

Still, I strong feel that there is subtle, and not so subtle, discrimination against people over 50. I've been told that it's actually people over 40, but I can't speak to that.

Even in teaching, where there is job security once you achieve tenure, administrators are more critical of older teachers. They use subtle terms such as "does not keep up with current trends in pedagogy", "is not able to integrate newer technologies into their lessons", and "does not use current techniques to evaluate students". All of which I take to mean "Comes from a different time when students were actually expected to learn." The principal at her current school told her that she should either find You Tube videos that the kids could watch to learn how to do things OR make her own.

I faced some of that as well before I retired. I applied for a promotion to a management position for which I was the most qualified AND the most senior applicant. At some point in the process, I was told that upper management was looking for "the future leaders of the department". Which I took to mean that people like me, who were within five years of being able to retire, were not what they were looking for. Sure enough the two people who were promoted had 15-20 years less experience in the agency.

Flundertaker has some valid points, although I think they are for the wrong reasons.

Companies don't want those employees because they are less willing to tolerate the lousy pay and ****** working conditions that a lot of employers think are okay in this economy. Also, insuring those employees might cost more and it's also likely that we'll have more medical issues and thus miss work.

Companies are bottom line driven, and I understand that. However, I've long suspected that many managers don't understand the different between price and value. More experienced employees are less likely to walk away from the job if something better comes along, they have a better work ethic, and understand that "partying" is less important than showing up to work when you said you would.

Those are things that I would say if I was interviewing for a job. Probably more subtly than that, but I'd convey the message.

When I retired from EMS at 59, I was still a better worker than people my kids age. I think that most of us in my age bracket retain a pretty good attitude towards work.

My daughter was a paralegal for a number of years and she was always looking out for new job opportunities. In talking with friends of mine who are lawyers I found that many of them didn't hire paralegals because their practices weren't large enough and/or for just a bit more money they could hire recent law school grads, with or without bar licenses, who could do everything a paralegal could, plus more.

Finally, and I don't know if this applies to you at all, if I needed a job, I'd consider one of those car services, like Uber or Lyft. It's sort of self employment, but with a network to help get work.

Keep plugging away, and don't lose hope. Something will pop up.

[pawngal]

This current job market makes me very glad that I became self-employed 24 years ago so I can work as much or as little as I want to now.
If you have skills or interests that could be self-marketed I highly recommend it.

[vigil617]

Thanks for the suggestions and observations, all. I appreciate them.

Being a veteran hasn't helped me at all in the search so far, which is disappointing. Most job applications (almost all of which are online now, so you don't ever talk to a live person unless you're selected for an interview) ask about military experience, veterans preference status, etc. and I always dutifully and proudly check the appropriate boxes and even submit an electronic copy of my now-crinkly and yellowed DD214 from the mid-80s.

As for interviews, I've tried to take the approach that every time I get turned down, it just means I'm that much closer to getting a job offer the next time around. (I just didn't count on needing so many interviews in the meantime. )

Government jobs (state and federal) are listed fairly regularly, but landing an interview from the dozens (probably hundreds) of applications they receive is another story altogether.

I know that this too will pass, and I'm keeping a positive attitude (most days), and I'll sure let all of you know when I'm back at work again. Thanks.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by pawngal

This current job market makes me very glad that I became self-employed 24 years ago so I can work as much or as little as I want to now.
If you have skills or interests that could be self-marketed I highly recommend it.

I was self-employed for awhile earlier in life, but my boss was a . . . well I won't go there...

[Mac!Gettothechoppa'!]

I'm there too. That's the private sector! They put a little girly leech over me and she was determined to get rid of me because I made too much money. Hey, I survived a war 'intact' and used my vets benefits to get an education so I could eventually earn that money, but these ambitious little vampires, especially those who got their jobs through mommy and daddy's connections, don't give to farts about you or your family. REINSTATE THE MILITARY DRAFT! That will thin out the job market in a hurry.

[timn8er]

Well sir, I just can't help but feel that something good will happen for you soon...You are a good person & you deserve it! I haven't stopped praying, so hang in there!

[pharmer]

You need to be a chameleon to survive in this environment. I have had 6 "careers" in the almost 50 years I have worked. I was out of a $100K job because I made too much and a youngster fresh out of college (with the top buttons of her blouse undone) can sell pills for half the money. Even if you are in top 10 of 300 territories. We all got war stories but "getting after it" is what's important. The only lesson I got from the preceding tale of woe is that it's a lot easier going from $40K to $100+K than the return trip. Keep your head up and let the prospective employer know that putting you on the payroll will make his life better. Joe

[fiasconva]

Have you looked into any of the real estate firms? My wife's cousin did a lot of work for real estate firms as a paralegal. With all the military in your area there should be a pretty active real estate market.

[Steve O]

I'm 61, and have not had a full time job for 5 years. That being said, I average anywhere from 35-60 hours a week from 3 different part time jobs. One W2 job and 2 1099 contract jobs. Taking this week for example, I was looking at 10-15 hours for the week. Then got a request today to work Thursday - Saturday-10 hours per day, so will end up with my average.

I gave up on the job search for a "real job" about 2 years ago. I have averaged a job interview every other month, even have had 2nd interviews, but have not been offered a position.

Fortunately, my wife has a good job and she puts up with me; so as long as she doesn't kick me out, it looks like I will survive all right.

[Farmer17]

My advice is go hit the temp agencies! A friend is a recruiter for one and she said more and more employers everyday are hiring from the temp agencies and not using their own human resources departments. It's cheaper for the employer that way and if you let someone go even after a long time, you don't get dinged on the unemployment compensation. Many companies will later hire the temp full time if they really like them. If I was looking for a job that would be the first place I would go, because even working a little is good on your wallet and your morale.

[JSR III]

I am almost 65 and wake up unemployed every day. Although I am self employed and have been so for most of my life.

I could not imagine driving in rush hour traffic an hour and sometimes more each way and then work for some unappreciative *** that probably knows less than you.

My heart goes out to you all that are in that rat race or have fallen out of the rat race and are trying to climb back in. I just couldn't do it.

[Sayoc01]

I lost my job at 67....downsizing after 36 yrs. I was blessed ,had enough put away & a good Finacial Adv.I'm 71 now & enjoying retirement! They offered me a contractor job at my former location & didn't appreciate my answer.....haven't bothered me since! I now keep an eye on my $$$ just in case....I've learned!!!
Jim

[Philadelphia Patriot]

Unfortunately, it's all about who you know. It took me a few years to get my foot in the door with the government. I went through several job interviews in the private and public sector, even going through a few rounds of interviews, and didn't get any offers.

I finally got picked up by my agency, which is dominated by retired local LEOs. Honestly, I lucked out. My supervisor is a year or two older than me, and saw me in him. He told his supervisor that he wanted me for one of the open positions. I finally got the job, and I am probably the most productive investigator he supervises, and I work with guys who have 35+ years experience in law enforcement.

I had my resume checked over and changed a few times, practiced interviewing skills with my girlfriend's father (he was a successful businessman), and lit a lot of candles in church. I lucked out because I made a connection with my supervisor.

Working in the public sector now, it's a lot of politics. My girlfriend works for the federal government and it is the same way. I'm low enough that as long as I do my work, I'm left alone. I love my job and what I do. Because I conduct a lot of good quality, thorough investigations, I'm left alone and encouraged to keep doing what I am doing.

Don't give up. Pray a lot. Take any advice you can get. Also don't take anything personal. A few of the jobs I was turned down for in the past, I found out the companies downsized or went under. Just have faith and give your best.

[James&theGiant1911]

Originally Posted by Philadelphia Patriot

Unfortunately, it's all about who you know. It took me a few years to get my foot in the door with the government. I went through several job interviews in the private and public sector, even going through a few rounds of interviews, and didn't get any offers.

I finally got picked up by my agency, which is dominated by retired local LEOs. Honestly, I lucked out. My supervisor is a year or two older than me, and saw me in him. He told his supervisor that he wanted me for one of the open positions. I finally got the job, and I am probably the most productive investigator he supervises, and I work with guys who have 35+ years experience in law enforcement.

I had my resume checked over and changed a few times, practiced interviewing skills with my girlfriend's father (he was a successful businessman), and lit a lot of candles in church. I lucked out because I made a connection with my supervisor.

Working in the public sector now, it's a lot of politics. My girlfriend works for the federal government and it is the same way. I'm low enough that as long as I do my work, I'm left alone. I love my job and what I do. Because I conduct a lot of good quality, thorough investigations, I'm left alone and encouraged to keep doing what I am doing.

Don't give up. Pray a lot. Take any advice you can get. Also don't take anything personal. A few of the jobs I was turned down for in the past, I found out the companies downsized or went under. Just have faith and give your best.

Yeah some of the managers take advantage of the market as well. I watch the postings all the time and have seen countless jobs post get filled and then re-posted a few months later. Well that really worked out well for you all. Sometimes the managers also take advantage of the market. I have learned especially recently that if an interviewer is truly interested in you then they will come to you and visit you on your schedule not theirs. I can usually tell the ones that are a waste of time and the ones that truly are interested in me.

[Grayfox]

I hate to tell you this, but its not just older workers having a tough time. I have watched my two sons (30 & 35), along with many of their friends, struggle since they got out of school years ago. Lousy, low paying jobs that can end any minute can be found. Lord knows they've had plenty of those. But jobs with a future, possably a career are very few and far between. Even then you get thousands of applicants.
I don't care what lies .gov and the media want to spin. The economy sucks and the job market for everyone sucks even more.

[snubbyfan]

I gave up.
I'm over 50 and because of my neuropathy, I couldn't do my old job any longer.
I spent three years looking for work with the help of the West Virginia Rehabilitative Services. No jobs out there for an over 50 gimpy Injun. Even though I more than qualified for Federal Disability, I was reluctant to take that step. I worked hard my entire life and never needed any kind of assistance.
I finally accepted disability and honestly, I'm getting used to the idea of not getting up at 4AM and working 8 to 12 hours for some obscenity yelling poop head.
My wife got a part time job as a home health care aid right here in town. Apparently being a grey haired little old lady helped.

[DeathGrip]

Originally Posted by vigil617

I was self-employed for awhile earlier in life, but my boss was a . . . well I won't go there...

Maybe your older/young boss learned a little more by now,

Everyone deserves a second chance.

I wish for you the best.

[M3Stuart]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, "old" in the tech industry is 35 - then you're done...

[goldenlight]

I hot laid off at age 56. Just to make it worse, I'm disabled, too. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY will hire a 56 year old disabled man. I worked in an area just completely dominated by young people. People just out of college or tech school.

I hope your luck is better than mine. I finally gave up after two years. I applied to over 700 jobs I was qualified to do. And, in case it matters, I've never collected a nickle in disability from the Government. I don't walk very well, but I still have my pride.

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi Chip:

I'm very sorry to hear about your misfortune. In just over a week, I turn 59 yrs. old, but I lost my job at age 45, and it took almost 2.5 yrs. for me to find a decent job. This occurred back in 2001 when we just thought the job market was going bad. Sheesh, those days look pretty darn good now! A few thoughts that I hope will help you:

1. If you haven't done so already, go to the usajobs.gov website and open an account for yourself. You can set-up email alerts that will ping you when a position that meets your search parameters comes up. If you are able or willing to move, you will get more opportunities.

2. Applying for federal jobs is a lot of work, and it's not necessarily as easy as most people lead you to think it is. Federal hiring regulations are pretty convoluted, and just because you qualify doesn't necessarily mean you will be interviewed or hired. Learn to read and follow the job requirements carefully. I'm an HR (Human Resources) guy with over 25 yrs. of experience and a Master's degree in the field, and I am constantly amazed at people who are eliminated from consideration because they cannot follow instructions.

3. To the greatest degree possible, try not to reveal your age. I know this can be difficult. Don't treat it as a state secret, just try to be discrete. As an example, you can indicate you have a BA degree from the University of ____, just don't put the date you earned your degree. Also, unless required as part of your job application, I would quit providing copies of your DD-214 when you submit your application. Unless you're a veteran, most HR types don't have a clue as to how to read a DD-214, and again, it provides information that can be used to date you.

4. Underemployed is better than unemployed, however, don't take a job that you know won't be good for you. At our age, the one thing that is really important is the "fit" of the job. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to walk away from something that doesn't feel right.

5. A lot can be said for "self-directed learning" during your period between jobs. Don't get labeled as being "stale" or not keeping your skills current. One of the things I liked to do was check out foreign language CDs from the local library and try to teach myself different languages. I'd bring this up at interviews and it always got positive responses.

6. Try to find a part-time job to bridge the period until you find full-time work. I did a bunch of part-time work, including teaching at the local community college, and I tapped my (local) alma mater for assistance as well (colleges and universities do not want the perception that one of their alumni cannot get a job with one of their degrees). To that end, I had a bunch of part time jobs paid for by different grants provided through my local college's placement and employment center. Everyone of these temporary positions lead to extensions (a 3 day job was extended for several weeks), and everyone of my bosses tried to have my temporary job made into a permanent, full-time position. They weren't able to do so, but they liked my work, so my potential, and were willing to try to help me.

7. If you haven't already done so, develop and hone your "elevator speech", and have it ready. The elevator speech is a very brief, very concise message that does things like telling someone who you are, what you can do, what are you looking for, and what you need from that person. Assume you have unexpectedly met a hiring manager, and s/he says: "tell me about yourself" - that's your cue. So you might say something like: "Good morning, I'm John Doe. Until recently, I was a paralegal with a small legal firm for the past 10 years. I am currently looking for a similar position and was hoping you might be able to advise me."

I hope this helps. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, and hope for the best.

Regards,

Dave

[vytoland]

vigil817...........

was in your situation several years ago...........while I send out countless resumes and made other contacts..........I took jobs with temp agencies...........it kept me busy and some money coming in..........

[Coldshooter]

A friend trained as a Pharmacy Tech. Did much of it online applied to one of the box stores to finish the supervised part of the training. One store told him that some people are more comfortable with an older well dressed worker. That certificate will get you in the door in many states with a local law refresher.

[soFlaNative]

Originally Posted by Salty RI

I don't know what kind of work you are looking for but around here Home Depot and Lowe's love the old folk's.

Old folks?!? Guess it's all in the perspective. I'm not all that but I leave younger, bigger, stronger guys in a world of hurt when it comes to cranking on a sticky wheel valve. But then again, I'm only 54.

I can't offer anything other than what's already been said except heartfelt best wishes and good luck.

My wife worked 30 years in her field (graphic design), 17 at one place before it finally closed up shop. New technology did not phase her but the rapid advances in the printing industry left her without access to newer equipment and she struggled a bit in the catchup when she was hired after a brief search.

She was the go between from the customer to production. She was very much liked and appreciated by both yet the family of owners saw fit to let her go on her one year anniversary. Her old school work ethic did not fit with their ideas of a corporate environment.

She continued to search, bad knee and all and passed time working out at the local YMCA. When the director found she had applied for member services at another branch, the director said no way, not happening, she's working here.
Been there ever since, 5 years.

Things happen when you keep moving with you eyes open. I know full well your mind hasn't gone stale and am sure something's coming your way.

Good luck.

[cussedemgun]

of experience as maintenance machinist/millwright/weld & fab, a can-do-it-all type guy.

I was out of work at 56 years old & not seeing too many offers for a 'geezer'. I went to the local job service center for placement help. After several app's & no follow up, I was told that I qualified for retraining because of my age. I took their tests for placement & aptitude.

The rep there said "wow, with these scores, you just pick a field, any field."

"Maintenance, millwright, welder" I told him.

"We have a machine shop class" he said.

"I already did that & have the journeyman card. Also have welding, industrial electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, refrigeration, diesel engines, & rigging courses completed."

"Maybe you need to try a new field, your scores indicate you just need to pick a subject" said he.

"Well, if I can't find something in maintenance, how about gynecology, that's a subject I like" I said with a straight face.

The very next morning I got a phone call from them for a call-out on a millwright position.

[soFlaNative]

^^^Maybe his?^^^

Glad it worked out.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by cussedemgun

"Well, if I can't find something in maintenance, how about gynecology, that's a subject I like" I said with a straight face.

Thanks for a laugh I needed this morning!

[olcop]

You still haven't mentioned what field of work you were employed in,
But, be flexible in your search, some companies hire from a central location for jobs in other cities, have you considered relocation for a job?
I've had applicants tell me up front that they won't move, that they owned a home here, they had family here,and so forth. When they did, the interview was over in my mind, I'd usually finish up the interview, but, their application or resume went into the trash can when they left.
Being older and experienced, has many positives, but being hide bound about what you will do, as opposed to what an employer needs is usually a no go right from the start.
Consider the advice of others you have heard from here on the forum, why not take a job as a car salesman?,or, at Lowes or Home Depot?
Do you have a hobby that you could turn into full time work?, Or consider retraining for another field, that might incorporate your hobby.
Do you have musical talent or play an instrument so you could join an entertainment group?
And, don't be reluctant about a job that pays straight commission, you aren't getting paid anything now, what would you have to lose?
The main thing is, don't let the situation overwhelm you, and never give up,
and always keep networking with everyone you meet.
olcop

[sintered]

Vigil, I'm late to this thread but have followed your post and once purchased a PD4040 from you. From that transaction, and reading your post, I know you to be a bright well spoken person. Other members have all offered good advice and encouragement. They, like me, have been out of work after 40 and know the difficulties you face. The "...this too will pass" thought is well worth embracing.

One plan I had, and didn't try while seeking employment, was to provide a service to older people in assisted living facilities: filling-out their medicare/insurance forms for a small fee. With your para-legal history, this and other tailored services could be a new business and a blessing for those you help.

Best of luck - things will change.