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]

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]

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]

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]

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.