Over 50 and looking for work, like I am?

[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]

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]

A mill closure put me on the street after 35 years - -

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]

"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]

Over 50

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.