Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it
Autumn has arrived..OLDER WORKER'S HAVE VALUE!
This is what I have to tell myself often after getting laid off. Loyally employed for fifteen years, I didn't see it coming. The most difficult part was being replaced by a younger person just starting out. Later, I discovered it wasn't about my abilities, but more the income I was making.
I didn't realize that losing a job after so long would place me into a grieving situation. I found I had to go through all of the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Hurt, Resentment, Loneliness, etc. Having finally faced all of these issues honestly, The best result of this loss of employment was the time to sit down and evaluate my life. Checking out where my priorities were. They had become a little out of sequence while I was working. I found the important thing in life is not my job, but rather my family. For years I had neglected them to put work first.
Now, that I know what is really important, I have to decide what I want to do when I grow up. Thank God for the internet. I have been able to do some very constructive searches, helping me outline the steps in finding a new job. I have taken to heart something my favorite NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards, said, "If you have a dream, go after it and don't let anyone tell you it's not possible." So with that in mind, I am trying to figure out what kind of job would I love to have. No longer do I want to work at a place where I count down my time until my day off. I did that for too many years. Rather, I hope for a job where I can't believe the week is over already.
Wish me luck.
The problem with age discrimination, is it is very hard to prove. As an older person you recognize the look and treatment during the interview process. They go through the formality of the interview, but you can tell, they have already dismissed you as a candidate. However, in the future, they will really need us as there aren't enough workers younger to support our economy.
I guess I would remind "baby boomers" to remember the value of older workers when they are in a position to hire people. They are often the ones discriminating
Humm, I seeing a common theme here...
But what I don't understand is - As baby boomers we have experienced the best in education, have lead successful professional lives and have signifiant purchasing power.
What happened to our own advocacy ? What about the companies that are owned and operated by boomers ? Why is EEOC so ineffective in protection of Older workers.
Check out : www.optionsover50@blogspot.com
Let's explore our options!
Mark
More and more employers are realizing the value of mature, dependable workers who bring a wealth of skills and a strong work ethic to the table. Thousands of older workers have found positions throughout North America as workampers. Employers hire workampers to do all sorts of work while living in a motorhome or travel trailer. Google "workamper" and see what I mean.
There are a lot of good deals these days on RVs, making this option even more affordable for those who don't already have a motorhome or travel trailer. And for those who are facing foreclosure or high housing costs, living in an RV might be just the ticket to affordable housing. For those who are flexible and open to new adventures, traveling in an RV and getting compensated for it as a workamper might be a viable solution. Besides, it could be fun... and most of us could use more of that these days!
Recently I went through the long series of application, phone call, interview. It was very discouraging as the minute I walked into the interview, I was given the polite lets hurry up and go through the formality of an interview. I did my best to put myself out there so they could get past the age thing. Needless to say I didn't get the job. They said I was qualified but didn't meet their needs. The next week, I saw their add in the classifieds again. When will employers realize that life doesn't end at 50 years old. Older workers have a lot to offer a business
I took the test for the Census job. Scored almost perfect score and am a veteran so was supposed to get extra points.. that was three months ago and I NEVER got called about a job. When I took the test, I was the oldest there by at least 25 years... I am thinking that the US census discrimates against older workers.
There are more and more employers who are starting to understand the benefits of hiring older workers who they consider to be skilled, experienced and reliable. I would encourage you to checkout jobsites that are dedicated to the 50plus jobseeker such as www.seniorsforjobs.com Not only will you find postings but useful job seeking information and a discussion board for other jobseekers who wish to share their experiences. Good luck with your search!
I appreciate you comment. With unemployment the highest it's been since World War II, I can use all of the help I can get. Another major corporation in Mankato just laid off of bunch of employees. I sure hope Obama can come up with some solutions to this problem. It's really scary when you are my age and need the income
My husband and I both made career changes a few years ago. We also moved to a nicer place and live near our granddaughters. I'd be pretty darn mad if my long-term employer bounced me so you are wise to go thru all those yucky but necessary stages of grief. Just know that there are places you can go to help you find a new job and begin a new stage of life.
Check out senior job banks and other places where savvy employers know the older ones are more reliable, etc. Or just check out my website, www.50somethinginfo.com. It has career changing info as well. Add to all that:
The Dept. of Aging and the Census Bureau (who are looking for census takers for 2010)--they are recruiting in Feb.
Hope this helps.
Sue
Views: 1860
Comments: 8
Bookmarks: 0
