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Too old for the job
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Too old for the job
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Caucasian-Over 40 - No college degree - 30 years of Sales / Customer Service I have had several interviews for jobs that I am over qualified for but I don't get the job. Employers al
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Cat:7a9899c6-bb01-48a5-bd56-e73d9d7e3998Forum:e953563d-8f9f-4c9a-a00f-4a9ddfb05813
Cat:7a9899c6-bb01-48a5-bd56-e73d9d7e3998Forum:e953563d-8f9f-4c9a-a00f-4a9ddfb05813Discussion:b65d32db-2c93-4015-a0a1-bf7d091eb16c
Forums » Work & Retirement » Job Hunting » Too old for the job
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 19, 2011 10:07 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
In Response to Re: Too old for the job: Just finished venting to my sister about my "part time" job at "HELLgreens" - (hired as cashier but duties include restocking shelves, cleaning - yes I have to bring my own cleaning rags- cleaning bathrooms, cleaning breakroom, vacuuming, "facing" all products, & selling "suggestive" sale items) when she told me about a program she saw that said the nicest, hardest working employees are treated the worst and paid the leas t. At 59 I was unable to find any secretarial work and the unemployemnet checks stopped coming - then I read this chain was senior friendly----only if you like 3 ten hour days in a row with the air conditioning "broken". Some nites I come home ready to cry - but remind myself that at least I have my minimum wage job...so much for the "Golden Years" Posted by 2shortnfrank Yes....so it goes and always has in most retail jobs! People who have never worked retail seem to think all we do is stand around and wait for a customer to come in. There is so much that has to be done besides ringing up an order. We have a long list of things that HAVE to be done besides helping people find things they are too rushed to take the time to look for. It's most often back breaking, knee bruising, frustrating physical work. Yes, for minimum wage!!! Then we get yelled at if customers think the prices are too high or we are out of an item! Talk to the people who steal or the selfish person with ten coupons who emptied the shelf! Coupon hoarders are the worse. So many elderly people have to do without getting even one of the item on sale so the coupon crazed hoarders can fill a closet with way too much stuff. Not everyone can go to the store every other day. Seriously people...toilet paper/shampoo will go on sale AGAIN!!! |
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Re: Too old for the job with MS
posted at November 19, 2011 10:35 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
Please take some time to read this maybe you can help I crashed a motorcycle 8/16/85 in Huntington Beach CA. I flew 136’ from point of impact, bleeding from my mouth nose and one ear, double compound break on right arm, shatter left wrist, coma for five days and nine days in the trauma center before being sent on my way. One year later I was paralyzed on my left side and found out I now have MS (Multiple Sclerosis). For nine year I couldn’t work, lost my eye sight, my speech, knee surgeries, and in and out of bed during the nine years, then they came out with betaseron witch is an injection that slows the purgation of MS. So I went back to work, I got a job work for TRD ( Toyota Racing Development) I worked in the pits for Indycars for three years and have also worked with Ivan Stewart and Robby Gordon at the Baja 1000, Rod Millen and the Pikes Peak world record run, Dave Steel and his midget and 13 years in the shop working in electrical. But this story isn’t about me it’s about my son, 4 mouths after my crash, he was 6 months old, his mom (my ex- girl friend) left him with me for three days and never looked back. So now my life has to change for the better to raise my son and it did. My son born in Fountain Valley CA. 7/27/85, Grade School Smith in Huntington Beach CA., Middle School Dwyer in Huntington Beach CA. and Graduated from Huntington High School. He was on the surf team in high school and also Skateboards, BMX race’s, downhill mountain bike races, snowboards and now has raced off road trucks for two years. This kid was so busy and only getting better at what he was doing. He has held a job from the age of 16 till 21 and has always paid for his own insurance, owns two cars paid for by him. So now I thought I would move on with my life because my MS is catching up to me and I’m not sure how much time I have left. I bought a motor home and started to travel until I got that phone call no parent wants to ever get, it was Saturday March 10, 2007 I woke up with a message on my phone that said my son had fallen from a four story building Friday night at his friends house in downtown Huntington Beach and was on his way to the hospital. This is where our life’s changed forever, he had broken all his ribs, both collar bones, right shoulder, collapsed both lungs and broke his back at T5 witch has left him paralyzed from the chest down. Now I’m trying to find some financial help for him, but all I seem to be able to find help for is immigrants or drug problem financial aide, Is this really all that’s out there or do they hide it from the people that grew up here and can read and speak English. He’s going to need transportation to move forward in his life but we can only donate cars not receive donated cars. SSI is only going to give him 800.00 a month and he lives in Huntington Beach CA. That will barely pay for his medical supplies. I know this great country has the help out there but where is it? My name is Greg Caouette and my son is Corey, if you know where to find help for my son e-mail me @ hbgreggy@hotmail.com. |
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 19, 2011 11:38 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
Perhaps we should rethink our approach to job searches if we are over 55. If it is possible to accept a position without benefits, more employers would be interested in hiring us. Paying employee health insurance is often prohibitive to, especially, small business owners. So, if you are covered by Medicare or other health insurance, you bring an asset to the workplace and a savings to employers. |
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 19, 2011 12:38 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
I find myself in the same position. I'm 64 and was told I didnt meet the vision for the future of my company. Also considering selling my house and moving in with daughter and her family. Never wanted to do that either but I think we're young enough to make ourselves valuable to the them ...run errands for them, cook dinner, do the shopping, transport the youngsters to soccer games and doctor appointments, etc. They certainly wont want us around if we're depressed and miserable about our lives. Being an assest to them will help everyone feel okay about the situation. If you find some suitable work-from-home company, pls share the information. I also would rather do that but in case I have to resort to Plan B, I'm gonna make the most of it. In Response to Re: Too old for the job: I understand what everyone here is talking about. I recently lost my job, which I was dumb enough to think would last until I could retire at maybe 67 or 70. I am 59. I understand also the feeling of hopelessness because I still have bills to pay (like everyone else) and a home to maintain. My only option is to lose everything and move in with one of my kids. Now, that is something I NEVER wanted to do! Why on earth would they want me in their lives daily? I don't want to be a burden to them. I am depressed and am taking medication and seeing a psychologist. My case worker tellls me that the trend is towards companies hiring older workers but I haven't seen it and from all these posts, I have a feeling she needs to read these threads to see what others are feeling. I have tried to find something I could do at home. I have a computer and phone and still am very capable of dedicating myself to getting the job done well and efficiently. But where do you find those kind of jobs? I have read everything I can and called and talked to everyone, but I can't find any answers. All of us "baby boomers" are now becoming a financial strain on the government but they sure liked our money while we were all gainfully employed. One other thing, all the people that are telling me that "everything will be allright and it will all work out" aren't in my situation. And I hope they never find themselves scared to wake up everyday and try to figure out how to survive when all we would like to do is work so we aren't a BURDEN or FINANCIAL STRAIN to anyone. Bless everyone and I pray that we all find a way to take care of ourselves very soon. Posted by SwtDiDi |
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 19, 2011 12:58 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
I was in for a surprise! I heard about a part time job as a medical transcriptionist. I have over 30 years of experience, but I'm 74 years old and didn't think I'd ever get the job. I got it! It was supposed to be part time but they were backed up and wanted as many hours as I could give. It's been two weeks now and by the end of the second week I was really tired. Can't wait to get that first pay check. I've been living on Social Security so this is a real bonus. |
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 19, 2011 1:34 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
I have been trying to get even "caregiver" type jobs for months. I'm 67 and I'm a young thinker and willing to take really, really low-paying jobs but even that has been unsuccessful so far. I know younger people are getting the jobs, and some people specifically ask for students. My interviews appear to be quite fruitful but I've yet to get a job out of it. I definitely am beginning to think this is the scenario and the way things will continue to evolve. I don't think there's an answer unless it's finding some kind of "perfect" situation practically depending on luck. I'll continue to have hope, but I'm certainly not going count on it. Good luck out there Boomers! |
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 19, 2011 10:35 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 19, 2011 Last: November 19, 2011 |
I just got hired! I am 65 and have been out of the paid workforce for nearly 7 years. I left my job when my mother got sick and my father in law had a heart attack. I looked around the family and there was no one but me to help them, so I quit. It was plenty scary. Kids in college. Husband's industry going through upheavals. Old cars. Sick parents. Quite the rollercoaster. Over the years, I've done a lot of volunteer work in my community. About 6 months ago, I told everyone I knew that I was looking for work. Someone told me about a firm that had posted a job on its website that they thought might work for me. I checked it out and rewrote my resume, attached a lengthy cover letter describing what I'd been doing for the past several years and a list of relevant community service work I've done and emailed it to the company. Some of my volunteer work dovetailed pretty well with what they wanted. I didn't hear anything for 3 months, so I sent an email to the HR director and asked if they had filled the job. They sent back an email saying that they had just started the hiring process and asked me to come in for an interview. I nearly fainted! I had two interviews and the owner called and offered me a job. I start next week. A couple of things: I'm no spring chicken and I'm no victoria's secret model, either but I try to be upbeat, energetic and enthusiastic in my interviews. (Yes, of course I can do this job! I would love to work for your firm!) It helped that I could decline health insurance. I told them I could work evenings and weekends because my kids are grown and my husband works a late shift. I think it helped that the firm seems to hire a lot of mature workers, although I didn't know that when I applied for the job. I sent email thank yous to the people who interviewed me, telling them that I appreciated the opportunity to interview and that I was very interested in working for their company. I think I just got lucky. Or maybe the economy is improving a little bit in my part of the world. I do know that for the past 3 years, I've been sending out carefully written cover letters and resumes re-written to the specifications of the job and have heard nothing back. Not even a "Sorry, we're going in a different direction but we'll keep you in mind if we have another opening." I have been on a couple of interviews. Some, I think, were just filling out a quota of candidates. You know, they interview 5 people but they've already decided to hire A. A couple of interviews were really shattering. Nothing like being told they've found kids right out of college who will do the job for less or that they aren't going to recycle anyone (this I got when I applied for an opening at a former employer where I thought I'd left on excellent terms.) Anyway, I'm learning not to be suprised by anything. I hope things work out at this new job. It seems to be a happy office and the work looks interesting. Got my fingers crossed, anyway. |
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Would rather stay home.
posted at November 20, 2011 11:47 AM EST
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Posts: 2
First: November 20, 2011 Last: August 15, 2012 |
I'm 63 now, Have double vision the doctors cannot explain or correct; Graves Disease that the doctors use to make me diabetic, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (lab rat). And have at least 2 seizures. I'm to a point I can barely walk a short distance. I have my own health insurance Thur the military (retired NAVY) and have little problem getting employment; usually more than I want. I think my wife wants me working so she does not have to be a full time care giver, as I draw my Social Security I can only make $7K before they take 1/2 of the rest. Another point employer seem to like! As poor as my condition is I still can produce 2 and 1/2 times my coworkers. Over the last 20 years I have designed a few devices that make a great many robotic product possible, however no one want to assist making them. First was a flexible linear encoder to measure joint movement originally to make a TALKING GLOVE functional. Then a completely dexterous prosthetic hand; inexpensive, strong, and lightweight. Then came the hydraulic controlled air actuator to drive them and provide hepatic feedback. Could have made robotic solders, police, firemen. could turn a space suit into an inflatable human controlled astronaut. other uses inexpensive, walking wheel chair, power assist hands, arms, legs and bodies made from recycled bottles. This is the resaon I think they keep me under close watch. |
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Re: Too old for the job
posted at November 20, 2011 12:26 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: November 20, 2011 Last: November 20, 2011 |
In Response to Re: Too old for the job: Just finished venting to my sister about my "part time" job at "HELLgreens" - (hired as cashier but duties include restocking shelves, cleaning - yes I have to bring my own cleaning rags- cleaning bathrooms, cleaning breakroom, vacuuming, "facing" all products, & selling "suggestive" sale items) when she told me about a program she saw that said the nicest, hardest working employees are treated the worst and paid the leas t. At 59 I was unable to find any secretarial work and the unemployemnet checks stopped coming - then I read this chain was senior friendly----only if you like 3 ten hour days in a row with the air conditioning "broken". Some nites I come home ready to cry - but remind myself that at least I have my minimum wage job...so much for the "Golden Years" Posted by 2shortnfrank My husband and I ended up getting a job together as Storage Managers and live on site...they also hire associate managers who live off site, but there are a few who live on site.....there are some storage companies that prefer older people.
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Forums » Work & Retirement » Job Hunting » Too old for the job
