Work Ain’t What It Used To Be

Stock losses are driving more people 50 and older into the workforce than ever before, during one of the worst job markets in recent history.

But there are many things people can do to improve their chances of finding a job.

Most people reading this article are probably already doing one of those things: Living in Wyoming. Wyoming’s jobless rate (below 5 percent) is about half the national average. Only a few other states can boast similar rates.

According to Bob Skladany of RetirementJobs.com, another benefit of living in Wyoming is the state has a disproportionate number of small businesses, which tend to be more open to hiring mature workers.

Still, there are a lot of skills people need to be competitive.

“This is the rub: You’ve got people, particularly retirees, coming into a labor market that is different from what they remember,” he said. “It is essentially an online, electronic-based application process.”

Even businesses that don’t have an online hiring process generally will require some computer skills, he said.

“You’ve got to succumb to the computer age,” Skladany said. Employers will expect employees will have a cell phone and an email address, he said.

That’s why “comfort with technology” tops Skladany’s list of tips for 50+ aged jobseekers.

Technology also have made Kate Taylor’s list of tips. Taylor is a workforce specialist with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services in Sheridan.

As Sheridan resident Linda Pruett looks to return to the workplace after spending six years taking care of her parents, she knows her knowledge of technology will play a role, so she plans to sign up for free computer classes with Taylor’s office. “That’s something that is really important to me,” she said.

In fact, Pruett just got her first call from Taylor about a job. Pruett was interested—but only if she could do a job share to keep from working full-time.
 
Pruett found out about Taylor’s office through an advertisement directed at people 50 and older who are looking for work. Taylor’s office has recently focused on the needs of mature jobseekers, including co-hosting with AARP Wyoming one major and several smaller workshops on the subject.

Concerns raised at the workshops run well beyond the difficulties of mastering new skills, Taylor said. Many participants share instances of perceived age discrimination.

Fear of age discrimination is valid but must be overcome, Skladany said.

“In our experience, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” he said. Too often people talk themselves out of trying something because of that fear.

Skladany said 50+ aged jobseekers also can do some research to avoid a bad situation. AARP and RetirementJobs.com both have certification processes for companies that welcome mature workers. Between the two services there are hundreds of companies, he said.

In recent months, people working with Taylor have been placed in all types of fields for a variety of employers. They are doing jobs such as campground hosting, nutrition aid and seamstress, working for small businesses, themselves and the federal government.

Meanwhile, other communities are looking to Sheridan as a model for how resources can be tailored to the needs of 50+ aged jobseekers.