Hello, lost my job 11 months ago. 59 years old and finding it extremely difficult to find a new one. Savings is running low and credit cards are running high. How does someone my age find suitable employment?
First start by focusing more into solutions and less on the problem. 59 years old is not old, it's just right for opportunity and experience. If you are not aware of your strengths and the things you do well, I suggest you visiting a local workforce or educational institution and ask for a career interest inventory. It would act as a guide to assist you in the types of careers that will best suit your personality and interest. If all else fails, being unemployed could be the perfect time for you to enroll in an adult education program and refresh or gain some new skills for the road ahead.
Hi:
Sorry to hear about your predicament. That's tough. And yeah, I know being on this side of a certain age is an impediment (although it's not stated as such).
In the very short term, what about a seasonal job? It'll bring in some cash, literally put you (and your head) in a different place a few days a week and potentially provide new connections.
And while I know change is tough, would you consider moving to a different part of the country? Job markets and costs of living can vary greatly between communities and you may find that your skills and abilities are in high demand somewhere else.
If you wish to discuss, send me a PM through Clarity for 15 free minutes.
Cheers,
Kerby
Sorry for the situation you are currently in but seriously apply for everything, literally. If you think you can do the job apply. My husband was out of the military and needed a job and applied to everything imaginable and you know what? He got hired not for knowing how the job was done but because he was wiling to learn and now he is running the radios for oil wells for the whole company . Its all in how you project yourself you got this , stay positive.
I am 59 yo myself. Your situation is unfortunately very common these days as older workers are being pushed aside for younger and cheaper workers. I agree with others here that in the short term you should apply to any kind of seasonal job in your area even if it is not your field and probably pays hourly and less than you were used to. At least it will provide you with some earnings so you can pay bills. You can then think about what knowledge and skills you can offer companies not as an employee but as a consultant. You can work from home and present live training webinars for a fee, for example, using a platform such as Zoom to set up the webinar. You do have to shift to the mindset of a self-employed professional and depending what state you live in (if you are in the USA), I would contact FreelancersUnion.org regarding health insurance coverage. Open enrollment is happening right now, so do not delay!
Amazing, how similar are people and situations around the globe !
Try also other options. For example, I witnessed very high level of respect to US citizens (provided you are with US passport) in the Middle East (GCC countries) and South Asia. If you can be adviser, development manager, engineer, special technology guru, may be that would help. There are also Aid organization hiring for humanitarian jobs for Africa and Asia, with special technical or office knowledge.
all the best
Val
