Midlifer

When you finally meet your threshold/you’re tapped out. you face that place where you just don’t know anymore. I have done everything to find a job that will at least recognize my experience- to no avail. But I suppose it’s either an attitude of - They will have to pay more for experience or they won’t put up with your Bs?! The Covid shite hasn’t really changed the worksphere- all the greedy are back and not going to think about amending their conditions. The ‘ inclusive’ tag added is a load of bullpucky. I recently had to endure an interview from-a person half my age - who asked me what was I looking for ‘ at this stage of my career’. (A job would be nice, with a living wage would be better, ta.) I had a life, and it changed suddenly and not in my favour, so now I am having to reinvent myself @ 55. Please don’t discount me& decide I’m too old to be of service. Stop ageism. I don’t want to be homeless.

7 Comments

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I hear you

Apr 28, 2022 at 9:49pm

And totally understand your frustration over ageism. My dad was out to pasture at age 50. The pressure nearly wrecked my family and to this day I’m highly cognizant of aging in the workplace. I dont know what you do. If you have a university degree you could teach English in Asia. Keep applying and don’t give up. Look at where ppl are spending money ie restaurants, shows, cruise ships, all those places need workers. I wish you the best of luck.

14 3Rating: +11

Ageism is definitely rampant

Apr 28, 2022 at 10:23pm

From the disrespect and disregard for elders by the whole “okay boomer” gang, to the overwhelming pressure to never age, ageism has become a serious problem. The assumption that we’re all comfortably ensconced in our paid-off homes completely ignores the reality that a huge number of seniors still need to work, are homeless, don’t own a home, have many health problems, etc. Just like younger people, we’re not all the same! Some of us lost our careers and couldn’t find new jobs to support us. Some of us became disabled due to various medical issues. Some of us have had to start over from scratch after experiencing a major life crisis. We’re still viable and we still have a lot to offer. In fact, with the vast amount of experience and maturity we have, most of us make wonderful employees. Unfortunately there’s still nothing to stop employers from actively discriminating against older people, and the stereotypes and incorrect assumptions seem to be getting worse.

35 4Rating: +31

You could

Apr 29, 2022 at 1:33am

Work at the post office,plenty of people being hired who are 55 and over.

11 3Rating: +8

Small towns

Apr 29, 2022 at 6:31am

If you live in a small town there are rarely enough full time paying jobs. People will work several part time jobs to make ends meet. You can work remotely these days. The old saying that as every door closes another one opens rings true. Reinventing yourself at your age actually can work in your favour with your experience and wisdom gained. I get a kick out of younger people interviewing me because of the questions - what are your goals in five years? and all the rest of that bullshit. Work for yourself, you will be a lot happier. Take some courses. Bide time and see if you can work at a home depot type of environment to keep food on the table. Working on your own has surprising benefits including flexibility and less stress. It doesn't hurt to meet with a career counsellor to up your self esteem and see where your experience would be a fit and seeing what is current in the job market. Ageism is a very real thing. I've been downsized so many times over the years it's silly but I've landed on my feet every time and work for myself now. Be creative, inventive and flexible. Good luck!

8 2Rating: +6

I don't got all the answers

Apr 29, 2022 at 9:23am

but feel to always stay innovative, thankful for life and calling upon the help of the great mystery of the invisible first source & centre. Us Canuckians also need be thankful to live in amongst the most prosperity, peace and relative justice upon this planet. I've heard it said that if you are on social assistance in Canada you are in this World's top ten % of prosperity. The Taoist principle is not to fight negative force with force, but turn to the side, deflect and keep moving forward. Always keep moving forward. A'ho

6 4Rating: +2

Diversity in the workplace

Apr 29, 2022 at 10:09pm

This should include the requirement to hire people of all age groups.

13 1Rating: +12

Small towns

Apr 30, 2022 at 7:02pm

Another advantage to seeing a career counsellor is they are unbiased or should be. You may unknowingly not been making use of your best assets. Find your specialty. Old knowledge may be useful. Harken back to the days of the Y2K scare and global corporations and entities were rehiring the long retired programmers for COBOL, ORACLE, etc. to update the ancient software. COBAL programmers are still being used today. You might have experience in a useful market you be unaware of.

4 1Rating: +3

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