I have been unemployed since February after a 25 year career as a general manager with the same company. New owners closed down my locations. I have been turned down for 3 interviews in my career field that I was well qualified for. I am 59 and feel my age and extensive inexperience is hurting my chances to find work. I am frustrated and worried. Why won't businesses want to hired experienced people no matter what the age?
Well I'll give it to you straight. I've been unemployed 17 months, I'm nearly 60 and your state's only concern is how soon you drop off that Unemployment list . Whether or not you actually get work doesn't matter to them because politicians only worry about a Northward UI rate which makes them look bad.
Two things you need to know, first thing is yes, your age hurts you there is a definite undercurrent of age discrimination alive and well in the American workplace , just ask those our age ****** being approached every day to exit gracefully before they get laid off. Secondly , if you don't find work during the first 26 weeks of Unemployment your chances steadily diminish thereafter until you become unemployable because employers ignore resumes from people who don't have a recent employment to refer to.
Welcome to the American workplace as we know it. It's not pretty but it's the truth.
@40nOn you are totally negative.
Hello 808manunemp, I cannot imagine what you are going through, brother! I agree with what 40nOn says. but You must not let that age factor diminish your confidence! You should be able to convince the interviewee why you are lot better than the Younger people, may be tell him a couple of really touch experiences which you have been able to handle well, where such an experience is necessary! I am not in the management arena nor I know anything about work in The US. so thats what I thought of sharing, anyways, you have lot what Degrees cannot match, your Experience is your Strength, brother!
Godspeed!
What kind of tutoring do you do? I am also tutor as one of my “trades” I would love to network with you. Tutoring can make a person crazy if you’re having to commute to your locations (schools, houses) I’m liking centering myself at a library. Are you through an agency or independent? Looking forward to connecting.
Sorry, for the confusion. I think there was someone else that was a tutor. Oops, I'm still trying to figure out all the "ropes" on this site. I've responded to the wrong person before. Ooops! I am in Oregon....what state are you in? I do a lot of networking. Are you on linked-in? That is a nice place to find good connections with possible job leads. Just a thought. Looking forward to connecting.
@leta I am in Hawaii. I am 59 years old and have been in management in the credit and collections industry for 30 years. If is very discouraging to find out many “babyboomers” are not being hired. We should see if somehow we can come together and network and share ideas how we can use out vast experience to help people and business etc. Let me know more about you.