Dear Abel & Sofi: Sending Out An S.O.S. For 70-Something Senior Seeking New Job
About Dear Abel and Sofi: While our Q&A Forum addresses 1,000+ public questions weekly, we wanted to give our small business owners an outlet to anonymously share the kinds of frustrations, fears and private struggles few people express openly. Father-daughter duo Abel and Sofi co-author the column, bringing diverse perspectives to both professional and personal problems. A serial entrepreneur and counselor, Abel, 65, is known for his empathy and his uncanny understanding of many issues. Co-owner of a salon, Sofi, 28, has a younger, more candid approach to life’s challenges. To submit your anonymous questions, click here.
Dear Abel & Sofi:
I'm going on 74 and still working full time -- or trying to… Currently, I’m a solopreneur.
But I’ve been looking for a full-time position with a good company for a while, and no one will hire me, in spite of my high office skills. So I turned to selling voluntary benefits, which very few people want in today's insanity.
And now I'm trying the seniors market -- all the Medicare-related products, etc. And the course for getting that license is brutal, but I'm doing it!
Problem: I don't have a dime left. I've been trying for 17 years (since my last company closed) to work at anything that pays (and I now have some physical limitations). I can't find anything lasting that has a salary. I'm open to your suggestions, or any possible solutions.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Sincerely, Drowning
ABEL: Dear Drowning, You are FAR from alone. Many workers over 65, even in this economy, are having a tough time either starting a new business from scratch – or going back to work in a “regular” office.
Traditional office jobs are fewer and farther between because more offices are virtual now, which actually could be good news for you, given any physical challenges. Tap the growing remote marketplace and try to find a full-time position working from home. Google “full-time, remote jobs” and review those sites.
The other obstacle you and millions of others face is age discrimination – a glaring issue that many media outlets don’t address nearly as often as they tackle other types of discrimination.
Hopefully, as our population ages, the media will focus more of its attention on age discrimination, encouraging legislators to find better, broader solutions for anyone affected by it. But for now, it’s still something older workers need to face head-on and handle in both creative and practical ways.
The good news is that we’re already seeing some positive changes occurring. AARP has a list of employers that prefer hiring mature workers – for their wisdom, loyalty, dependability, and mentoring skills. Here’s that list.
And, right here at Alignable, you should find many supporters, as several members toiled in the corporate world for decades before going out on their own. Or they’re part of a family-run business where they know, firsthand, how people of all ages contribute great value to an organization. Finally, several members seek referrals to other members who can take on projects or even fill formal, full-time jobs. Those posts land on our Forum a few times per week.
PLUS, as part of this column, we’ve already seen thousands of members offer really helpful advice and leads to others seeking help. Sometimes those offers are posted publicly or members send them to us privately. Either way, we’ll email you about any leads or contact information we receive and you can choose what to pursue. It’s my sincere hope that this post generates a great deal of Alignable magic for you.
All my best, Abel
SPECIAL NOTE TO OTHER MEMBERS – As always, please share your advice and support below. And if you have a job opportunity or project that requires a very talented and dedicated worker – please let us know! Post it below or send it to our private link which you can find here.
SOFI: Hi Drowning, Thanks for writing in about your situation. While age discrimination sucks, I have a few other ideas that might help you land a great gig.
For starters, I’d make sure your resume is up to date and is formatted in a modern, clean, and easy-to-read way. There are tons of free templates online to use. Make sure the points on your resume show that you’re a dependable worker, and list your key accomplishments. You mention having “high office skills.” If you can demonstrate how those skills led to tangible benefits, your resume will be even more impressive.
While you might think you’re not getting hired because of your age, it could just be the way you’re carrying yourself. Confidence is key. I can understand how you’re probably ready to give up, but you don’t want to seem defeated when you interview. Put your best foot forward, smile, and act like you know you could do an amazing job. Use your age to your advantage, telling interviewers that you know what it takes to run an office or handle any other job that fits your skills.
Shallow or not, people will probably have a first impression of you based on your appearance. Dress nicely and professionally, and wear classic clothing that looks modern. I wouldn’t wear your favorite dress from 15 years ago, no matter how becoming. If it looks old-fashioned, they’ll put you in the “too old” bucket, regardless of your qualifications.
When you’re searching for jobs, I’d focus less on the big brands and more on local, small businesses. Look at your mom and pop furniture store, or the local flooring place, or a paint store – find businesses nearby that are family-owned. Chances are good that they’re having a hard time finding someone they can trust to run the back office. If you walk in there and point to your experience and ability to work well under pressure, I bet they’ll hire you on the spot!
Lastly, 74 years old isn’t old! You are 74 years young! Any company that doesn’t want to hire you because you’re more mature than their current staffers isn’t the type of place you want to work.
Good luck and keep your chin up! We’re all rooting for you!
Cheers, Sofi
Comments (1-10)
Dear Drowning,
I’m in a similar boat but a little younger and an entrepreneur for 90% of my professional life. When tragedy hit my last business I decided to get a J-O -B, Just Over Broke. Well, that won’t work. The first thing I did was to get licensed as an adjuster. The money is good and I work on my own schedule. But this was just a means to an end. I needed money to launch my local marketing company. THAT was my real objective. Now, I’m combining a lot of high in demand services for local merchants at attractive prices that get them business. There’s the answer. Identify in demand services, put a twist on them and sub out what you’re not good at or don’t want to do.
Instead of going back into the workforce you can find a job at home and begin making your own income.. You can either contract out your services to others, you could multi-level networking or direct sales. The options are truly unlimited. I would love to talk with you personally about some options if you are still looking.
Dear Drowning, I am 83 and started a new business in 2015, I was able to start it because the part time work in net work marketing. I am a naturopathic doctor which does pay like an MD. However net work marketing can be a trap, most of them have requirements that guarentee you to fail, they just want your investment. I have found only one that pays you based solely on what you do. It will take a little time to educate yourself about the products, and only requires a $40. starting cost, which also gives you $40. of product. You can contact me for more info. Also you are still young, you are only limited by you. The right attitude and the never give up go get um will get you there.
Dr. Chuck
I am 62 years old. My husband passed away and I only receive his benefits. I did not want to work for a company so my girlfriend suggested Notary Work. I am now a Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent. It is not expensive. It is a six hour class. Of course you have to purchase supplies, a printer and have a car. I work my own hours and for myself. I love it. I pray that everything works out for you. You are not alone.
Hi Drowning
Have u considered a home based business, like Network Marketing
They have a super low startup cost, yet pay out huge dividends
I’ve been involved in one since 2003
We have one person who started at 74 years old. Today he is 91 and doing extremely well for himself
It allows for flexibility and time freedom
If you want to know more, you can reach out to me
Send me a private message on this platform
Thanks
Ernie
Hi
Your situation is the same as many people over 65 years old. I buy apartments buildings and see people who live in them on Social Security fixed income. I try not to raise the rent on them. But not all landlords can afford to do that. When someone move out I try to get market rate rent to make up for the tenants who can't afford the higher rents. So the higher rents subsidize the people who pay lower rents so that I don't lose money on the building. Many of these people never earn much money during the times when they work on different jobs so they never put much into social security. So now they just get about $1,000.00 per month for social security. That is not enough to live on especially if you live in California. Since no one will hire you; try to see if you can get section 8 to help with your housing. ( I have 2 of my tenants who are in your position and I accept section 8 housing for them) One person live in my building for 30 years and paid her rent while she was working. She is now 74 and was kick out of the company she worked for 25 years. Now she can't find a job. She applied for section 8 housing and got it. I accepted it; knowing her as a decent person. I do not take section 8 for anyone except these 2 tenants. Family can also help if they can afford to. You will have to look for some way of surviving the coming years because most companies will not hire someone your age. You could also share an apartment with a roommate and share expenses. I rented a room in a 2 bedroom apartment for a friend who was looking for a roommate because she could no longer afford her rent. Her sons had moved out on their own and their bedroom was now empty. The roommate was in the same situation like her and now they share expenses and provide companionship to each other. There are people like you who still want to continue working at your age but companies don't see it that way and you can't change American society and custom. So make the best that you can and good luck.
I just got back from my First Friday networking group with over 120 senior care professionals, realtors, insurance, and other services and business owners serving the senior market. There are always opportunities for seniors at our group, the largest and longest term regular meeting networking group in San Antonio. Our group info is at www.firstfridaynetwork.org .... Find a group like this in your community, oh, the cost is only $5 to attend or $25 per year to join... breakfast is always included...
Dear Drowning: I am going to echo a couple of comments I have seen on here. Staffing agencies might be a good bet. Also, I own a small business. We have a need for part time office workers, and I am sure many other small companies do, also. Try looking on Zip recruiter. Good luck to you and don't give up. Also, it sounds like you need money, NOW so I would avoid "opportunities" in which you have to invest money, at least until you are in a better position. Tina
Also, I don't know if my situation is relatable but maybe you'll find some of it helpful. I was 58 when, after 33 years at one company, I was let go. The industry I left was shrinking and job opportunities were few so I decided to reinvent myself and find something I enjoyed that also brought in an income. After trying a few things in the fitness field (personal training, spin instructor) I landed where I am now, a partner in a bicycle shop). The money it took to buy in cane from my IRA. I knew nothing about the bike business but I had confidence in my ability to learn and, as cycling is one of my passions, I was highly motivated. In the beginning, the business was in bad shape but after a few years, we became profitable and along the way we were able to squeak out a few bucks which is something you can do as a small business owner. So, my advice would be to think about turning one of your passions into a business or applying for a job in a business that you're passionate about.
My sister always mentions that she wishes there were more people to watch pets. Many people travel these days and to have a person they trust come to their home while they are away to walk and feed their animals is a great market. I like the comment on marketing services. Also neighborhood babysitting pays pretty well . Again people need someone they trust with their children. Hope all these suggestions help. Everyone is valued.