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 (31-40)
You could make a realistic list of your psychological and physical assets, listing all strong and weak points. Understand 100% who you are and what you have to offer the world. That is what you are selling to a company or other people. Be brutally honest with yourself, bring your positive self to the forefront: walk, talk and act assured in yourself and listen to other people to determine what needs they have that you may fulfill.
How lucky for the employer who hires you! I imagine your life skills, work ethic and willingness to work are something any employer would desire. You won't require maternity leave,you're not likely partying all night and calling in "sick", you'll have empathy, compassion and experience in dealing with co-workers. What a gift you will be! This is your reality. Embrace how amazing it is that you're offering your 70 year old soul, wisdom, energy, skills and knowledge to someone. Good for you!!
There was a time when this massive illegal age discrimination was unthinkable. Many friends have spent years dealing with this outrage. A good social worker might be aware of programs and successful strategies for you. You are not alone!
It is awesome you still want to work at age 74 and I totally agree with you, keep doing what you like. There are several call centers that may consider you. And also, I am going to suggest a different route if your driving skills and automobile are good. Uber!, You can pick your times and places to be. I have used Uber several times lately and most driver's were retired but making additional monies. You can make as much or as little. Good luck!
More and more people are running business from the comfort of their homes. If you set up or get involved with some multi level marketing platform through on lines sales and scale out you can make a great living but passion and dedication are required. We have Skype as well as many other great technological advances at our fingertips .
I could not help you much in this field, I find myself 55 and have had a very hard time in the past finding a job. I went to many interviews and put in hundreds of resumes. Running my own company is harder, but I look for people mature employees because they are more responsible. check with your local companies, but think about what you want to do and then go to your local Lions club, civic groups and make contact with these people. I found them to be most helpful in giving me contacts for work. These places know everyone and everybody and can get you where you want to be.
Put out a notice on your face book page and ask all of your friends to share it on theirs with what you are looking for. Include your background and experience and resume and pay range or minimum. Let everyone know you will do a short one month trial if they want to "test you out". I am sure some business that needs someone who is realiable, steady and can ADD VALUE will coming knocking.
Dear Drowning, Focus on the temporary work agencies. They fill short term demands for companies. This is a quick way to get income coming in and if you are able to showcase your skills it could lead to a full time situation. Here is the key, continue everyday working on your solopreneur opportunity. Don't give up on your natural gut instinct to provide services for Medicare and Medicaid. It is a maze and can be very overwhelming for people who don't know how the system works. Even if it is just 30 minutes a day of just focused thinking that will allow you to figure out the right angle as you build up your resources. Good luck my friend and just know you can't have a problem unless there is already a solution available for you to experience now! Sincerely, Brian
I know what you are going through. It is difficult to find a job over 60. I had been looking for a job for awhile after I resigned working for a company for 15 years. I had always wanted to open my own Fashion Styling business. I followed by passion and I opened my business. I know I have made the right decision. My advice to you, figure out what you are passionate about and open your own business.
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