Lack of options after 50? Ideas?

[Whirlwind]

Greetings all....

I have finally been in a position to head back to work. I need the money but also want to "rejoin" society, I am very isolated and look forward to a routine, being around people again and I do like to work.

Its been nearly 2 yrs now and I am a little surprised and now at a loss. I have education a former career/experience but it seems to be of little/no value anymore as I was out of the workforce for 10 yrs. I've been volunteering and folks are on the look out for me.

I have only had one interview and did not get the job as I was overqualified. I requested feedback and to their credit they were empathic and spoke privately with me (manager & HR). They both gave me very positive feedback, felt I interviewed very well and had great experience etc. but my "maturity" came up and it was acknowledged as a factor. I'm not upset as they did this legally and I pushed for brutal honesty as the manager was around my age, HR person younger. This is what I heard from the nursing school program as well.

I joined a seeking employment support group and other folks of similar age are experiencing the same thing...the only ones who found work so far were via family or they are younger.

Has anyone "restarted" mid life (50's?) and ideas or successes? It hit me I may be unemployable...? I'm still trying but seems this may be the reality I need to deal with.

Any feedback appreciated and thank you for listening.

Whirlwind

 

[VioletButterfly]

@Whirlwind - I'm sorry for your situation. I'm in the same boat and thinking the same thoughts as you are. I've seen ads that actually note that you need to "look the part." So, illegal. Anyway, steering away from those organizations and looking at school systems, and colleges/universities, older/larger organizations. Maybe even back to the nonprofits. My role is often frontline, so it's a bit difficult in my mind to get past the appearance factor. Heck, even I think I look old and frumpy. I'm worried about skills as well. I'm starting to look at other, associated roles just to get working. I know I'll be overqualified, so I'm working on dumbing-down my resume. Ugh... :(

I'm not sure what line of work you are in, but have you thought of working with an agency? I've had luck going this route is in the past. Depending on your role, some placements are direct hires, others are temp to perm. Working temp to perm isn't always great in terms of waiting on benefits, but we do what we have to do, right? It's possible to advance once you get your foot in the door. Glass half full here.

Best of luck to you! VB

 

[Whirlwind]

Hi VB,

Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I do not think we are alone on this boat.

My hit so far is it isn't even appearance I'm covering my grey and folks think I'm younger (but not "30 young" ;-).

What I have gleaned so far is they prefer a more "malleable" young person they can pay less and I'm "too close" to retirement age. Despite my willingness to take less $. The schools essentially said they have plenty of applicants these days and want to "invest" in someone who has a long career ahead and has time to professionally "contribute to the field".

Yes, I have severely reduced my expectations. I didn't get a single an interview for limited duration, no benefits positions I would have been a steal for.... and barely above min wage. I approached them explaining I need current work history and can "afford" to take such a low paying no benefits position etc.

I'm also focused on universities, gov't jobs as I have a better chance. One was maybe interested but then we learned I am over the fed age limit. Figures.

I am volunteering and did some free presentations for non-profits just to be seen. I have contacted agencies and they were useless and even worse were the state funded agencies (blatant age discrim). I have an employment specialist helping me for awhile now and she thinks we are waiting for "a unique fit and someone willing to take a chance". Ouch.

15 yrs ago I was executive level. Today no value? And its not my skill set, I surprised myself in my interview when asked technical details... I had more experience than the 5 people interviewing me. It must be awful for folks these days that were out of work longer or don't have a specific skill set.

I don't have the $ to start a business and don't even have a business idea.....is there something out there along those lines? hmmm.

Thanks for listening, I am just not sure next steps other than wait and hope. but I am uncomfortable leaving something this impt to chance. I like to be proactive and have a plan.

Whirlwind

 

[Whirlwind]

I just realized how depressing my job discussion sounds so I should add my circumstances are not typical. I lost my professional and personal contacts so that has worsened my prospects.

I just recognized I am feeling some holiday blues....I'm alone and feeling it all of a sudden for some reason but it will pass.

Happy Holidays folks,

Whirlwind

 

[VioletButterfly]

Please don't apologize. I could've written your response. This is a trying situation and it is difficult to stay positive all the time when being continually discounted and pushed aside for newer models despite solid skills and work experiences.

It sounds like we're hitting the same barriers and also looking in the same areas for jobs. I, too, have stepped back on salary expectations. I was an executive in a nonprofit just a few years ago. I chose to take time off to care for my mom, and now the job and everyone who was part of my network has disappeared. My Linked In page looks so pitiful at this point!

I've been trying to make it back out to a nonprofit to volunteer. I had to step back when caring for my mom because I didn't have anything left to give. I think it's a great way to help others, build connections and maintain/grow skills! I applaud your efforts.

I'm on my own as well and trying to keep my chin up, but the holidays do make it extra difficult. I had a girlie I know reach out to me last evening and offer to treat me to dinner on Christmas Day with her family. Although I am very grateful, I feel like a real "loser" who can't get her act together, get a job, build community, etc... I find it difficult to not slide down into the "shame" pool these days. Blech!

Thus, it's really difficult for me to stay positive and to maintain momentum with thoughts such as those circulating through my mind and knocking me around. I implement self care initiatives when I can. Still, with the holidays, it all rings a bit hollow. I've been considering changing up my routine. You know what they say about doing the same thing over and again, and expecting a different outcome.... I'm thinking "pivot" might be a good slogan word for me in 2019.

Hoping things turn around for you. Sending light to sustain you until you get the inevitable call! :) VB

 

[Whirlwind]

Hi VB,

Thank you for the nice note, it sounds like we are hitting barriers for similar reasons. Sorry you are in this but helps to think its not just "me". I ran into some unexpected embarrassment as well, and some folks expressed dismay (understatement) at my holiday situation, lack of family etc.

Ugh, that is the worst for me. I was feeling quite content until that started and now I just feel embarrassed and yuck. I know folks don't mean bad but......their sadness doesn't help me and I already deal with mine and I don't want "theirs". I KNOW they don't mean to affect me this way but it did ..... now I'm avoiding them until after the holidays. lol It is terrible and I shouldn't let it but darn it, I'm disappointed in myself that it upset me.

I made massive changes in my life the last 2 yrs and that I am proud of.....and these current losses so to speak are not a surprise but I think the holiday "pressure" is exacerbating the sense of loss.

I got out of a very bad situation and made it this far and one of the reasons for my changes was the reality that if I think it is hard now, it will be exponentially harder in 10 yrs. So I should be celebrating, LOL

I will share this about xmas invites, years ago I knew someone alone on the holidays and invited him to join my small festivities, there were a just a few of us and none of us had kids etc. He always turned me down, long story short he would have added to the holiday, it was not a pity invite. He was older, we knew each other for years etc. Many years later it came out he was embarrassed but he really blew it as we were all in the same boat.

Anyway, my point is if I got in invite of "hey, we're overflowing in eggnog and food, come on over!" I would totally go.

But the "Please join our family as you (unmarried, alone, no children etc etc) and no one should be alone on Xmas ..." sad invite was awful, I think that was the start of my yuck feeling.

So I'm just going to ignore Xmas but celebrate the new year, maybe alone but I'm making it festive. The snow is starting so I'm planning some long walks, nice meals and I got a ticket for a multi city train ride, just a short trip but thought it would be something different, see some scenery and not worry about the driving. And next year I am going to be better prepared and plan activities, get out of town or something.

Take care and wishing you some exciting "pivots" in the year ahead! Thanks for your time, it made me feel better :-)

Whirlwind

 

[bowiesmom]

Hello Whirlwind. I hope you see this. I'm just reading your thread for the first time right now in February and am wondering what, if anything, has happened.

I'm right there at the cusp of rejoining the world. I'm 54, on disability from my accident in 2015, and feeling extremely isolated by not having a job. I will say that I am in therapy working on my PTSD and still deal with a bunch of fears. Also driving the anxiety of my situation is the fact that my 57yr old husband lost his job 2yrs ago and hasn't found anything (it's clearly his age).

I have yet to find a good volunteer option. I look.

I am hoping something has worked for you. The more I see success stories, the more faith I have that I will also find my way. Looking forward to an update.

 

[SeekingAfrica]

Hi!

In some ways I am the last person to comment on this: I am self-employed, I will reach 30 in couple months, and I have a lot of my own unique financial struggles. I do sympathize though, and I wanted to offer my ideas on the subject, one never knows what may end up being helpful.

As far as looking for job money-wize few things popped in my head. You said you're in education, right? You could possibly give Skype or in person private lessons- I presume math and literature around the grades where there are exams for high school or university are the ages where there will always be people needing that. If you've ever taken SATs or if you're good with math and literature, you can review what you need to know about them, because again, you have plenty of students needing help with that, you just need to figure out how to promote your services. And you just need a couple to start and you can build over time.

In the same line of thought, there are several webpages for foreigners to learn English who usually look for Native Speakers. There was even a webpage where people paid to have conversations with Native Speakers in English and I think several of the popular languages, like Spanish. Can't guarantee it was good pay though, but look them up on Google and you can see for yourself.

Now, wanting something more social is another thing. I get the whole problem with age, I guess. However, is there any chance you can teach at university level? In my university we had a lot of teachers who were older and less young ones. I think experience was valued a lot there, in the practical field of whatever they were teaching, and in teaching itself. Also university atmosphere is the best in bringing different ages together, in my experience (which was amazing). You have this atmosphere of people wanting to learn, and to experience new things, and there are lectures and workshops and talks and groups and plenty of ways for everyone to be involved, both students and teachers/professors. So I think that can be an awesome gig. Even if for example you are lacking MA degree to teach on uni level, that is still achievable, it would just take you an extra year of studying. Though again, this is just an idea.

Anyway, hope something in that helped- or at least brought you to another idea, if anything.
Your experience should hold a value whatever age you are. I am sorry you are having trouble with it. I hope you find resolution soon!

 

[HealingInProcess]

I am doing an online search for joba right now. There are tutoring companies like Chegg that starts out at 20 dollars an hour (hours are as much as people hire you), there are English tutoring companies as well that pay from 15 to 20 something an hour and I think and they can work something like 20 hours a week at the top. Revolution prep is full time online tutoring and that's I think a 40K+ job. Other online tutoring jobs out there as well if you search online that I think pay 25 an hour.

Flexjobs is a website I use but you need to pay like 30 something I think for a 3 month subscription but it's verified listings.

These are some thoughts. Also online translation jobs, virtual assistant, transcription jobs, customer service, tech support, etc. American express has customer service full time jobs and you can get paid at the top end close to 30 an hour with benefits. Starbucks if you work your way up to manager in a year or so thats like 50k a year.

I'm also looking and I'm looking at a big pay cut from what I used to make but such is life. All I need is a roof over my head and some food.

 

[Whirlwind]

I'm 54, on disability from my accident in 2015, and feeling extremely isolated by not having a job

Hi Bowie, I can relate, I am a social person and I miss my career. Having freedom from the 9-5 has its upsides but I am the type that wants an accomplishment in life. And I need income before too long.

Looking forward to an update.

I'm sorry I don't have anything positive to report. I'm trying, doing well at volunteer work but it hasn't led anywhere yet.

I wanted to offer my ideas on the subject, one never knows what may end up being helpful.

Everything helps! Thank you.

You said you're in education, right?

I'm not unfortunately. I looked into it and its school for me. At my age I concluded I do not have enough time left nor the resources to start a new degree. I'm on my own now and my margin is tight so to speak.

I'm looking at a big pay cut from what I used to make but such is life. All I need is a roof over my head and some food.

Me too. I have looked at online work, transcription but the pay is very low ($3/hour?) and I'm suspicious of some of this online stuff. I'll check out some of your suggestions.

Thanks for the encouragement and ideas. I'm running out of them so I appreciate it.

Whirlwind

 

[SeekingAfrica]

@Whirlwind What do you want/need to work? What are your skills?

Transcription is something I have done a lot. If you go to websites that provide work ready for you, there can be lots of work sometimes and none at others. I am not a good typist, so I probably get lower rates, but here is some to mention: Rev is legitimate, but I personally didn't pass the test and they take only 3% of the people...but if you apply second time apparently you have better shot.

CastingWords is easy and pays every Friday, but pay is 17cents per audio minute, roughtly. How many minutes you can translate in an hour depends on you. But it's easy work. However lately they have less work. Scribie pays roughly 1$/6min of audio, again depends on you how much you can do, but also reliable in terms of always having a lot of work and you can withdraw anything you make above 1$. So yes, none of these will make you rich, but if you ever get strapped for cash they are useful. Especially if you type fast. TranscribeMe is one more like that, you need to pass test and the pay is 20$/audio hour so a little more than the others. And the files there are anywhere from 2 to 20min so you can pick up work whenever you have a free minute. However if you're inactive for more than 6 weeks, you need to retake the test to work again...

This is roughly the breakdown of the ones I know. However as you see you get 17-33cents per audio minute at these sites. I have also had direct transcription clients and usually my rate was 0,75c-1$/audio minute, so definitely better. Finding clients is harder, but if you can, it's definitely the way to go. Direct clients I found from Virtual Assistant groups on facebook, you can try that. You can even post that you're looking for transcription clients exactly. But if you can do virtual assistant work that is something to look in Facebook groups too, there are at least 6 or 7 of them where clients post job ads for virtual assistants and what they need.

 

[HealingInProcess]

@Whirlwind What do you want/need to work? What are your skills?

Transcription is something I have done a lot. If you go to websites that provide work ready for you, there can be lots of work sometimes and none at others. I am not a good typist, so I probably get lower rates, but here is some to mention: Rev is legitimate, but I personally didn't pass the test and they take only 3% of the people...but if you apply second time apparently you have better shot.

CastingWords is easy and pays every Friday, but pay is 17cents per audio minute, roughtly. How many minutes you can translate in an hour depends on you. But it's easy work. However lately they have less work. Scribie pays roughly 1$/6min of audio, again depends on you how much you can do, but also reliable in terms of always having a lot of work and you can withdraw anything you make above 1$. So yes, none of these will make you rich, but if you ever get strapped for cash they are useful. Especially if you type fast. TranscribeMe is one more like that, you need to pass test and the pay is 20$/audio hour so a little more than the others. And the files there are anywhere from 2 to 20min so you can pick up work whenever you have a free minute. However if you're inactive for more than 6 weeks, you need to retake the test to work again...

This is roughly the breakdown of the ones I know. However as you see you get 17-33cents per audio minute at these sites. I have also had direct transcription clients and usually my rate was 0,75c-1$/audio minute, so definitely better. Finding clients is harder, but if you can, it's definitely the way to go. Direct clients I found from Virtual Assistant groups on facebook, you can try that. You can even post that you're looking for transcription clients exactly. But if you can do virtual assistant work that is something to look in Facebook groups too, there are at least 6 or 7 of them where clients post job ads for virtual assistants and what they need.

Depending in where you live you can also try So Appen Butler or Leapforce which pays for search engine research. They pay from 10 to 14 an hour I believe.