Unemployment for over 55 soars

In a recent study by AARP unemployment for those over 55 have increased by 331% over the last ten years. That is incredible! But it is believable considering the economy and the obstacles that older workers have to face all the time.



What are the problems that older workers face?

Age discrimination is against the law. Unfortunately that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen. Corporations are very savvy on the ways to reduce their workforce without breaking any laws. And why older workers are such a target for being workforce reduced. The easiest answer is their salary. If you are worked for a company for years you probably have had quite a few increases in wages, which is only fair considering you are an experienced and loyal worker. The company may see you as someone who is just hanging on to their job. They could get rid of you and hire someone at a much cheaper salary. Of course they would lose your experience but their bottom line would look better with your replacement’s salary.


Another problem is the benefits of the older worker. The employer will perceive you as someone who as someone, because of your age, who will be sick all the time. Even though there really isn’t any data to back that up. An employer might also be reluctant to hire someone over 55 because they feel that they will only work a few years and then retire. With the way the economy is today, people will be working way into their sixties and beyond. Early retirement is a pipe dream.

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