Older workers challenges

The unemployment numbers that came out a few weeks ago were pretty dismal. Unemployment is still over 9 % and the number of people who were hired is still rather low. While there have been a few months where it looked like things were turning around, the very next month’s report was less than encouraging. If you break down the numbers per age group you will find that the folks in the 55-64 age range actually have a better unemployment number than younger folks. I know I have a real hard time believing that too! But what may not surprise you is that same group is unemployed a lot longer than the age group, in other words it takes them much longer to find a job. This is just another of many older workers challenges.


One of the biggest challenges of older workers is age discrimination which at times can be rather subtle. No one is going to come out and say that you are too old for the job, but they will find many reasons why you aren’t a good fit for their company. Remember that age discrimination is illegal and there place to report it.

Another challenge is one of our own making and that is the negative feelings that we have about our chances of getting a good job. Not having a good attitude will definitely set you back when it comes to finding a job. The same negative script about how you aren’t qualified or that you will never find any job that you like plays over and over again in your head. If you don’t have faith in yourself, why should anyone else?

Are you stubborn? It is great to have strong beliefs in some things but you should also be flexible enough to make changes where changes are needed. The technology of work is ever changing which means you must be ever changing also. You must not only keep up your skill set but you must continue to learn new skills. Don’t fight it! Education is a lifetime concern.

Stay positive and keep learning and in time you will find your job.



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