The 10 Most Common Jobs for Older Workers

Employers Don't Like the Self-Employed

Having run a successful part time business for many years and now being in the job market, I can tell you that employeers do not like to hire the previously self employed! It was fun for the 23 years it lasted, but hell now that I am trying to land a job.

It is difficult to fill out on line job aps because my skills and stats are not "standard". If you don't fit into the pidgenholes, you are not wanted.

I think I also have trouble because my skill set is not in high demand and doesn't fit into the above mentioned pidgenholes. I'm a round peg in a square world!

As a result, I have been unemployeed for over a year now and losing hope day by day.

Rosey of GA @ Dec 17, 2008 14:53:30 PM

60 year old corporate accountant

I've had an interesting career in that it was pretty much backwards. I advanced my way up in Corporate Operations Management throughout my 20's, 30's and 40's in Banking, Insurance, and the Healthcare industries. For the past 10 years, I "demoted" myself to a position of staff accountant (what I was educated in) with no one reporting to me. After 27 years in management, it was an earned relief.

What I have learned from this experience has been amazing. The first thing I learned after several years, is what a poor and undisciplined Manager I really was, even though I thought I was very good. "CORRECT" numbers don't lie. Now I chuckle when I hear the CEO use "MY" numbers and MY variance analysis reporting (Sometimes verbatim) in both addressing and conducting the company business.

Accountants are a great source for transforming themselves into Operations Management although that is rarely recognized. The discipline and analytical skills are firmly in place.

It takes tremendous patience and discipline to sit down and figure out why telephone communications cost is $500 per employee per month in a 400 plus company, rather than call for meetings (often an incredible waste of time) to determine (guess) what the problem is. You do the work to identify problems, but clap at the meeting when others are praised for their cost reduction ideas.

Being 60, you can easily identify when people are not telling the truth or embellishing, without losing a smile on your face.

I will admit though, that being politically correct is difficult for my generation, after so many years of being reasonably rational utilizing common sense on a regular basis.

Being compassionate with co-workers is not being weak. It could be an opportunity to motivate and increase employee loyalty and productivity, but that is rarely recognized by management these days. A confident look, a wink, and an acknowdlegement are powerful powerful tools not often used anymore. I used to think I was smarter than my employees when I was in Management. I now realize the only difference, in many cases, is that as a Manager, I had the privelage of more information being available to me.

Judging by the number of "LADDER CLIMBERS" who come to me in confidence, sharing a wide range of their work and personal problems, makes me wonder if I could re-engage as a Management person again. One thing I'm sure of, is that I certainly have the complete skill set needed now, but the Company sees me as the "OLD GUY", even the ones who come in confidence!!!!

Maybe I'll shop around for one last charge and see if I can put it all together and make a big difference somewhere. Just as long as I don't get asked where I want to be in 5 years. (Wink!)

Nice talking to everybody!!!

Les of MD @ Oct 15, 2008 12:54:14 PM

My comments onOlder Workers

Let's get real everyone. I'm in my 50s as well, so I think I'm qualified to add my 2 cents to this conversation. ♠You can't keep looking back and expecting things to stay the same in your career while moving forward in your life and career, it just won't happen. It won't get better and then you'll get yourself all frustrated, depressed, bring yourself down and then give up on life. Everyone has a talent or something you can do to earn a living and enjoy life.

Yes, life isn't fair but who said it was going to be. As long as greed and jealousy exist life cannot be fair all the time to everyone. In our country , USA, youth is highly sought after, but its only temporary - we all know that. Our values keep some us in check, but I think even this is changing for the worse as time progresses.

Now to my point, we all have God given gifts, talents that we either picked-up along the way thru education, experience, inherited, or by what ever means we used to earn them. As you get older, your suppose to grow in wisdom, knowledge, and experience and you keep moving forward in life, your dreams and ideas. As you get older its time to go do something else, we all know when this time comes. Get out there and create something, start a new business, or better yet go teach or help someone else learn something from your experience.

WE have to take what we have to work with and use our gifts. Starting your own business doesn't have to be hard, do what you've always wanted to do but never could because of the kids, family, or where just too busy making a living. It's time to stop wasting time complaining about something you have no control over, and to start living. I use to know someone in NY city that worked as a corp executive, one day decide to give it up and go sell popcorn at a corner. His idea paid off and was making a 6 figure income, no stress, loved his job ever since. I could go on with success stories like this of people just doing something new in life. Opportunities are all around us, we just have to open our eyes, find that spark that we all use to have when we were much younger and go after. Surround yourself with energetic people, get into a network of like minded people, its contagious and you'll feel better about yourself and your enthusiasm will come back and you'll have a better outlook in your new job, your life, or whatever you want. Take care everyone.

phoenix of TX @ Jun 14, 2008 18:58:28 PM

Most Employees Vs. Highest Percentage???? wtf?

Ambrosiality of GA @ Jun 10, 2008 22:19:03 PM

50 year old Graphic Designer

I continue to struggle with technology changes in my business. I was able to keep up until 2005 when I lost my Agency job to a 21-year old college drop out.

I am still looking for work, and studying online, but I don't know if it's worth it.

After viewing this article, at least I know what to apply for when I give up on my career.

Suzan Holten of TX @ Jun 10, 2008 11:56:10 AM

Older Workers

As a job search coach for people 55 and older, I've found that many employers have little desire to employ "mature workers" in meaningful positions. Often, my clients are still healthy, quite sharp, and are loving their longevity. However, few anticipated how much it would cost to merely make ends meet.

Regardless of whether you choose to work, or pursue it by necessity, it is increasingly difficult for many people (even for those in their 50s who should be in the prime of their careers) to secure good wages.

When will employers realize that hiring an older worker is good business sense rather than a benevolent gesture? They aren't looking to climb the next rung on the corporate ladder, they have exceptional live experience, and are instilled with strong work ethics.

Barbara of OH @ Jun 05, 2008 17:40:17 PM