Recently I asked subscribers to my career guide, “What is the biggest challenge to your career?”
Over half were related to age and age discrimination.
A publisher once told me, “I’d love to see someone write a book on getting a job after 60 … easily.” Yeah, right.
Here is the reality.
(1) Age discrimination exists. People don’t even try to hide it. I’ve heard managers say, “If you haven’t reached this level by age 40 you won’t go higher.”
(2) Expect advice to downsize expectations. A lot of books on aging contain this cheery advice: “You probably don’t need a job that requires responsibility. Get a job at Wal-Mart as a greeter.” You don’t need to buy a book for that. And if you do buy a book, that’s probably the kind of advice you will get.
(3) News stories are exaggerated and even deceptive. You’ll hear stories like, “Companies may be forced to hire aging workers as the boomers retire.” Um…it’s these boomers who want to get the jobs! Hello! And if companies really have trouble filling vacancies, they have lots of options, including overseas outsourcing.
I recommend that you stop forcing the issue. Sure, go ahead and send out resumes. Work your contacts. And start something on your own.
A dog walker can earn $60,000 or more in a large city. Not an executive salary but you don’t need an executive wardrobe either.
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