Posted on 07/08/2017 1:23:22 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Fred Sizemore started working when he was 14 and never stopped – but recently he's had a tough time finding employment.
"I don't mind working hard," the Lexington, North Carolina man told WGHP. "There are people who say they can't find anything, well, those people don't like to work."
After his first job at Wimpy's Hamburgers in Dayton, Ohio, Sizemore's driven trucks, owned a cleaning business, worked in a factory and owned a restaurant. He retired at 65, but has continued working odd jobs because, he says, it keeps him young.
Sizemore is now 86 years old.
"It gets boring laying around the house," Sizemore chuckled. "Plus, everybody wants something to do that they like to do."
He's never had a problem finding work, until this summer. He said his mowing jobs have disappeared and the jobs he's applied for never called back. Sizemore's granddaughter, Misty Causey, said she believes it's because of his age.
"For a lot of people, when you hear the age of 86, they're scared because of health reasons and putting them out there by themselves," Causey explained. "But he's healthy and able to do it, so why not give him a chance?"
Sizemore said he's willing to do just about anything, from pressure washing, to mowing, even working in a factory. He said if it's experience you're looking for, he's your guy.
"I'm cheaper for one thing, now I'm not as fast, but I do a better job than most because I take my time," Sizemore explained.
He said that's the message he wants people to understand -- age is just a number. Sizemore explained that while he's been around for 86 years, he doesn't feel it.
"I have a friend that's 90, he mows 32 yards," Sizemore said. "They can't tell me older people can't work."
If you'd like to get in touch with Fred Sizemore, email Susanna Black at susanna.black@wghp.com.
This is just wrong! He probably a good worker. All these young punks who don’t show up? Someone hire him!
Not sure what to say, but that guy is rare, most old folks even Old FReepers like to retire in enjoy the rest of their life I reckon.
Hell, 40 years olds can’t get call backs. The I.T. industry in California doesn’t like them.
I flip houses. I’d love to have an experienced hand just 2-3 hours a day.
I wonder if Obama needs a pool geezer...
Maybe he’s getting calls and just can’t hear the phone ringing :)
You are correct.
Doesn’t he know illegal aliens are supposed to mow lawns?
He’s taking away jobs from illegal aliens.
I’m poor. Can’t pay.
I think you meant this last post to 4yearlurker, not me.
As long as I got ya here, how do you finance your flipping?
It sounds like an interesting way to make money.
I am 71 and cannot imagine retiring.
My tombstone will read “Now he is retired.”
He ought to apply to be an Uber driver.
many younger people also can’t get any call backs or responses
even some very highly qualified job-seekers can’t even get the “courtesy” of the traditional rejection form letter “we will keep your resume in the file box in case Hell freezes over and we need to actually consider hiring you)
I sell at a flea market occasionally. I thought I was old and then found out the woman selling across from me was 79. She works as a welder, but lies about her age to get work.
He needs to start his own company.
If income is no object, hospitals have volunteer organizations and are always on the lookout for more dedicated help.
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