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It's OK to be an older worker in this economy; just don't lose your job
CNBC ^ | 09/05/2013 | By: Allison Linn

Posted on 09/05/2013 2:40:28 PM PDT by SeekAndFind

t's the best—and worst—of times for older workers.

The unemployment rate for Americans 55 and older is lower than for any other age group the government tracks, and far below the national average. But if an older worker loses a job, the length of time that person will stay unemployed is typically much longer than for any other age group.

"There's a much higher prevalence of unemployment among young people, but the time that you spend in that state is much shorter," said Linda Barrington, executive director of the Institute for Compensation Studies at Cornell University.

Darrel Keesee, 61, is among those struggling to find new work. This past January, he lost a job as a package handler with a major delivery company after working there for four years.

The Mesa, Ariz., resident has sent out countless resumes and kept himself busy volunteering in his community and at his church. But he says what he really wants is the satisfaction of going to a paying job every day.

(Excerpt) Read more at cnbc.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: employment; jobs; unemployment
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The unemployment rate for workers ages 55 and over was 5 percent in July, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's still higher than historical averages, but it's much lower than the overall unemployment rate of 7.4 percent, and below the unemployment rate for any younger group of workers.
1 posted on 09/05/2013 2:40:28 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

It would seem to me that there is discrimination against older workers. With more experience, there is the expectation of a higher rate.

As it is, I’m finding businesses (some of whom I previously worked for) trying to pay below 2001 wages. That is, for the work they haven’t offshored to India.


2 posted on 09/05/2013 2:45:00 PM PDT by a fool in paradise (America 2013 - STUCK ON STUPID)
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To: SeekAndFind
Well, I'm in my fifties. I got laid off in 2009, and was out of work for 6 months. I got laid off a year ago, and I'm still out of work. I actually began looking 18 months ago. There are fewer and fewer jobs advertised. I suspect that the real unemployment rate is around 17%.

I'm starting a business...

3 posted on 09/05/2013 2:46:19 PM PDT by St_Thomas_Aquinas (Isaiah 22:22, Matthew 16:19, Revelation 3:7)
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To: St_Thomas_Aquinas

Texas is the place you aught to be.


4 posted on 09/05/2013 2:48:00 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: Dysart

Not really, it’s not that much better here. Seriously. Taking me forever after a good MIS degree at a good school here.


5 posted on 09/05/2013 2:48:57 PM PDT by Monty22002
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To: St_Thomas_Aquinas
I looked for over a year as well. No luck.

My wife & I now run our own business and I'm doing far far better than I was at my last 'real job'.

Wish I'd done it twenty years sooner.

6 posted on 09/05/2013 2:54:11 PM PDT by skeeter
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To: Dysart

I moved back to TX from CA and I’m having a hard time finding a job. I think it’s a combination of age, being from CA, and convincing them that less pay is fine because the cost of living is less.


7 posted on 09/05/2013 2:56:07 PM PDT by Rusty0604
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To: SeekAndFind
I've voluntarily reduced my vacation burn rate to 32 hours a week since learning that our contract renewal would not be happening in mid-July (as promised in April), but has been delayed until Oct 1st. Burning at 32 hours/week will just exhaust all of my vacation pay on Oct 1st.

We had the weekly staff meeting today. There was an air of equivocation about having enough work to go around for all of us who sacrificed all of our vacation to remain available at the start of the contract. I'm wondering what prevented an honest appraisal of the situation last April when there was an income cushion to cover seeking alternative positions.

8 posted on 09/05/2013 2:58:21 PM PDT by Myrddin
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To: Rusty0604

Sales. There’s ALWAYS demand for strong revenue generators across all industries. Explore options in the field you know best. Consider a commission based job if only to gain valuable experience and a proven track record to present to your next potential employer.


9 posted on 09/05/2013 3:02:12 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: skeeter

Starting a business is my most likely strategy should my future get freed up. I wish the healthcare situation was more predictable though...would make that decision easier to swallow when the time comes.


10 posted on 09/05/2013 3:02:46 PM PDT by DonaldC (A nation cannot stand in the absence of religious principle.)
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To: Dysart

I would be a lousy salesperson, I just don’t have the personality for it. My education and experience is in accounting, and I have held managerial positions for many years. The town I live in now is rather small and the jobs I’ve applied for are mostly a big step down. If I get an interview I explain to them that I moved here to be close to family and in my life situation I don’t need or want a higher paying job in the environments I’ve worked in before.

I know in the past I’ve not hired people that I thought were over qualified or wanted more money because I didn’t figure they would be happy.


11 posted on 09/05/2013 3:22:52 PM PDT by Rusty0604
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To: SeekAndFind
Here's the bottom line; if you have a job, keep it. Work until you die.

Because if you lose your job you won't get another. And government death panels or starvation will kill you.

Unless, of course, you are a member of a protected minority. Then all levels of government will go out of their way to coddle you as long as you remain nonproductive.

Oh. And make sure you thank a liberal for this situation!

12 posted on 09/05/2013 3:34:17 PM PDT by DakotaGator (Weep for the lost Republic! And keep your powder dry!!)
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To: Rusty0604
I'm 57 and in the same job since 1997 but my hours have been slashed.

I've been sending out resumes and filling applications for a year with only a few interviews to show for it.

I have an interview tomorrow and a civil service test monday.

I had a small part time business a few years ago and tried to start it back up again but barely broke even and couldn't afford to keep at it. Plus my most necessary tool needs serious work that I can't justify paying for right now with winter heating bills coming up.

I know I'll have to go backwards but at this point I just need something full time that pays bills if only barely.

Its tough out there.

13 posted on 09/05/2013 3:41:08 PM PDT by NEPA (Give me liberty, not debt)
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To: Monty22002

What do you do in MIS?


14 posted on 09/05/2013 3:43:38 PM PDT by EQAndyBuzz (Make today a great day. Insult a liberal.)
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To: EQAndyBuzz

data warehousing


15 posted on 09/05/2013 3:48:57 PM PDT by Monty22002
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To: SeekAndFind

I have been saying the same thing for quite a while now. There are no jobs for someone who is older. Companies do discriminate against age when looking at resumes. There’s not a thing you can do about it. May as well stand in the line at the Soylent Green factory.


16 posted on 09/05/2013 3:51:25 PM PDT by fulltlt
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To: SeekAndFind

bump for I May be in this boat in the not too distant future


17 posted on 09/05/2013 3:52:51 PM PDT by KSCITYBOY
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To: Rusty0604

I can see that even in Texas finding a position in mid to upper level Acctg/Mgt in a small market would be difficult. Not the most favorable scenario at all. I was an Acctg/Mgt major in college and didn’t think I had the makeup (or desire) to go into sales, either, but as things worked out I started a business and for a long time I was the direct marketing man out of necessity. The more I engaged in the process the easier and more natural it became. Initially there were some uncomfortable episodes, fits and starts. I came to learn that if I had the mindset that I was there to establish a friendship of sorts and genuinely help someone/facilitate their responsibilities/take care of their clients, then I was overwhelmingly successful with minimal effort, or pressure, I should say. But I was also highly motivated and owned every bit of it which helped, and things worked out just dandy. I find direct face-to-face sales much easier than phone contact for some reason. Anyway I wouldn’t completely shut the door on the possibility if I were you. You could surprise yourself.


18 posted on 09/05/2013 3:57:41 PM PDT by Dysart
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To: Monty22002

You do SQL?


19 posted on 09/05/2013 3:59:35 PM PDT by EQAndyBuzz (Make today a great day. Insult a liberal.)
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To: EQAndyBuzz

Yeah, SQL and SSRS. I’m getting a fair amount of leads on and off, but they are SO many candidates for so few jobs in the DFW area that it’s tough to get in. It’s all 2 interviews min, then you have to take tests, then usually another interview. It’s crazy out there.


20 posted on 09/05/2013 4:02:56 PM PDT by Monty22002
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