Posted on 12/06/2017 10:23:53 AM PST by thescourged1
I need some advice. I'm unable to continue on in my current occupation in warehousing and storage. I've been doing it for many years, but now my knees are so shot that I can't even do light labor comfortably or stand for very long. I have a friend who is a vocational rehab counselor that can get me set up with a ticket to ride on an education to get into a field that is more compatible with my physical problems.
What makes it all the more thought-provoking, is that I just turned 50. That's not old, but old enough that it makes me ask myself how much time do I really want to spend in school, knowing that I will hit retirement age in as little as 17 years.
Putting the age weirdness aside, my real question is what are the real employment trends right now and what is safer from being encroached upon by foreigners and automation? I know some of you Freepers are business owners, recruiters, HR specialists and educators. Your on-the-ground experience is much more valuable to me than articles written and statistics compiled by those with an agenda.
Look. Face it. You’re old. Past your prime. And disabled.
Find a lawyer that specializes in getting you the most Social Security disability benefits you can get.
Become a 47 percenter.
Rude.
sounds like he first has a work related condition....
How good are your computer skills?
Electronics.
Assembly (sitting), Testing (sitting), research and development (sitting), CAD / CAM - Computer Aided Drafting / Manufacturing (sitting)..................
Have your rehab counselor see about computer support training or computer programming. Going to a community college to get several courses would give you the skills you need for the current job market.
You might be amazed at the number of open positions that cannot be filled because of a shortage of programmers.
If you do not want to face a computer eight hours a day you might also consider project management or software QA.
There is a lot of work out there if you are willing to make the effort to learn new skills. Software development takes keyboard work.
Good luck to you and God bless.
I was gonna suggest that you run for some office and let the taxpayers take care of your needs, but I checked your profile. Please forgive my “thought crime” against your good character.
Snoot ;-)
Rush always says that when there was a recession, choose not to participate. I’m in my mid-50s, but with younger children I won’t be seeing retirement ... ever.
That’s okay. Going to school is fine if you have the resources to see you through that period, especially if you have a reasonable light at the end of that tunnel. If you stay in the swim and have experience, you can segue from one field to a related one when the time comes.
Knowing nothing about your skills or abilities, I think getting some kind of objective assessment should be your first step. A community college should be a good starting point - tell them what you’ve told us and that you’d like to know which areas you’d be best suited to re-train for.
Areas will computer aided design would be my best recommendation but only for a person who has the required mental skills - there’s no point in putting yourself through that kind of 2 year training program if you’d be better of say, working in a pharmacy.
Knee replacement is pretty common these days.
Most of the time
You have lots of experience in something. Leverage that into _managing_ it (warehouse management, logistics support, etc).
I worked a physical labor intensive job up to age 25. I’ve been sitting on my butt for 25 years now, but it doesn’t mean I have not been working hard.
Brain work and managing people issues can be just as straining as any physical labor job.
FANUC Robotics has an on-line certification program. Once completed,they will hire you as an automation Tech at a $70-$80k starting salary. Your experience in warehousing and supply chain will give you a huge leg-up. Google the program. There are no qualifications to start.
Whats with the knees?
I climbed poles and knelt for 30 years doing outside work. mine aint great but I keep them active. What is the problem with them. maybe be some ex or rehab stuff may get you back in the game. You over weight ? Smoke ? Drink ?
All adds to bad knees.
What do you really know about the man you impugned?
You have a background in warehousing, right. How about looking for a job as a warehouse manager where you don’t do any of the physical labor yourself. You might need to take some management and/or computer classes, but perhaps you already have the skills that is needed.
I’m 55 and again unemployed. It’s difficult to find a job even as a degreed and experienced professional.
Do what you can to improve yourself but...50+ is not a good place to be switching careers.
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