The Trend is Reversing
In an earlier article (click
here) I wrote about how the trend toward hiring younger
managers over more seasoned older workers is reversing. The good
news here is that organizations are now starting to court older
workers – in part to compensate for the skills shortage created
by the very large group of baby boomers who are
retiring, but also in recognition of the wisdom, experience and
proven management skills we bring to the table.
All that being said, the question remains,
“How do you find a job at this stage of your life – especially
if you have never worked outside the home, or if you haven’t
worked for a long time?”
Job-Hunting Produces Anxiety
Looking for a job (or starting a new business) past the age of
50 can be psychologically, as well as financially, devastating.
Handling such terror is a challenge, to be sure. Before you
begin your search, career guru, Barbara Moses, suggests some
things you should not do.
Three Things You Should Not Do If
You Are Looking for a Job
Do Not:
- Act out of panic. I
know that it’s hard to follow through on this
recommendation, but don’t shift into panic mode. For
example, don’t sell all your possessions or jump at the
first job that comes along, no matter how unsuitable.
Remember that there is work for you somewhere. It may not
pay well, and/or it might involve some trade-offs, but it
can still be satisfying and relatively lucrative. In fact,
make this your ‘mantra’, “There is work for me somewhere!”
- Have a Victim Mind-set.
It’s natural, of course, to feel anger after
divorce. However, employers don’t want to hear about it. —
Keep in mind that employers are looking for someone who is
ready for new challenges, not someone trapped in the past.
- Tell Old War Stories.
For sure, you have a lot of history you can reflect on in
interviews, but don’t. Keep in mind that prospective
employers are not interested in a powerful strategy you
applied fifteen or more years ago.
Ms. Moses continues her advice by
recommending strategies that could be helpful to seniors in the
job market.
Six Things You Should DO If You
are looking for a Job
DO:
- Get Your “Foot In the Door”.
If you are willing to accept part-time or contract work,
rather than waiting for a full-time job, it makes it easier
for a prospective employer to hire you when steady,
full-time work becomes available. This strategy not only
gives you an IN, it also gives the employer an opportunity
to evaluate your skills – hence, be reassured that you are
the best person for the job.
- Consider Holding More Than
One Job. If you are not earning a sufficient income
with a part-time or contract position, think of adding other
possible options to the mix. For example, you might sell
products you make through artistic pursuits, or you might
teach a course at a community college. On the ‘virtual’
level [i.e. Transmitting work efforts via the internet], you
could advertise editing services, or if you have the skills,
offer a ‘complete package’ - working as someone’s Virtual
Assistant. Moses suggests some thinking ‘outside the box’;
for instance, how about owning vending machines?
- Rethink Your Relationship to
Money. Think in terms of how much you really need.
Review your personal values and ask yourself what you really
care about. Evaluate your current lifestyle. What “must
haves” are necessary for you to have a satisfying life?
- Emphasize Strengths
Associated with Wisdom and Experience. Inquire
about organizations that employ late-career workers. Find
environments where your skills and know-how will count. Look
at smaller companies that could benefit from your expertise.
- Present Yourself as a Mentor.
Recognize that many organizations welcome the fact that
older workers often derive pleasure from contributing to a
younger worker’s development. This is especially significant
in today’s marketplace, since many younger workers do not
receive sufficient training and development.
- Join Organizations that Cater
to Late-Career Workers. It is a proven fact that
networking is the most successful means of finding a job. It
is not hard to find a group whose members are close to your
stage of life. Interactions with groups such as these will
be incredibly effective in helping you find work.
Having a job or starting your own business
is an excellent step to take on your way to a new life. You are
moving on. Rather than focusing on all you lost as a result of
the divorce - and feeling deprived - try hard to focus on all
you do have. Believe in your future.
Get
personal help in a Divorce Coaching Club. Click
HERE
to learn more.
Contact Judy at:
judy@judysmithdivorcecoach.com
About the author: Judy Smith,
personal coach and founder of The Center for Planned Change,
focuses her practice on helping women over 50 create a new life
after divorce.
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