Any tips for someone over 55 looking for work?

[redstatebluegirl]

I took early retirement thinking we could do it, well we can't. Our insurance, out of pocket medical and everything else except gasoline have gone up so much I need to get something to help us get by. I have applied for all kinds of jobs, except Walmart greeter, I get interviewed sometimes, but always hear I am overqualified.

I don't want another "professional job" like I had at the University. I don't think I could take the stress anymore. I can't even get a retail job which seems nuts to me.

Has anyone been successful getting something, anything as an "old person".

[Human101948]

1. Change your resume and downgrade your qualifications and shade the truth...

If you're not getting hired, perhaps you should experiment with a different approach.

[redstatebluegirl]

4. Thanks

Someone said I should only put the past 10 years of experience on the resume. The last interview I had was with 3 20 year olds in flip flops, yes, flip flops, I showed up in a suit, I'm old school, that is how I always dressed when I looked for a job. I need to get with the times.

[2naSalit]

12. Definitely go with a max of

ten years back in experience. I'm staring 60 in the face and I have been in the job search merry-go-round since I got my masters' on 10/11/01, and I hate it. I live in poverty but I am at least able to keep a roof over my head, shoddy as it is, and am constantly in a state of perpetual job search.

I did just get a summer position yesterday, provided I pass the background check. Since I have had federal employment for several summers I should be okay with the different agency that is hiring me now since the previous agency had far more stringent criteria... still gotta go through OPM.

It's doable, might be partially dependent upon your location and what's available. I'm in a remote area so there's not a whole heck of a lot to choose from. I can be a hotel/motel employee, restaurant worker or retail OR I can work as GS-5 and above in a government job with one of the public lands administrative agencies.

Keep looking, you'll find something but i could take a while. It's much harder to find work at the beginning of summer because all those kids in flipflops are looking too.

Good Luck!

[Xithras]

47. What you cite is a very real problem for older applicants.

Getting a job isn't just about matching your skills to their needs. It's about your ability to get along in their business culture and mesh well with other employees. Personality matters.

So, when you walk into an interview wearing a suit, and they're in flip flops, it looks like you're setting them up for a culture clash. Even if your resume fits their needs perfectly, they're not going to hire you.

Make sure you're looking up companies on LinkedIn and Glassdoor before applying. Never be afraid to reach out to people who have posted on those sites and ask about culture. Make sure you show up to your interview looking both professional, and consistent with the working environment they're looking to place you in.


And, for what it's worth, this problem does go both ways. I've had staggeringly overqualified 25 year olds walk into interviews wearing shorts and tee shirts, when we were a "tie mandatory" office. They didn't get the jobs either.

[raccoon]

85. So true, it needs to be repeated:

Getting a job isn't just about matching your skills to their needs. It's about your ability to get along in their business culture and mesh well with other employees. Personality matters.

[Sanity Claws]

76. I got a job while in that mature bracket

My thoughts:
Have your resume go back only ten years. Don't include stuff that is clearly outdated. Example: if you're IT, don't include your Fortran and COBOL knowledge.
Don't wear a suit. Wear a dress with a sweater. Looks far more modern.
Forget stockings and pumps. If it's warm, you can go barelegged, but make sure your dress covers enough of your legs when you sit. Flat shoes are fine.
If you are wearing jewelry, make sure it is in the current style. I remember seeing a woman wearing big button earrings that were big in the 1980s. Yikes! Any young person who saw that would considerable the woman incurably old.

Almost forgot - I wish you lots of luck!

[nilram]

78. And dye out any grey hair and go to the gym

My beard is grey and I shave it off when I go job hunting--or to my company's main office where there's lots of younger colleagues, for that matter. Most people aren't consciously ageist, but it's just to work against any hidden bias.

Another alternative is to start your own thing -- consulting in your old career space or turning a hobby into a business. Work with a career coach to mine your work history for valuable skills to consult with. My sister is fantastic with handwork and says she could make a mint with a particular doll that she makes. A friend is a yard & landscape guy who charges 25 an hour, and gets to work outside doing what he really loves.

Good luck, hang in there...

[OldHippieChick]

2. Try a temp agency. You won't

work full time, but sounds like you don't need or want that. That's what I started doing when I turned 55 and have been pretty successful.

[redstatebluegirl]

5. I will try this!

I don't need full time but i would take it, I need a little extra to help with the cost of our insurance and healthcare.

[cwydro]

3. Check job listings with your county and city.

I'm 57 and was hired for two part-time jobs in my county, so I even had a choice.

[trumad]

6. As post 1 says---

Dumb up your resume. Sounds dumb but the over-qualified thingy is real. Sometimes hiring managers get intimidated when the person they are hiring is more qualified. Plus--they think you'll work the position until something better comes along that meets your qualifications.

[groundloop]

7. Unfortunately the deck is stacked against 'old' job seekers

I'm in somewhat of the same boat, though I still need the same income range that I'd been making. I've been to interviews where I know I was perfectly qualified, but then some question came up (the most usual is "what year did you graduate?&quot which gives away my age and I never hear from them again. I know it's not legal to discriminate based on age, the employers know it's not legal, but what the hell can be done about it?

A few tidbits.... if your hair or beard is grey use hair coloring to take a few years off your appearance. Make damned sure you get rid of any hair (nose, ears, etc.) that screams 'old fart'.

In your case, since you're looking to 'downsize' your career I believe I'd mention that right up front so that they know you're not going to bail on them as soon as a better opportunity comes up.

[stopbush]

8. It's tough. Ageism is very real.

I was out of work for 4 years. Finally got a job a year and a half ago, and then only because I was 59 at the time and everyone I interviewed with for the job was older than me.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

9. I know fast food hires a lot of folks in their 50s

Courier service work if you have a reliable car -- or Uber or Lyft.

Call centers often want warm bodies that will show up on time every day.

Question -- do you tell people that you are retired/semi-retired?

Temp agency is a great idea.

Other ideas I know work for older folks: courtesy drivers for car dealership service departments. Drivers and greeters at funeral homes.

Have you considered self-employment -- like selling real estate or insurance? I'm looking to start building my skills to do independent contractor work once my youngest leaves for school (I'll be 57). I don't want my current job, but I want some income.

[redstatebluegirl]

16. Thanks I have thought of a couple of those but not all.

[Demonaut]

10. Uber/Lyft is a low commitment but decent return

[Nay]

29. My brother (age 63) is doing Lyft right now because he also cannot seem to

get a job, despite a lot of experience. He likes it and the money is keeping him afloat. He has a Prius so his gas expenses are low compared to someone who has a gas guzzler.

[Fuddnik]

31. You really don't want to work for Uber.

Rock bottom fares= good for customers, and Uber, but nothing left for the drivers.

[RockaFowler]

11. My hubby was in the same boat

He was able to find work in Retail (particularly Lowe's)

He has worked his way back up and now loves it there.

My husband worked in a manufacturing job before this, so Lowe's was the perfect fit for him. He knows all about construction, codes and license issues. Plus he loves to talk to people about his passion - remodeling!!!

Good luck!

[redstatebluegirl]

20. I am finally realizing that I need to do the contact thing.

I used to tell my students to do it, but I feel uncomfortable asking friends to help me find something. I am having lunch with a former co-worker in an hour who has lots of contacts in town and in the city. I practiced what I would say if you can believe that one.

Funny I used to teach kids self esteem skills and after I retired I felt useless and unable to fight for myself. Strange how that works.

[pnwmom]

60. LOL. n/t

[ohheckyeah]

80. Lol

Can't wait to share that with my brother.

[TacoD]

14. What did you used to do at the university? Could you go for a lower-stress admin/clerical job there?

I reckon that a university would be interested in rehiring one of its own.

[redstatebluegirl]

17. Believe it or not, no.

The University, like business, has been trying to gently push out people over 55. Plus I had a back surgery 5 years ago, after that they began pushing.

[TacoD]

22. How unfortunate

How about a secretarial position with a local public school district? My local SD definitely hires older workers into those types of positions.

[Brickbat]

15. Look for remote/online work.

[Yo_Mama]

18. Change your resume to be specific about what you do want, and cover letters.

And then reiterate that in your interview. Practice talking about why you want to come back to work at a different level of responsibility.

You may have to focus on part-time work without benefits. A lot of companies don't want to hire anyone over 50 because in aggregate, it increases their insurance costs. They'll say whatever, but what they are saying doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the reason you are not getting hired.

[redstatebluegirl]

24. Good idea, I don't need benefits right now I am still on

my husband's as long as that lasts. With the economy and education in Oklahoma who knows how long his benefits will last. We pay a lot to have me on his insurance that is one thing I would like to work and help with.

[world wide wally]

19. I dont know your background, but I am in a similar boat and I am substitute teaching.

I love it!
Where I live, it pays $100/day and I get to pick and choose what jobs I work. I usually work 2 or 3 days a week to supplement my retirement, so it has been good move.

[redstatebluegirl]

21. I let my certification lapse when I took an Admin job at the College

I need to look into getting it reactivated. That is a good idea although in Oklahoma education is getting slammed.

[world wide wally]

26. It's worth looking in to.

Education is getting slammed everywhere. That is probably why they are screaming for subs. I am not certain about Oklahoma, but your college degree may qualify you while you work at getting recertified.

[madinmaryland]

49. My wife has been doing it for a couple of years. As long as you have a college degree

and pay a $25 fee for a certificate, you can teach. You can also be a sub for aides, with just a high school degree. This is in Ohio.

[sorefeet]

23. I don't know why people have to

be hired by any business. I painted until I became disabled. If it wasn't for being disabled I could paint a house or kitchen or fence interior, whatever. I am asked a lot if I still paint. A hot dog cart in front of the school at lunch 5 days a week is a way to make money. PRODUCE, grown a big garden take it to the farmers market. Ya got a pickup truck? No? Buy a cheap one and make dump runs for people. Can you mow yards. Or handy man. I buy and sell. Craigs list, e-bay. You wanna buy a Fordson tractor or a restored sears 3 speed bike? How about the man-a-fre manifold I bought for $600 and sold for $1800. Hit some yard sales know what to look for. Have a yard sale you probably got $5,000 worth of stuff you don't even know you have. You are retired. Work at your own pace and enjoy something different in life. You don't have to work for anyone but you, it's fun. BAR B QUE sit under a shade tree at a busy place and sell BBQ stuff on Friday and Saturday make a grand a week. It's endless. You are retired now get to work doing some thing fun and challenging.

[redstatebluegirl]

25. I like how you think...

[questionseverything]

79. everything you listed there, if done legally require licenses and insurance

being self employed is great if a person can afford to get started and can pay the yearly insurance/regulation stuff

we just paid $1011 bucks for a workman's comp policy that covers no one

a $1000 liability policy that has never had to pay out in 30 plus years

getting started being self employed you need an LLC which costs between $500 and $2000 to set up

and then there are the yearly filing fees to the state(only $250/yr in illinois)

just saying

[sorefeet]

83. SERIOUSLY??? I don't know where

you come up with that, but MOST of that stuff don't need shit here. Workers comp are you kidding me??? A yard sale????????????Selling tomatoes at the farmers market???? You live in fear.

[questionseverything]

84. if you make more than $600/year then yes

i don't pay all those expenses because i want to

you are correct about the "live in fear" thingy...i live in fear i will not be able to pay and jump thru the various governmental hoops

you do realize if you are advocating "cash only" businesses that you would not report the income from, that would be illegal

i can only speak for illinois but to paint for a living you would need the stuff i listed to be legal

the food stuff would take health department permits too

<shrugs>

funny with your union thing there because what you are advocating is to compete with legit businesses that have to have the insurance and licensees without you paying for the same legalities

i am not saying i agree with these expenses, just that they exist

[sorefeet]

86. I'm retired now

and I paid plenty of taxes on side jobs that I could have just shunned. BUT I am going to sell my tractor for $3000 dollars that I bought for $1250 on craigs list. If you think that me or anyone else would pay taxes on this transaction you are wrong. Don't let the union logo fool you, I am pro union but they didn't have a problem stealing half of my pension due to chicken shit policy. So I do what millions of others do to survive. How many people pay taxes for selling a couple thousand dollars worth of tomatoes over the summer to supplement their income. None. America is a scam but don't live in fear because of it. My buddy had his wife make burritos. Sold 25 of them at work every day at EXXON refinery. 50 bucks a day, 5 days a week. After a few years she saved enough to buy a new car.
It all eventually goes into the economy that makes the wheels turn. It's not like hiding it in Panama, the poor keep it in circulation. Plus with my pension and my disability I live in poverty and don't even qualify to pay taxes. So it's hard to feel too guilty over a few extra bucks I make to keep my head above water with a little dignity.

[questionseverything]

87. as i said before, i am not defending the costs i sighted, just saying they do exist

i do not begrudge the cash under ground economy some people have to swim in to exist BUT i think advocating for it (as you are) without explaining there can be legal consequences is not right either

you and i agree on more than you think, you do not agree with the cost of these "businesses" so pretend they do not exist

i think the cost of being self employed has exploded and would like to see those costs lessened by legislation

new growth in the economy can be driven by small business if it is not ham strung with start up costs that benefit no one

[hunter]

27. Get some tattoos and tell them you were just released from prison...

... for good behavior.

[matt819]

28. Try non-profits

They may not pay particularly well, but they will probably appreciate the maturity and knowledge offered by a retired professional.

Not ideal, perhaps, but you may start as a volunteer and then make it known that you are interested in employment. Then when the exhaustion sets in with the current paid leadership, they'll have someone in the wings ready to take over.

Good luck.

[Xolodno]

30. Doesn't sound like you are looking for full time...

...otherwise I would suggest becoming an insurance agent for one of the large companies such as State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, etc. Their number one prospects for new agents are often people who have been laid off in their 50's.

[Fuddnik]

32. I got a gig delivering pizzas a couple of nights a week.

I can pick up $200 in tips for three 4-5 hour shifts on the week-end. Plus they give me $8 an hour.

Pays for my golf and beer.

[NowSam]

34. Run for public office

that is a good job.

[Bayard]

35. I'm a professional headhunter

Been in the business for 25 years, and my own firm for more than 20. I specialize in recruiting for engineering, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical candidates for the job orders of my professional network of other recruiters.

What are your specific skills? I recommend looking for work as a Consultant. Sounds a lot better than Walmart Greeter, doesn't it? I see tons of people doing that successfully who are semi-retired. Do NOT dumb down your resume. Beef it up. Start with a Summary of a short paragraph ("Professional whatever with 50 years experience in doing yada yada&quot , then a bulleted list of your qualities and skills. Include any software you've worked with. Have you led any projects? Think buzz words.

On your employment history, keep it short. A few sentences for each job to describe what you did that is pertinent to the type of consulting you want to do. You can always expand in an interview. Then list your educational background at the bottom, including continuing education that is targeted to your goal. Don't try to cram it all on one page. That's a big mistake I see people do that short-changes their experience. Only kids fresh out of college can do that. You need two solid pages.

Employers are not interested in the same qualifications in a consultant as they are for a full time employee. They aren't interested in your future career. They don't care how old you are. They want someone who can fill a specific gap for a given amount of time. I see a lot of consultants who didn't go beyond high school. They have the PRACTICAL experience that is marketable. A hiring manager is interested in what you can do for him/her that solves an immediate problem. Approach them in a, "Here's what I can do for you", mode.

Finally, target your resume to hiring managers, not Human Resources. That's not what you're going for here. Join LinkedIn to find those hiring managers. That's the network you want. You are not begging for a job. You are filling a need. Hold your head up and go for it. Also go into the offices of consulting firms in your area who cover your industry and/or skill set. You can also respond to ads, especially ones that say, "Urgent Need", and say, I can fill your job as a consultant until you find your full time employee. Sometimes those turn into full time jobs too.

Feel free to message me directly if you'd like more help on your resume, or on interviewing.

[redstatebluegirl]

45. Thank you I maynbe in contact soon!

[B Calm]

36. I would say truck driving, but that is a more stressful job than what you had.

[Rex]

37. Don't put so much on there that the recruiter thinks you are overqualified and will require

a higher salary to work there. Aim low. Hate to say it, but they won't hire someone they think will want a lot more money then what they want to pay.

[A HERETIC I AM]

38. Go trucking. (Edited)

School will cost anywhere from a grand to $2000 (maybe a little more depending on the school).

Your first year or two will suck until you get the experience and can get on with a decent firm, but there are plenty of people your age coming into the business, it is a fairly decent way to see the country and, as I said, after you get on with a decent firm, you can make a decent living. You won't get rich, but you can maintain your lifestyle and be a "Professional Tourist"!

There is a shortage of truck drivers in this country, scores of firms are hiring and if you like the idea of having constantly changing scenery out your office window, .....

Edit to disagree with bcalm, above. It will be exactly as stressful as you let it be.

[dembotoz]

39. i opened my own business

i am a telecom consultant.
basically what i did before but i am on my own.
I rep for a number of carriers.
my master agents do the heavy lifting.....
Is there an aspect of your previous career that you can resurrect?

[dem in texas]

40. Turned a hobby into a business

We are both collectors, my husband likes old cowboy boots and I like old quilts and fabrics. We were always going to flea markets, estate sales and garage sales looking for things we liked. In 1998, we decided to try selling some of our stuff on Ebay and did well at it. We continued to sell on Ebay and also added two of our own web sites after we retired. I am 76 and hubby is 78 and we make a good income from our web based businesses. The harder we work, the more we will sell, it is always up to us.

Before we retired, my husband had been in the printing business and I'd worked as a financial consultant. When we decided to get serious about the on-line business, I took some on-line classes from the local community college on using Dream Weaver and Photoshop.

It is a lot of tedious work, photographing, listing and packing, but it is nice being self-employed. And it takes two people to keep an operation like ours going.

[underahedgerow]

41. Got Skype? Since you've been a teacher, you can develop a business of tutoring online for

any number of categories, even if it's just helping kids and teens out with their homework, to whatever specialties you possess or can aid students of whatever age, with.

Take paypal, get your Skype account going and build a web page on Weebly. You can literally tutor kids from all over the world. Then promote the heck out of it locally, state wide, whatever. Advertise on Facebook, on Linkedin, even twitter maybe. Network, advertise at the local schools and Universities and reach out to whomever you can as you get your chops rolling.

I know one teen boy in the South of France who has a Physics teacher in Russia that he 'meets' with once a week for an hour on Skype. The fee is 20 bucks an hour.

10 students a week adds up rather nicely, doesn't it? And this costs you NOTHING.

Us old folks can't get work, it's just that simple. Bottom line is that it's time to get creative and make your own work. That's what I've had to do. It's working out just fine.

[dembotoz]

75. actually cisco spark might be better

and there is a free version

[Vinca]

42. ebay?

I've turned my treasure hunting into retirement $$$$. Just this morning I found a second edition of "Death of a Salesman" for free and it's worth about $200.

[lunamagica]

43. How about YouTube?

Something similar to the Skype suggestion

Set your YouTube channel, make some videos of yourself tutoring.

There are people who make pretty good money doing this

[Johonny]

44. If you don't like university setting try industry for a while

depending where you are tech jobs seem to be booming and employment opportunities are there for all age ranges.

[redstatebluegirl]

46. Thanks everyone!

Great ideas here! Love this place!

[MooPie]

48. ETS.org

Go to ETS.org and scroll down to job opportunities, and then online scoring. Here's a link: http://etscrs.submit4jobs.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=85332.viewjobs&CID=85332¬es_id=1
From what I can see you have a background in education. I managed to get hired by them when the recession was beginning in the fall of 2007. I score the Toefl (test of English as a second language), and it's great because I work from home. You are an actual employee of ETS, so it's not contract work. The hours vary month to month depending on the number of tests they administer and for beginning raters it pays $18.54/hr. You can work either 4 or 8 hour shifts and they begin at 8:30 in the morning and go until 9:30 pm EST, so if you are on the west coast, you could start the 11:30 shift.

[bamademo]

50. I have a degree but not in education. Can you work from any state?

[MooPie]

58. As long as it's the US you can work for ETS as a rater.

I know one guy who lives in Maui and he usually works the 11:30 - 8 shift, so that means he starts around 5:30 his time. He also works the 1 - 9:30 shift but those usually are only scheduled on Friday, Saturday and sometimes Monday. I don't believe you need a degree in education, but when I applied they did want some teaching experience. I hadn't taught for 30 years and they still hired me. I used to teach writing to incoming freshman so I had experience using a rubric for assessing writing facility.

[redstatebluegirl]

56. Wow this look fabulous! Thanks!

[MooPie]

59. If you have any questions about applying feel free to ask me.

Even though they mention wanting some ESL experience, it's not really necessary. I never taught ESL, just academic writing.

[pkdu]

51. Consider non- profit organizations too, they will value you experience. Nt

[FSogol]

52. Check the local AE (Architectural and Engineering) firms.

They often need part time or full time people to help with the books, cover the reception desk, gather together specs from different spec writers, etc.

Similarly, look at Construction Management companies. There is more paper work involved in large projects these days and there is much work for people doing paperwork (submittals, O&MS, LEED, safety mangers, transcribing field reports, sending stuff to printers, doing daily reports, etc.

If you need more info, feel free to ask.

[tammywammy]

53. Here's a website with a lot of good tips on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, etc.

I read it every day: www.askamanager.org

Search through the archives. There's some good examples of resumes and cover letters.

I also second the suggestion of trying a temp agency.

[franannjo]

54. Stay in touch and let me know your location.

Some of us have to get creative and become entrepreneur es,there are ways,where people looking for a 9to5 cant go.i am 60 and looking to go back to work in a year or two. No doubt in my mind it will happen.

[The Blue Flower]

55. I did some child care

My daughter's friends are all working moms and needed someone dependable and trustworthy to step in when the child was too sick to go to school or the parents wanted a date night. I also was a nanny one summer. (I'm 66.)

[Contrary1]

57. I can tell you what a lot of people in my area are doing...

They are bidding on skid loads of liquidation items from an online auction company located a few miles from here. There's everything out there. Overstock and returned items...toys, furniture, tools, you name it. Then they advertise for free on Craigs List, and local Facebook groups.

I picked up a couple brand new crafting desks as Christmas gifts last year for $100 each...they normally sell for $399. The woman selling them had about 50 in all. She and her husband work as much, or as little as they want out of their garage. They were probably in their early 50's. I didn't ask how much she had paid for them, but she did say that they were doing quite well with their business.

If you still able to lift, load, etc...all you would need to get started is a truck and somewhere to store the stuff until it sold.

[Delphinus]

61. These are some great tips!

I'm working part-time and may need to find another part-time to supplement.

[Ellipsis]

62. Start your own Business.

[steve2470]

63. if you like computer graphics....

go to http://www.secondlife.com check it out, and consider making "clothes" etc for real money. You can do this at home and some people make really good money. Most make enough to pay the phone bill or something else fairly small.

[SheilaT]

64. Lots of good advice here.

My suggestion is to contact a temp agency. Especially if you don't want full time work. They will care only that you have the skills they need for specific jobs.

At the entry level, it is simply not that difficult to get work. I know, because I moved half way across the country at age 60, having been out of the workforce some twenty-five years while raising children, and had no real trouble getting jobs.

A few months ago a local company wanted a part time administrative assistant, and I applied, thinking it would be 20 hours a week which I'd be willing to do. They wanted more like 30, so I said no, but they'd have hired me on the spot. Instead, the owner asked if I'd be willing to do occasional temp work for them, and I said yes. I've done two gigs for them so far. Too bad for me I don't want permanent work.

Have your resume focus on your skills. Don't give dates for any of your jobs, just how long you worked and what you did in a particular job. And as others have already said, don't go back more than ten years, other than to highlight whatever skills you acquired in a job.

Good luck to you.

[redstatebluegirl]

65. Lots of positive stuff here Thanks!!!

My guess is some of this will not only help me, but others who are in my position. I know of a ton of over 55 people who are finding out that retirement money doesn't go as far as we thought. One illness will do some serious damage to your savings as it did to mine.

Thanks all for caring so much about someone you don't know....

[Atman]

66. Give up.

I turn 57 next Tuesday. People love me until they hear I'm old. I can still freelance over the interwebs, but people don't want old people. At my last job I made 97k. Now they want kids who will work for 12/hr. I'll probably never have a real job again.

[B Calm]

67. If you have land, plant a big garden and go to Farmers Market.

I know several people who do this and they do great supplementing their retirement income.

[redstatebluegirl]

68. I have an interview today with the city, we will see...

Thanks to all of you for your help, a new resume and a new type of search brought this about. They may not hire me, but it is closer than I ever thought I would get.

[Sam_Fields]

69. Have you tried call center jobs?

If you have a good speaking voice and can handle irate callers that is a good job for someone in your situation.

[Sunlei]

70. this link for Federal jobs, many are part time, no age discrimination, local & decent benefits.

https://www.usajobs.gov/

[roody]

71. I am a substitute teacher.

[donna123]

72. Petsitting, petwalking

I guess it isn't really full time but if you like dogs. If you dogsit people's dogs for the weekend when they go away, I think you can charge $40-50/day and it's not as if you have to be home all day with them. It may pay some bills but also frees one up to do other things, it's not really "full" time.

[agnostic102]

73. content writing

content writing for websites.. if you are a good writer or enjoy writing. you can get pay about 4 cents a word. so a 1500 word article that might take you about 2-3 hours to write woudl bring in 60 bucks for 20-30 an hour work. I set up my wife with her own content writing business and shes making about 2500 a month working from home and writing about all kinds of dumb shit lol. but hey since i take care of all the bills shes has a lot of free spending money!

[redstatebluegirl]

74. How do you find these jobs?

[Fritz Walter]

81. Been there. Done that

Was downsized after 39 years with a company. I was at the top of the pay range for my position, so I was an easy target. Rather than relocate (again) and risk another downsize in a less-familiar city, I grabbed the (frozen) pension and ran. Yes I know: that option is not available to most people. Even so, it brings in less than half of what I was earning.

It's not what you know, it's whom you know!
I'm working two part-time jobs now, and in both instances, it was through networking with friends and former colleagues. It's take 18 months to get both jobs, so don't despair.

If/when you're 62, grab the Social Security benefit!
Sure, you get more if you can wait until you're 66, but if you need it now, take it! Take a good look at the break-even point. That's when the accumulated early benefits match what you'd get at full retirement age. For me, it was at age 84, which also happens to be the same year that I'll pay my mortgage off. Sometimes I wonder if the Gen-X and Gen-Y people who screen resumes -- or more precisely, watch the computer screen resumes for specific key words and phrases -- resent the fact that they're paying into Social Security and Medicare as we start drawing; they hear the doom and gloom spewed by Cruz et al. and believe that we are draining the well.

And that's one big reason to vote for Bernie -- he wants to raise the cap and increase Social Security.

Hang in there!!

[SheilaT]

82. Do not listen to anyone who tells you to give up.

Unless I am literally the only person in this country to get a job after age 60 -- which I absolutely know isn't true -- then I can tell you, it's not necessarily that hard to find work.

Yes, there are some fields, like IT as I understand, that are just about impossible. But not every field, especially not relatively basic entry level jobs.

Another thing about resumes -- you may need three or four or more different ones, each one highlighting a different aspect of your experience. I have at least three. One for basic office work, one for retail work, and one in the political field.

Speaking of that last, you might want to do serious volunteer work for some candidates. Don't just consider the Presidential field, but if your state is electing a Senator or Governor, and of course your Representative is definitely up for re-election. Your local Democratic Party might need you. It'll be volunteer work, especially at first, but some of those things can transition into paid positions.

And I would not advise you to collect SS at age 62 (although I'm guessing from your header you're still in your 50's) because of the permanent cut in the amount you can get. Of course, if you absolutely cannot find work (say you worked since age 22 in some very specific area and that has totally gone away) and have no savings, and don't want to do retail or fast food (which I understand), then yes, go ahead and collect. But the longer you can put it off, the better off you'll be.

[Baobab]

88. Do you do any computer stuff? Its amazing what you cn do with linux, you can teach yourself quite a

bit. Check out distrowatch.cm.. download a disk image or three and try the bootable live DVD distros on for size

[redstatebluegirl]

89. Thanks I will. Still looking had lots of interviews, not luck once they see how old I am :-).