Senior Citizen Job Search.

25 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 1:27PM UTC

   Been there, done that. I retired shortly after I was eligible for full SS retirement benefits (67 and 3 months in my case) but was able to transfer to Medicare when I turned 65. This was important because my company required me to transition to Medicare at 65, as this helped them keep their premiums down for their group insurance. You don't have to retire to get Medicare, so depending on what you pay for your group insurance, that could be a consideration. The only issue is that you can't attach your hubby to your Medicare policy, so if he is younger than you, you may need to continue on your group insurance until he can qualify for Medicare or check out the healthcare marketplace in your state to see if there are affordable options there. When I retired, I was getting ready to finish my doctorate and had to because I couldn't drop to part-time, and the project required more hours during work hours my former job had, so I get the continuing need to exercise those brain cells. If you're okay where you are, it would be worth it to stick it out for as long as you can and even retire from there. There are options for retiring and collecting SS early, so if you haven't been to the SS website, be sure it is SSA.gov (and not some "assistance" site), as other sites can be sketchy or dangerously inaccurate. For insurance, if you become unemployed, check out Medicaid first. If you don't qualify, they will direct you to the marketplace, where the premiums are based on your income and should be affordable with whatever severance or unemployment you get.

2. AnonymousMarch 5,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

   There isn't anyone who should be relying on Social Security or Medicare as a path for retirement. There's a very good chance neither are going to even exist in a few months unless something radically changes with the current US government.

3. AnonymousMarch 5,2025 at 5:04PM UTC

   In today's economic climate, not everyone has any other option without pensions, and employers who are more worried about executive pay than the minions that make their jobs possible.

4. AnonymousMarch 6,2025 at 1:32PM UTC

   SSS is about to be a not option as well along with Medicare and Medicaid. Don't you know, America is all about you being your own success or failure? If you can't do it on your own, it's your own fault and you get what you deserve. It's not up to the country, people or the government to save you. if "Efficiency" means some people suffer and die, well too bad.

5. AnonymousMarch 7,2025 at 1:01AM UTC

   Social Security is not an entitlement. I paid into it for 50 years before I retired, and I also pre-paid Medicare taxes. This was all so it would be there when I was ready to retire. It is not in the general funds; it is in a separate fund that cannot be touched or used for anything else.

   You don't know me, and I don't appreciate you judging me like this. I have a nest egg and benefits, so it is not like I failed to look ahead. That nest-egg is supplementing the income I get from Social Security. Some people work hard all their lives but do not have enough income to pay for a decent place to live, travel back and forth to work, feed their families, and save several hundred thousand dollars when companies refuse to pay a living wage. Many of them work at minimum wage jobs. When you have to choose between buying groceries and putting a hundred dollars away for retirement, most people would feed their families.

6. AnonymousMarch 7,2025 at 2:42PM UTC

   I think you missed the snark in my response. SS is not an entitlement. I've also paid into for over 40 years, and it should damned well be there however I've been told my whole life, while paying into it, that the Republicans want to get rid of it because it's just for the lazy people. The 'you' in the statement was not directed at you specifically, it was the general attitude of how the Republican party views the citizens, even their own constituents, of this country.

7. AnonymousMarch 7,2025 at 3:17PM UTC

   Thank you for explaining that we are on the same page. Please forgive me, but all the talk of SS being an "entitlement" has me on edge, and I am committed to calling out anyone who even hits that it is. I might not have done that if you had been clear that your answer was a snarky response. I generally insert a [cynicism/snark/satire intended] after I do something like that.

8. Taylor ActonMarch 4,2025 at 2:50PM UTC

   My boss recommended an incredible book I could not put down: From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks. Definitely worth checking it out given your growth mindset.

9. AnonymousMarch 4,2025 at 7:34PM UTC

   Of course it feels odd because you are not building a career and momentum in your professional life. You are now in coasting mode and just hanging on for the paycheck and health benefits. You are not looking for promotions with increasing titles. You are at a different stage in your life and career.

10. AnonymousMarch 5,2025 at 2:35PM UTC

    I’m not sure if this is something you can do in your current situation, but have you thought about transitioning to consulting? Can you share your expertise and wisdom with others? It does not sound like you are ready to “coast” and like change. Perhaps you can build on that as you transition from your career? I just want you to know you are not alone. I think at this age we have to make our own opportunities, as we are on the fringe of of workforce. That said, “we know things” and there is no reason you cannot find an opportunity that fits your desires. My husband was in tech for years and hated it, when he lost his job at 60 he was not ready to retire, and always lost out in search process. He switched his approach and ended up with a fabulous company doing something aligned with tech. Learning, growing. It’s possible, is my point!

11. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMarch 5,2025 at 2:41PM UTC

    Hello!

    There's nothing wrong with wanting to me a "mover and a shaker" - regardless of what age you are! You have a right to your goals and aspirations!

    I had to chuckle when you wrote "It feels odd, being in the same job for more than four years." Because in just a few weeks I'll celebrate the start of my 22nd year with my company. I'm 57, and this is only the 3rd job I've held. Nonetheless, if a full-time teaching opportunity came along that paid me what I'm making now or better - I'd seriously have to consider it.

    That's doubtful, however, so here I sit.

    All the best!

12. AnonymousMarch 7,2025 at 2:40PM UTC

    Congrats on 22 years! I had over 25 years at my last company when I was laid off in January 2023. In that time I was promoted or moved internally several times so I learned a lot which helped me get the job I have now. Longevity in one place isn't always a bad thing.

13. AnonymousMarch 5,2025 at 4:44PM UTC

    So, put yourself out there see what is out in the market and worst case you know you have the grass perfectly green right where you are!

14. JB09718March 7,2025 at 4:31AM UTC

    Have you talked to your manager yet? Maybe you can take on new tasks or projects, not as exciting as a promotion but it would offer growth opportunities and keep work from becoming stagnant.

15. AnonymousMarch 8,2025 at 1:12PM UTC

    I’m 60 as well but hardly a senior citizen. Maybe in 20 or 25 years. ;-)

16. Suzanne RonayneMarch 10,2025 at 8:57AM UTC

    Love your comment - you go, girl!

17. Changemaker828603March 8,2025 at 4:07PM UTC

    As a "60 plus" myself, I suggest that you go on some job interviews, and see how they go.

18. AnonymousMarch 10,2025 at 7:48PM UTC

    Yes, experience is a great teacher. It might be worthwhile to see if moving is even a possibility at this point.

19. AnonymousMarch 9,2025 at 1:40PM UTC

    Given the current job market, I recommend staying where you are. I'm a bit younger than you, but I've been unemployed for the past year. Not to bring politics into it, but since the beginning of the year, I haven’t had a single interview. With government employees facing layoffs, the job market is likely to become even more challenging.

20. Dawn CrossMarch 9,2025 at 2:28PM UTC

    You indicate you are 60+. There are some things you need to keep in mind.

    1. If you and/or your spouse are 65 or close to 65, you need to get Medicare A and B if you don’t have employer sponsored insurance. If you enroll late, you will have Medicare Part B penalties.
    2. If you or your spouse are full Social Security retirement age, you can start getting your Social Security check and keep working (both my spouse and I have done this - and we invested the money from SS).

    Keep looking for what you want to do and if you feel you must work, when doing your resume, take out years and references to time frames. Just list what you have done.

21. AnonymousMarch 9,2025 at 2:33PM UTC

    Stay in your job...take it easy

22. AnonymousMarch 9,2025 at 11:54PM UTC

    I am 60+ as well and fortunate to be working as a contractor on a long term basis. 2 days remote 3 days on site. Although not thrilling the salary in good, the people are nice and I have flexibility to take my husband to doctor appointment... he has alzheimer early diagnosis. I make suggestions and see what I can expand upon. In this political environment, I am grateful for this job. We 60+ women bring more to the workforce than others can imagine

23. AnonymousMarch 26,2025 at 5:37PM UTC

    I am 62. I was laid off in February 2021 from a company I adored after working there for 36 years. I am starting with my life from the bottom. I used most of my 401K to survive for me and my two kids (older kids). I don't own a home, the house we had my ex has.

    Long story short, I never addressed myself as a Senior Citizen; if others do, that's their thing.

    How about we all rebrand ourselves? I am finding more people in our shoes than not. As some friends and past colleagues are announcing their retirements and maybe working as volunteers, I'm excited because I'm learning new software. woot woot.

    I hope my post brought some light to your day.

    Here's a quote from Mohamad Ali that keeps me grounded each time I think I'm starting my life over again at 62.

    "Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

24. AnonymousMarch 26,2025 at 5:39PM UTC

    Sorry for the misspelling. It is Muhammad Ali*

25. AnonymousApril 1,2025 at 12:27AM UTC

    OP, thanks for all the comments and kind thoughts. A LinkedIn connection messaged me Friday. On Thursday I have a Zoom call with a hiring manager. It sounds like a great opportunity, or I wouldn't have responded.

    Also my current boss has been less and less available and engaged. He's not happy and his boss is not a good boss.

    Sending hugs and prayers to all job seekers. No sending strength to anyone who wants or needs a little extra this week!