I am recently divoreced female senior citizen, I do not want to "retire".

35 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 5:05PM UTC

   Managing a household is a tough job with many transferable skills! Have you tried writing down all the things you’ve done in your years of running life smoothly for someone else? Here are some that come to my mind- sourcing and purchasing goods, managing budgets and major buys, vendor contact and relations. I could go on but I’m sure you get it. 60+ plus here with 51 years experience in multiple fields. Your true challenge is not skill set but ageism. My opinions are my own.

2. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 6:51PM UTC

   Let's not forget collaboration, and negotiation skills were at work here too (with kids, retailers, etc.).

3. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

   I am in the same boat. I married late and raised my kids but now when I NEED to work, I can't find anything It isnt that I have been flubbing interviews... it is that I havent gotten that far. I wish someone would help us

4. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMarch 2,2023 at 6:50PM UTC

   It's simply not true that there are no resources out there for seniors. AARP is a great place to start - but by no means the only resource out there.

5. Kathryn MontbriandMarch 2,2023 at 8:55PM UTC

   I follow this writer on Linkedin - she frequently covers topics related to ageism in the workforce - might give you some useful tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniemarcus/

6. AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 9:56PM UTC

   When I rejoined the workforce I only applied to entry-level positions.

   Every time I was hired, I was given frequent raises and promoted very quickly when I found my career fit. My resume may have matched a young person fresh out of school, but my work ethic and life experience permitted me to take anything I was tasked with and go above and beyond anything a young person could have produced. One job lasted a little less than a year (toxic workplace), one lasted two years (a promotion dragged on and on). When I took the third job, I went from the secretary to running an entire program in less than 3 years. Take any opportunity you can, then show them what you really bring to the table. Good luck.

7. G-E. Runge/#opentoworkMarch 3,2023 at 2:42AM UTC

   You perhaps want to consider changing your career path and exploring new opportunities.
   This can be a great way to demonstrate to potential employers that you are open to learning and growing, as well as being able to apply your existing skills and knowledge to new areas. Finally, you may want to consider freelancing or starting your own business to show employers that you are flexible and have the initiative to pursue a new career path. For example: UpWork -For Talent. I hope this helps! ?

8. Barb LaPierreMarch 4,2023 at 1:58PM UTC

   Have you ever had something that you just wanted to try? When I was growing up - 1950's - my brother was into electronics and beginning computers. He showed me how to build a crystal radio set. My mother was furious -girls went to cotillions, etc.! Fast forward to the 1990's. I had a chance to work at an up-and-coming TV station. Almost totally computerized. At 52, I took to those machines like a duck to water! ...and also to digital cameras and editing! Don't sell yourself short. Explore your talents and go from there!

9. EiriniMarch 3,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

   I would recommend The Mom Project as a resource; it's focused on women who want to rejoin the workforce.

   Good luck!

10. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 12:47AM UTC

    Have you considered working temporary jobs to help you ease back into the work force? You can shop around to try out different types of work and different environments.

11. Crystal HowellMarch 4,2023 at 11:38AM UTC

    Madeline Mackey. Com

    Aarp. Org

12. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 1:26PM UTC

    I often respond from my phone .It’s easy to make grammatical mistakes. I applaud her for posting . This is a safe space where we can be vulnerable, ask for advice , etc. without fear.

13. Mara Jevera FulmerMarch 4,2023 at 1:57PM UTC

    One place I'd start with is your local Community College. As a long time educator, I've had older students in my classes who were changing careers, needed a refresher, and some more hands-on instruction. Many have not previously developed strong technology skills and were working on those. And in one case, I had a 70-yr-old who announced that her doctor had told her she would live another 30 yrs so she figured she needed to work on a new career! (BTW, she lived another 20+ enjoying life fully to the end.)
    The other advantage is that most CCs have some kind of senior discount. At our college, seniors over age 60 can go for free as long as they complete an annual application for the "Gold Card Scholarship". They still pay course fees, books and supplies, but tuition is covered.It's also a good way to get access to on-campus resources like a Career Center, Writing Center, etc. all meant to help prepare you for re-entering the workforce.
    I'd be happy to help with navigating this new chapter of entering your new career. Just reach out directly. Although a bit scary to get started, you are heading in the right direction. Best wishes on your new future!

14. Maureen B. WeisnerMarch 4,2023 at 8:06PM UTC

    And, you can meet with a counselor to assess your skills and interests. Entering another chapter of your life with confidence makes all the difference. Your learning now can be with the desire to better monetize your future and enjoy your life. It also demonstrates an openness to acquiring new skills and benefit from the energy of a more mixed age environment.

15. Balanced372207March 4,2023 at 2:15PM UTC

    The major problem of being "a housewife with a college degree." Ageism in the workplace is very real, and affects those of us who are older and have been in the workplace for decades, with current skills. I wish you luck.

16. Diane McDevittMarch 4,2023 at 2:18PM UTC

    AARP has a job board, get registered there.

17. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

    Hi, I also had a 15 year break. During this “career break”, I was on the PTA, helped out here or there, had part time jobs etc. Do not underestimate the things you might have done, such as fundraising for the kids’ school, reading with children at primary, maybe you helped in a church? These are all transferable skills! Community College is a Great idea.

    You can also do courses on Coursera or through LinkedIn. They don’t cost the world with membership and you could even do an MBA. You might do an additional/ postgraduate (online) degree?

    have a look around there is a lot out there. And don’t worry, you are not the only one. :)

    Good luck

18. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 8:30PM UTC

    I had a 13-year break. I don't have a degree (I'm working on one now). I'm 56. I returned to work in 2013 in a call center. I've worked my way up to a much better position and I'm very happy. The volunteer work that I did while I wasn't working was key to starting over.

19. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 3:21PM UTC

    I am too…difficult for sure!

20. Pamela BendallMarch 4,2023 at 3:59PM UTC

    You might want to start with a temp agency. I have used them a couple time to just get my foot in the door. And in my area many companies use this time to test you before they hire you.

21. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 10:16PM UTC

    But if she doesnt know what she can do in the workforce, neither can the temp agency so she wont get a job and that in turn will reinforce her attitude. She needs to be focused - not I need a job.

22. Remi GibbsMarch 4,2023 at 4:12PM UTC

    As a coach, I would say the first thing to do is figure out who you are, what's important to you and what you want in this next stage of your life. With some thoughtful consideration, I bet you can put together a skills list, with what you are passionate about and figure out what you can get paid for. Working with a coach is a great place to start.

23. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 4:49PM UTC

    The first thing you need to do is get that giant chip off your shoulder.

24. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 5:33PM UTC

    that chip was put on their by the ageism they have experienced.

25. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 7:13PM UTC

    So, what, she should just stay angry and sullen then while looking to enter the workforce again?

26. Madam anon663March 4,2023 at 5:39PM UTC

    Really rude comment, ageism is a real thing and she is asking for advice, not your judgement.

27. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 7:09PM UTC

    My judgement WAS the advice. She’s talking like she’s gonna walk into job interviews already angry and sullen about the cards she’s been dealt in life. In the real (work) world, yeah, age can be discriminated against, but attitude and positivity can greatly affect how much.

    And I’m not saying this as a young person, either — I’m probably closer in age to her than others here. Our firm just hired a self-professed grandma who loves gardening to our engineering team. And she is amazing at her job.

28. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 11:41PM UTC

    Agree!

    We all have different ways of communicating our frustration and feelings. This thread has a few comments that come off as unkind and not supportive.

29. AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 5:44PM UTC

    Could’ve been said nicer, but the message is true. Look at yourself first and figure out what you have accomplished in jobs and life that can be used as a basis for successfully working in a new job. Have someone with business/career experience help you identify your skills. Good luck.

30. Connie PaulsonMarch 4,2023 at 5:45PM UTC

    Have you worked with anyone to get a resume going? That would be the first step most states have people who can help. There are also temp agencies that can help with getting experience. Many of them also have classes on interviewing and writing resumes.

31. BethBMarch 4,2023 at 7:05PM UTC

    You don’t. If you have no experienced of any kind your resume isn’t going to be stellar. Network and look for local businesses that need help. Take a class to develop or brush up on computer skills. Volunteer some there to get experience. And be careful. Your tone comes across as pretty angry that you are in this situation. You chose to be a housewife and were fortunate that you could.

    My aunt went into the workforce after raising her kids. she focused on what she could bring to the table. She didn’t need to cover childcare or worry about getting calls from the school, etc. she was able to talk about being reliable and that they could count on her.

32. AnonymousMarch 5,2023 at 12:07AM UTC

    I in my mid 60s and do not plan to ever retire. I'm have built a consulting business for myself and also volunteer my time. I have been invited to sit on a Board as well beginning this summer.

    I would definitely concentrate on bringing your skills up by earning certifications and attending conferences in your area of interest.

33. DeBorah WalkerMarch 5,2023 at 1:08PM UTC

    I definitely can empathize with you. Ageism is real and it is sad. Don't give up though; you just need to be exposed to the right opportunity. And if you know people put the word out which I'm sure you've done already; because I've learned in my job search too (it's not so much of what you know but who you know). I'm working I don't hate my position but I am so underpaid so overqualified so not reaching the mark of my potential. But I'm grateful, and I'm not giving up and like another mature commentator said I don't ever want to retire. My quest is to get into HR but I've fastly learned that to get in HR you have to have HR experience which makes no sense. I'd like to be an HR Manager I have a master's degree in organizational leadership but it's just not happening. So right now I'm exploring other positions that I know I would be good at.

34. ChrishoggMarch 5,2023 at 8:30PM UTC

    81-y-o here (retired at 79-y-o).

    Ageism is real ... just like the other 211 "isms" that are out here, but please don't focus on that.

    I would advise:

    1) Read the book (and do the exercises in) What Color is Your Parachute? by Bolles.

    2) Read the book Designing Your Life by Evans and Burnett.

    3) Read the book The Job Closer by Dalton

    4) THEN put together a resume

    5) Read the book The 2-Hour Job Search by Dalton

    6) Conduct your job search, with about 90% of your time networking, and 10% of your time applying to specific jobs that match you, that need what you're offering, and that you sense you would be happy in.

35. BethBMarch 6,2023 at 10:48PM UTC

    I'm a boomer! I'm not judging or blaming. I was pointing out that this was a choice, even if it didn't feel like it. And that you can't have a stellar resume if you don't have any experience. The post felt like she angry for life not going as she planned. It is understandable yet it won't get her too far. Thank you for your lovely response. You seem like such a compassionate person!