298
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Finding a job when you are elderly, homely and mediocre
How do you find a job when you are 55, aging poorly, lower middle class, single, and all you have ever done is type, file, make coffee, and still remember how to use a typewriter, rotary phone, analog TV, and record player? And can still use the Dewey Decimal System card catalog? And drive a manual shift? I do know how to use a computer (obviously, as I am here typing to you now) but really, I am old, homely, single, and not a sweet cute little office girl the boss loves to moon over. No one wants 'grandma' working with them, even though 'grandma' went to Burning Man a few years ago and got to be young again for a while. Still love to enjoy amazing events and experiences!
Laverne EubanksYour next Data Analyst!
168
03/23/20 at 8:13PM UTC
First, you need to have a reckoning with yourself. You are none of the things that you've listed and described. The only word that comes to mind for me is vibrant, and I think you should hold that word in your mind as you take a good look at yourself. I don't know many homely, elderly grandmas that can survive Burning Man.
Be kind to yourself. Address the stories that you are clutching to ("...I am old, homely, single, and not a sweet cute little office girl the boss loves to moon over. No one wants 'grandma' working with them..") and get rid of them. They aren't doing you any favors. You are capable of so much.
There must be something you want to learn or pursue. If you've lived through a typewriter, analog tv, rotary phone AND Burning Man, well, there shouldn't be anything that scares you at this point.
Rebecca Lee VOperations Analyst
2.22k
03/23/20 at 2:22PM UTC
Have you tried applying for an office manager position? Someone who works behind the scenes making sure the small tasks get done so people can get their work done. Yes, you might have to make the coffee, order lunch but you collect and hand out the mail, make sure the copy machines are filled with paper, help with the filing. There are many jobs you can do.
Also, network. Yes I know it is hard but is a good way for someone to get to know you.
Anonymous
03/22/20 at 5:15PM UTC
Ageist much, Fairygodboss? She said she's 55, not elderly, yet that's how you describe her in your title. I'm 54. My friends and I run companies, run 5ks, run marathons, take care of kids, spouses and parents (yes, believe it or not, our parents are STILL ALIVE!!), travel and do all kinds of things that don't involve rocking chairs. (Unless you count 'intimate' moments, but that's another post.) We feel as though we're just coming into our prime, not checking into a nursing homes.
MJP
195
03/23/20 at 6:51PM UTC
The person who posts the message also creates the title. The word "elderly" was one chosen by the original poster. It was not something created by Fairygodboss.
Lilye Stallworth Chaffin
19
03/22/20 at 2:44PM UTC
I started my second career at 54 in the healthcare field. That was the last time I colored my hair! The interview panels average age was 50, I thought they would be younger. I gave myself a mini-makeover, went in with a positive mindset and emphasized my strengths, experience and desire to be an asset. What we manifest comes from within us and people can feel that and treat you accordingly. I’m still there and it’s been a challenge but I realize that older workers have more value because we know how to navigate difficult situations with grace and a smile. We cannot allow someone else to take what is within that we have nurtured and accepted about who we are. You can navigate around mine fields from experience alone. Don’t be afraid to take the risk, it’s worth it and will cause your confidence to explode!
Best of everything to you ??????
Anonymous
03/22/20 at 2:23PM UTC
You mentioned experience in quality control. At least in my area (eastern MA) there are usually a ton of jobs in quality control/quality assurance and most pay well. If I were you I’d look at jobs in this field, it’s definitely an area where experience really counts.
OvertheRainbo07Continuous Improvement Professional
45
03/22/20 at 1:42PM UTC
Meh, my take on approaching this same inaccurate idea of myself, I'm super tired of working for bosses who want to moon over the administrator/ office gal. I have found that bosses who conduct business this way, are just a real underjoy to work for and they won't promote, increase compensation, or take women seriously in the workplace.
But from my experience, everybody listens to Grandma and they don't sexually harass her or actively seek to dominate her role in the office either. Nowadays, more bosses are seeing the merit in hiring competence and common sense people. Competent bosses know to hire people who can prioritize and won't waste time stealing from the clock by having their phones always in hand to check social media or inappropriately post something.
So find those bosses. The bosses enamored by young and cute office gals are probably not going to provide the best working environment, benefits, or pay.
Madeline Salley
14
03/22/20 at 1:31PM UTC
Okay, my first piece of advice to you is: STOP thinking so negatively about yourself. All those things, typing, manual shift driving, etc. are part of who you are. They represent Your life experiences; those are skills that you have mastered over the years. There is absolutely nothing ugly about being a "grandma" or an older woman; which I myself at 64 yrs can proudly say. We have tons of wisdom, knowledge, survival skills, and strength that these "younguns" don't posses. There are plenty that could benefit from you. I belong to AARP and they and others show resources on how to find work. Check agencies in your community especially those for the elderly. I have worked as a cashier, receptionist, and a file clerk even though I have a graduate degree. Not everyone wants a cute bubble gum popping girl working for them. Have confidence in who you are and what you do.....We are old, but we are not out!! Right now because of the virus we cannot move the way we want, but get outside take walks in the fresh air, remember if you think old you will be. We are like a fine wine and we have a lot to share, feel good about you and be confident in the beautiful woman you are and it will shine through.
Madam anon663Learner, skeptic, direct.
1.5k
03/22/20 at 8:53AM UTC
I am over 55 and certainly do not consider myself elderly! It seems as if your way of thinking could use an upgrade, if you believe you are old and incapable of learning anything new, then you will be stuck right where you are.
There are lots of free things at the library, which is not an option right now, but this would be a good time to invest and learn some technology.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
03/21/20 at 7:44PM UTC
Do you like yourself? Do you believe in you and your abilities, including the ability to learn "new tricks"?
If not, I suggest that your first step be to take one of the free or low fee MOOC (Mass Open Online Courses) on self-esteem. Or go to the library and take out books on self-esteem and personal development.
Once you believe in yourself, a whole new world will open to you. And once you believe in yourself, others will believe in you.
Nancy BuffumConsultant, educator, nonprofits & public
60
03/21/20 at 7:07PM UTC
Hi there. It's great that Fairy GodBoss is a safe place to express your fears. Next step: find a venue where you're supported by peers and pros who work in re-entry or professional development for aging workforce--- as their main angle. Join a peer support group for workers over 50, subscribe to AARP, get into a job coaching program. Counseling beyond chat rooms. Best of luck to you.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.