Hello, I have an opportunity to apply for a job that is a bit of a stretch for me and I am 65 years old.

19 Comments

1. Rosa E HearnApril 26,2023 at 4:59AM UTC

   I am 50 and I can tell you for a fact, that I don't have the energy to start all over. I know I can get better (money, title, etc... but at this stage it's not worth it to me. Yes, I am still relatively young and if I ever got laid off I would certainly put all my energy with no questions but as of now, I don't want to. I want to be with my family more. I am comfortable and I enjoy what I do, PLUS I'm respected. Unless I had too, I personally couldn't do it at 65. But you know you. So it's really up to you.

2. AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 12:28PM UTC

   Apply. You don't know if you don't try. If it doesn't work out, retire with more money in your pocket and the knowledge that you tried your best.

3. AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

   Apply! I left a 17-year career to explore new opportunities at the age of 60 and have never looked back. Yes, I may not be as sharp as some of my younger co-workers, but I bring to the table years of experience and wisdom. Go for it! You never know until you try! Good luck!

4. AnonymousApril 26,2023 at 11:50PM UTC

   My husband moved into a completely new field at 64 and he's still there 7 years (and 2 or 3 promotions) later.
   That said, if you are hired and you have memory deficits that impact your ability to perform the work, they probably won't keep you in the role for long. Only you can determine how much of an issue that will be. If you can remain at your current job indefinitely because you know it well enough that the memory issues aren't a problem, you need to take that into consideration.

5. AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 10:33PM UTC

   This is wonderful to hear. May I ask what career did he transfer from and what career did he transfer to ? Did he have to take a salary cut ? I am thinking of making a career change after 30 years in the same industry but I could not afford a huge pay cut. Thank you !

6. AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 11:18PM UTC

   He was in trucking and took a state job as an inspector for construction projects. He did take a pay cut, but he also went from working 10-11 hours/day and being on-call to working 8.5 hour days and no call. Lots of factors went into that decision, but I was expecting him to have a heart attack at any time from the stress of his previous role.

7. Alexis GladstoneApril 27,2023 at 12:53PM UTC

   If the role is something you'd like to take on, absolutely apply. There is nothing wrong with continuing to grow and stretch ourselves, no matter what age we are!

   Going through the interview process will allow you to learn more about it and make a better informed decision on whether you are up for the challenge.

   Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

8. Kristin BurnsApril 27,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

   Apply! Men apply to jobs when they fit only some of the requirements, whereas we women tend to wait until we are 100% perfect for the role. Enjoy the money and added responsibility and they will benefit from your experience.

9. AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 2:16PM UTC

   Apply! See what the position is about. People are retiring later and there is no reason you shouldn't try for an opportunity. Be mindful that ageism does exist in society and may put you at a disadvantage in the application process, but don't let that discourage you from trying!

10. AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 4:56PM UTC

    Hi there, I am 65 also and finally found a job that fits me and gets me. Like you, my short term memory is waning but the good part is there is technology to help with that. I can set reminders in Outlook, I write everything in OneNote, even names of coworkers because I have always been terrible with names. If I was presented with a job that was a stretch beyond where I am now, I would at least investigate it. Take the money off the table, would I want to leave what I have now for the unknown?

11. AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 6:38PM UTC

    You gotta go for it!!!

12. Sarah BojorquezMay 1,2023 at 12:14PM UTC

    Only you will know if the role is right for you or not, but you owe it to yourself to at least go through the process-it might turn out to be a wonderful opportunity that you end up really loving!

13. AnonymousMay 1,2023 at 4:29PM UTC

    I am mostly concerned about your commentary about your memory. As someone who lost their father to the ravages of dementia please get checked, no one goes to their grave wishing they worked one more day. You may need medical help for the memory issues. As for the work if you think you need the money for retirement do apply, if you get offered the role do it for as long as it satisfies you and makes you happy.

14. Cheryl GoodwinMay 3,2023 at 8:27PM UTC

    Thanks for your feedback. I am sorry to hear about your father. Dementia is a terrible disease!

    My doctor told me that short term memory loss starts in our 50s. I play memory games and take Focus Factor which has helped.

15. Liz MilneMay 1,2023 at 5:29PM UTC

    Go for it. Maybe your memory will gain a new lease of life from the challenge, and if you get it and do well, the money - as you say - will add a layer of comfort to your retirement.

16. Cheryl GoodwinMay 3,2023 at 8:20PM UTC

    Thanks for your feedback. I decided to retire and look for part time work in a position I can handle comfortably.

17. Susan Grant-SuttieMay 3,2023 at 2:08PM UTC

    If you can retire now and do a job that you're far more comfortable in, do so. I know where you are coming from.

18. Cheryl GoodwinMay 3,2023 at 8:18PM UTC

    Hi Susan, I appreciate your feedback. I’ve thought a lot about this and have been vacillating between applying for this position and applying for a position I would feel comfortable in. I finally decided to retire and look for part time work in a position I could handle comfortably.

19. AnonymousMay 5,2023 at 3:12PM UTC

    Best of luck - I tried the same thing but employees don’t want to hire us and I always get the im too qualified and I’ll leave for something better speech , even after I explain why. They just don’t listen.