64 YEARS OLD

Question

I am 64 years old and now find myself without a job. I am constantly on the career websites and have found jobs that I am more than qualified for. I am not getting the response I would have thought I would of gotten. I am feeling I am not getting the employer to respond because of my age. I have also found that the title of Vice President of Sales that I have had for the last 20  years is reflecting a salary range that is about 1/2 of what I was making. I plan on working at least another 5 years. I need to work another 5 years.  I have a wealth of experience, loyal to a fault and am very dependable. I am just not sure what path I should be taking at this time. I would love your thoughts on this very frustrating circumstance! Thank you for your interest and your support.

Trina Schneider · Answer

I would suggest that you need to spend greater time networking than on job search boards.  Your network is going to be able assist you with finding a position in your title/responsibilities/experience and salary requirements.

Trina Schneider · Answer

Never say never - you’ve been 100% successful in the past.

Bridget Fitzpatrick · Answer

Hi Meg, I am 63 and kind of in the same boat. I have hired a life coach and that has been super helpful. It's weird to be this age but feel like I am 33 with lots more good stuff to contribute. My advice to you is step a little outside of your comfort zone and figure out what you have always wanted to do. If it is still sales, spend time imagining yourself in that position as if it has already happened. Don't make your age an issue for you or for anyone else. My response to people who think I am 'too old' is 'your loss!'

I know it's not easy but this is the time to gather everything about you that your are proud of, the skills that you are good at, and decide that you are going to be the best employee that anyone can find. Have faith in yourself so the world can have faith with you. Good luck!

Barb Hansen · Answer

In my early 50s, I found myself in a similar situation as you  - lots of executive experience and only the sounds of crickets when I sent out my resume.  If I was a man, companies would be banging down my electronic door to hire me. But would they respond to a resume from an older woman? Nope

I started with re-doing my resume. I hired a career coach/resume crafter who was familiar with situations like mine.

We worked together to redo my resume. It was difficult because I wanted to show everything that I had done in my career yet she showed me that less is more and focusing on my most recent (last 8 to 10 years) accomplishments was the way to go and she was right.  I started to get responses from my resume and landed a new job (which I have since left because I'm now a co-founder of a startup).

I'm happy to share the name of the person that helped me with my resume. I'll update this thread in a few hours (I have to get to a few meetings now)

Anonymous · Answer

Combination of networking and job hunting. When I lived in Michigan, I went to discussions on ageism through their workforce commission. It was helpful and applicable.

Anonymous · Answer

Something that many may find if they haven't been in the job market recently is that wage stagnation is very real. Many workers with less years in the workforce are sadly used to making far less than what used to be market value. I think you may need to assess what is most needed - money or continued gratification from work. If you're in the latter demographic, a pay cut may not be the worst thing. If not, you may have to assess other possible titles that perhaps you're overlooking.

Anonymous · Answer

I am finding that at some companies the position titles are being inflated.  Positions that had a manager title may now have a VP title.  Have you checked the position requirements?

I don't want to make generalizations, but perhaps companies are seeking younger hires, and some early career people are motivated by the title, but the title is not accompanied by the money.   It makes it very hard for older workers like us because it prices us out of the market.

64 YEARS OLD

You're invited.

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