Looking to change jobs at 60.

16 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 17,2023 at 4:19PM UTC

   i would hire a career coach who specializes in helping people beat ageism. It is so real that people actually specialize in this area of career coaching.

2. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachJuly 17,2023 at 11:09PM UTC

   Just get out there and do it.
   Ageism is real but not a dead end-- be persistent, be clear about your goals, and wear a thick skin. Take older items off your resume (talking to a career coach or HR professional for ideas on how to format your resume may be helpful).

   You sound like you are career switching, so get some new training and pop that on your resume.

   Another commenter mentioned being honest about what you bring to the table and the advantages of being a more "mature" worker.

   And network network network. Someone you meet through social or professional networks is much more likely to overlook your age.

   Good luck, you've got this-- (but it might take longer than it did 10 years ago ;-)).

3. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 12:27PM UTC

   Hit their pain points.

   Which, in this day and age is turnover, absenteeism, lack of loyalty (I realize that goes both ways, but I’m talking about seeing it from the employer’s standpoint so that you can even get your foot in the door for an interview.

   What differentiates you from the pack? If you take off the older experience from your résumé, you have now lost your differentiation and you’ll be seen as just another noob.

   If they can’t get past that you’re older and don’t interview you, that’s their loss and you wouldn’t want to work for them anyway (clearly that would be an atmosphere of ageism that you would be constantly fighting against, and it would make your life difficult if not impossible there.

   In the end it will be the smart employers that hire the experienced workers that stay in business.

4. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 12:36PM UTC

   Worry less about ageism and more about what makes you an attractive candidate. You are looking for a new challenging and purposeful career. So are lots of people. What skills do you need to succeed in that new career? What skills do you have? Are you missing any that you can develop? For instance if everything that interests you is looking Microsoft proficiency, get the certification. Also, what is your why? If you make a statement like “challenging and purposeful” what does that mean? Does it mean you want to get into non profit work? Does it mean you want to work in a field that addresses an issue of interest?

   i just turned 60 and I totally get it.

5. BethBJuly 20,2023 at 12:38PM UTC

   30 years ago, my aunt did this and ended up fielding multiple job offers. I’m glad it worked for you

6. Cyndy TrivellaJuly 20,2023 at 12:49PM UTC

   I read a post on Linkedin recently about the average length of a person’s employment per job. The article read 4 years!

   Given your age, you should not feel uneasy about being a job seeker at this point in your life. Of course, I don’t want to make an assumption because we don’t know your retirement plans, but if your strategy is to work up to the time you collect SS, if you’re a U.S. citizen, you have a fair number of years left as a productive contributor in the workforce.

7. Jacqueline CutlerJuly 20,2023 at 3:34PM UTC

   I understand, and I am a few years older. At this point, sell your experience. That is what separates and elevates you.

8. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 5:01PM UTC

   Pretend it doesn't exist, remind the interviewer how lucky they are to get an experienced hire that doesn't need their hand held. I work in HR and I have almost 10 years on you...you got this sister!

9. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 8:52AM UTC

   Thank you for that I needed it also

10. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 5:31PM UTC

    So brave. May I ask if you look your age? I'm going grey now and pray I do not need to job hunt.

11. BarbaraJuly 21,2023 at 1:11PM UTC

    Excellent!! Very motivating and true!! Ageism is true and I’m mid sixties and working and intend to continue. I love the saying if there’s an elephant in the room introduce it.

12. Angela BlackmonJuly 21,2023 at 1:59PM UTC

    I am also experiencing the ageism thng at 63. Can't do anything about that, but I suggest you put it out of your mind, and show your potential empoyer that you can bring it! While working your current job, define what you really want to do, and if you find you lack the training or experience, seek out the things you need to give you the confidence to make it happen. There are many learning resources online. Some are free (AARP has a program available right now, called Digital Skills upgrade for over 50 workers), and some are available through a LinkedIn Premium membership. There is also Udemy.com, Alison.com, and even Typing .com to improve your typing skills. Talk to like-minded people who share your goal, not friends or family members who mean well, but tell you to hang on to your current job for 'security'. wishing you all the best, and Good Luck!

13. Francoise ThimonJuly 21,2023 at 2:39PM UTC

    Age is just a number, a matter of mind, and if you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Put Ageism out of your mind, get out there and give it your all! Best of luck to you.

14. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 3:45PM UTC

    Ageism is very much alive with employers, it seems far more so with women. Put your best foot forward and know that its not you.

15. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 6:34PM UTC

    Thank you all for your encouraging and real comments.

16. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 6:43PM UTC

    Funny!