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Accomplished baby boomer professionals and the job market
I’m an accomplished baby boomer entrepreneur who was partner of a successful boutique mar/com agency for 25+ years, widowed early, single Mom, caregiver, started another company and the last few years, business development consultant to several non-profit, health care organizations.
In this booming Silver Tsunami longevity market – when companies are being started and many organizations want to reach this demo - I would think ‘seasoned’ professionals would be sought after as ambassadors, mentors and part of leadership – but they’re not. I am recruiting not only for myself but several colleagues (in their 60’s/70’s) who have outstanding education, experience & success stories to share but can’t get a job – and they have to continue working!
The job market is very hard on this segment – particularly women, and there is a big need to develop awareness, corporate support and jobs. The jobs could p-t, contract, project based and with no over head expenses; my focus is the Boston/NE market right now.
Head Bookworm
Head Bookworm
52
05/22/19 at 6:53PM UTC
Many people I know in this demographic have created their own businesses. I think there is an expectation that to have your own business or consultancy, you need to have a lot of experience, and so I feel like the ageism is less of an issue. But whether looking for a job or starting your own business, you need a strong network. You can't be applying to random jobs with your resume...your network is less likely to discriminate against you than random strangers receiving resumes with thousands of others.
Ann McGuireComing soon
22
05/21/19 at 6:28PM UTC
I'm in exactly the same boat. Down to my last few weeks of unemployment and working hard at nailing something down. I'm finding lots of mid-level ops with senior-level requirements where they are unwilling to pay for experience.
Lynn MillerOver 15 years of B2B writing and sales.
27
05/21/19 at 2:25PM UTC
Same here though I elected to spend the past year substitute teaching and setting up a writing business. Our wisdom is needed in schools and in the workplace.
How can we work together to provide our combined strengths locally and nationally?
Sami MacKayNurse turned research professional
107
05/21/19 at 1:57PM UTC
Agreed. I am 62 and after taking time from my established second career to care for my dying parents, can no longer find work in my second career due to “resume gaps”. Fortunately I have my original career to pay the bills but am just making ends meet. ?
Mindy ClaggettMarketing | Communications | Program Management
218
05/21/19 at 1:28PM UTC
Same here. I am 49, and I took all older work history off my resume and LinkedIn profile in the attempt to try to drum up some interest. As the primary earner in my house, I need to continue working, probably until I die. I have a job now, but it's not terribly satisfying. I'm applying, but in the meantime I'm scared every day about the possibility of being laid-off because I know my chances of ever getting work again are diminishing every year. Ageism is VERY REAL.
Anonymous
05/20/19 at 2:11PM UTC
I have this experience as well, and I’m only 48! I’m looking at senior / director level positions in technical product marketing , and they want 5-8 years of experience. I have 20+! I’m “overqualified “ for senior level roles. Sigh. I feel like I’ve found a company who might understand and value me if they say they want 10-15 years of experience, but those are few and far between.
Lady Libero
31
05/20/19 at 12:48PM UTC
I agree. I have the same challenge with overcoming discrimination. Any advice for getting s job in the market that values youth over experience and skil?
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