Comments for After Fifty Living

Comment on We’re Old? We Don’t Like Change? Says Who?? by Mary Jo

Mary Jo — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:27:00 +0000

I’m the one who sat and taught my kids how to use computers. They are in their 30’s now – but I’m the one who got them started.

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Judith

Judith — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:57:54 +0000

I’m over 60 and still have MANY years left to work. Was let go from my former employer and have been searching for over 6 months. After 30 years in the non profit field, you would think there would be some organization willing to put me into a director’s role. I no longer want to be the ED (been there, done that) but I have valuable skills and a TON of experience.

I applied to a major rental car company who required 5 interviews before you are hired. At each interview, the people interviewing me got younger and younger. After the 4th, I was told I wasn’t qualified for the position. Couldn’t they have figured that out after the 2nd or third?

It’s depressing to look for a job right now and if you are “over qualified” you can’t get a job as even a secretary or file clerk. It SUCKS

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Mary Trent

Mary Trent — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:49:47 +0000

As a downsized RN of 33 years I know that age was a factor. I work 12 hour shifts and was doing an administrative type position. I was told I looked “tired” at the end of the day and this would be for my own good. One Director even said in a meeting I was in while opening a new unit that she would not be hiring “the working retired”..
I was even told to try and not work some long term employees of course 50 plus because they cost too much. This is pretty balatant

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by jean potter

jean potter — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:37:03 +0000

I do not think it is the technological issue that keeps us unemployed…23 years in telecommunications….high speed internet??? I was there installing, trouble shooting and developing from the begining…its my age 55+..I hear “over experienced”..which is just corporate speak for too old and we don’t want to pay you what you are worth..went back to school to obtain a degree in Spanish(I speak it but need the paper to prove it ^^) and I am teaching the young ones about things like Prezi.com and the virtual worlds, machinima, etc….sorry, the issue is age..we do not value experience..younger is not cheaper since you have to train these folks…if the hiring manager is younger than you..forget it..on top of these people being afraid they will lose their job to you…they will not hire someone who they feel is more qualified than they are…. there are small companies that want older workers since we are dependable…and experienced…just have to look,look,look and keep on looking..among my friends and relatives…takes about 3 years to find a position and then it is as a contractor…but finally…work

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Unemployed Rising

Unemployed Rising — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:46:03 +0000

Even older workers who keep their skills up tend to have a harder time finding new jobs once they become unemployed, often due to negative stereotypes. The opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities of adaptable, unemployed older workers within America’s economic life is being wasted due to continued age bias in hiring.

A new, national discussion still needs to take place about ageism in employment–45 years after the enactment of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission currently has three initiatives currently in place (E-RACE, LEAD, and Youth@Work) to ensure workplaces are diverse and free of several forms discrimination. Perhaps a new EEOC initiative to also address ageism and promote equal employment opportunity for older workers would be timely.

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Malen Lim

Malen Lim — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:48:28 +0000

I am in the same boat as others. am 55+ and still unemployed – only here in the US. before coming here, I was gainfully employed in the Philippines and South Korea; and had a promising career… but I gave it up becoz of my children whom I had to join here in the US. Somehow, I felt sorry about it.. but no use ‘crying over spilt milk now… I’m trying to hone my skills and look into jobs that have my qualifications and where I can compete equally with young people.. I did get some part-time jobs, but nothing more after that. sometimes, or oftentimes, it felt so depressing,,, I ask the same question, “does experience don’t matter anymore?”. How difficult it is to be unemployed at this age… and yes, age do matter, even if companies says they are an “equal opportunity employer”… I wish I could find a job soon!

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Tracy A.

Tracy A. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:17:39 +0000

I am an over 50 unemployed Graphic Designer. My last company was sold, and my services were not needed by the new owners.. So, yes, I have been looking for work for a year now. I hear the same thing from would be employers… In a round about way what they say is, we are looking for “younger” fresher ideas. Has nothing to do with the fact that I am expertly skilled at what I do, it’s my experience and age that turns them to a younger designer, whom they think they can pay less, and get fresh ideas. Does experience not count anymore? I keep current with trends, and all the most current software applications… age is the big factor.. too old to be hired, and to young to retire.

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Warren Flick

Warren Flick — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:06:53 +0000

The wonderful thing about looking for work in this country is that for every employer who might look askance at an older applicant, there is one, maybe more, who are considering the benefits of hiring mature people who show up everyday.

Comment on Is Age Discrimination Real? by Ann Marie

Ann Marie — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:56:48 +0000

This is a huge problem for those of us who are out there searching for work. My tech skills are fine – so that’s not the issue. It’s the gray color in my hair

Comment on What Really Killed Joe Paterno by Jimmer

Jimmer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:49:35 +0000

“Scapegoat”??? I don’t care if he won a million football games. He should have gone to the police right away. He did not. Shame on him. “Insult”? “Humiliation”? Ask the victims of those rapes about that, eh? This is a weird article. Even weirder if the author is a Penn State fan.