Just how tough is it for older workers to find a job?
In today's paper I wrote about a study that found women 50 to 62 applying for entry level jobs are far less likely to get a shot at an interview than 35 to 45 year old women with similar work experience. You can read more about those findings here.
The response I've received to this article includes this excerpt from an email from a woman who said she is 52 and her husband 58:
"It is obvious that because of our age we are not employable at jobs other than those that don't pay a living wage, regardless of our good health, our job experience, and having our own life and health insurance and pensions. The people I feel sorry for are aquaintances and family members we have who are our age, but not as healthy as we, who have to work miserable service industry jobs just to pay for food and heat."
What has your experience been? I'd be delighted if you'd post your comments on this blog.
St. Petersburg Times personal finance editor Helen Huntley writes about money topics and answers questions about financial planning, investments and personal income taxes.
interesting findings, but odd because it shows that employers really havent thought things through very well. its very hard to see what assets the younger worker brings to the table that are not thoroughly eclipsed by the older, experienced worker, particularly if the pay for the job is just average. as baby boomers begin to experience more of this discrimination, i expect a loud howl that may go far to change how things are at the hiring level...
Posted by: dreaming | November 30, 2006 at 12:35 PM