Older workers value

[Clint]

Is it true that older American workers are going to be valued again some day?

[LottomagicZ4941]

My employer values them. When we first oppened up the facility (a youth corrections facility) hired a bunch of 20 something college graduates. Being 30 I was one of the older workers. Well the 20 somethings stressed out at the thought of doing 20 years in a jail. The state started to hire older workers and we have actually had training on the fact that there is lower turn over among older workers. Older workers also have less job related injuries because they take fewer risks.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by LottomagicZ4941

My employer values them. When we first oppened up the facility (a youth corrections facility) hired a bunch of 20 something college graduates. Being 30 I was one of the older workers. Well the 20 somethings stressed out at the thought of doing 20 years in a jail. The state started to hire older workers and we have actually had training on the fact that there is lower turn over among older workers. Older workers also have less job related injuries because they take fewer risks.

That’s good news. However, I was actually thinking of the 50 plus people who are being set aside in favor of 30 year olds.

[Jack Sprat]

Originally Posted by Clint

That’s good news. However, I was actually thinking of the 50 plus people who are being set aside in favor of 30 year olds.

I am 58. I had a full career as an elementary teacher and worked for AOL or 9 years (starting at age 46). I am now working part time online for Sulake. Many companies are seeking older, retired workers for part-time simple online work, some with flexible hours. I can work from my house, from a cruise ship, or from a a European winter hide-out.

[Clint]

Jack Sprat

It sounds like you have something that works well for you. I’m 57 but I’m not ready to go the part time route yet. I had a bit of a career upset a year ago and I’ve been having trouble getting back in because of my age. It seems people want the younger folks who might be with them for a long time, even though the average tenure is something like 5 years these days. I picked up a temporary position doing project management but the project is almost over and I’m wondering what’s next. I really don’t want to take a greeter’s job after being in senior positions for the past 20 years.

[Jack Sprat]

Originally Posted by Clint

I had a bit of a career upset a year ago and I’ve been having trouble getting back in because of my age.

What was your field?

[Clint]

Originally Posted by Jack Sprat

What was your field?

Public Works Administration

[A Karenina]

Clint,

Do you enjoy the project you are now working on? Have you considered continuing this type of contractor work? So many companies are in dire need of an experienced individual to step in, to help them reorganize and streamline.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by A Karenina

Clint,

Do you enjoy the project you are now working on? Have you considered continuing this type of contractor work? So many companies are in dire need of an experienced individual to step in, to help them reorganize and streamline.

Yes, I do enjoy the work, even though in this particular case my abilities are grossly underutilized. I would jump at an opportunity to feel the turbo-charger kick in again.

What you say is logical but I haven’t found it to be so yet. I’m going to have more time on my hands soon. That should give me an opportunity to search out the opportunity if it exists.

It just seems to me that this should be the time in my life when I have the most to offer. Reason tells me that people who want to work at my age and older should continue to gain value until they lose the desire to work. What I see happening is counterintuitive.

[Julie Grace]

The older half of the Baby Boomers are retiring, leaving new opportunities for employment.

Since the Baby Boomers are the largest group of people in history, how will the next generation fill all of those vacancies.

Sooner or later employers will realize the shortage and "Older Workers" will be a non-issue.

Just as woman replaced factory jobs when men fought in wars which opened new opportunites for them, so will the case be with the Baby Boomers leaving the workforce.