The 20 Fastest-Growing Jobs for Aging Boomers

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I AM an RN/BSN and have been for the past 25 years. I graduated from a 3 year diploma program and then went on and got my Bachelors in Science for Nursing (BSN). It is not impossible, it can be done... but you have to be one hellava committed and driven person to go through the 4 yr nursing school hoops for a degree. The cost is prohibitive and increases yearly. The requirements are increasing also. You CAN do a two year Associate degree school or a community college also and that is one that I would recommend if you are a boomer over 50 and don't want to invest the time and money. You get the same pay but your advancement in the field would of course be very limited. Do NOT EVER let a prospective employer tell you that you are TOO OLD. They will be opening themselves up for a BIG age discrimination lawsuit for sure!

Orlando. D. of PA 5:06AM January 23, 2013

This article is useless -- it's over 4 yrs old, refers to old info for its recommendations - which are not truly valid these days.
Also, the article's author is talking thru his/her hat - without any understanding
of real-life, actual experience in how these things really are.
Mostly the whole thing is totally misleading, as if written by the 'institutions'
that claim they'll teach you a trade and you'll have a " gud job wit hi pay" in
not-time flat. Phooey.

Voice OfExperience of PA 1:14PM November 11, 2012

wa the real light brings unsigned.com/kmarwolfhalen

david le bond of OR 4:26PM October 20, 2012

I took the advice of many websites for older workers. I got educated for certified nurses aid and I actually got told I was too old for the job at 56 years old. Also I get told they want someone with experience . So I am wondering how one gets experience as a nurses aid if no one hires you without it.
Another thought I found that these run you thru the program fast schools-a lot of them aren't respected by employers.

Suzah of OR 12:13PM June 25, 2012

often hear of businesses putting the pressure on older workers. Illegal to descriminate but little backbone to the law. State laws seem to favor employers. HR depts back supervisors as they overload people and use info against you when it comes time for evaluations or as a reason to let you go, even after many years with goog evaluations. Companies have lost their heart.
Even with disabled workers. Many companies hire them long enough to collect the federal tax breaks, etc, then cut their hours until they leave out of despiration. Unions and state insurance fund seem to be holding hands under the table as I know cases where the union could not ( or would not) help.

"Beth" of NY 1:19PM May 09, 2012

add over the road truck driving to the list. not physically demanding and the chance to travel

bruce oneill of FL 2:58PM April 24, 2012

I would like to add to my last comment: I can be counted on to take care of any problem. If you are building a home, and don't have time to deal with the lender, or builder. If you need something done very quickly, I have a strong talent for getting to the right people and getting it done! I have kicked general contractors off the job, and have found and brought in new people in under 24 hours with complete satisfactory results. I have written letters to banks for folks who were scared by them, and have gotten very positive results (bank thought I was an attorney, and agreed to the demands). I speak well, I draw people (likeable), and am able to meet needs...period. My wife states that I would make an excellent 'personal assistant'. I went online today to look that up as a career. Seems that requires a bachelor's degree. Must one be certified to take out the trash as well? For God's sake people! I'm good at this! I'm honest, unwaivering, and I get results, but do I really need (at 58) to complete my degree to make your life 100% easier? Think about it folks.

Michael Watson of MO 2:22AM September 28, 2011

I have a question. Background first: 58 Years old-disabled, but in shape physically and mentally. Able to delegate authority/ can make people pay attention without coming off as arrogant. Professional in appearance and demeanor. Gets things DONE! Fearless against anyone, even in government. Well spoken, very persuasive, persistent, effective with regard to getting results. Yet was just dropped from a 9 month healthcare coding program for not keeping up while dealing with more obstacles than imaginable. Will spend hours on phones with people getting results, about 36 hours as an accounting/ business major (GPA 3.76), have worked in managment, sales. But again, 58 No formal degree, but very intelligent, and even well liked by those I have gone up against - respected. A man of my word. No one will hire a disabled person. Have applied for ward clerk, and other clerical jobs to no avail. Have excellent references, and am now to "Old" to take on another college program. Still no one wants to hire a man who, for all intents and purposes, is a boomer, with no real formal education, but can affect many talents. What can I do?

Michael Watson of MO 2:01AM September 28, 2011

I remember when there were great glass companies in the US. A particular lamp shade that was made in US was $7.00. China started selling this shade for $2.00. A fine glass co. was put out of business and the shade immediately started selling for $14.00. (I thought Congress was in charge of trade.)
I've bought 4 $8.00 can openers at Walmart,made in China and they all broke. I bought a .25 opener at a yard sale made in US and it has not broken.
People look astonished when I tell the children I will not buy China products if at all avoidable because they are a nation hostile to us, and our allies. I've shown them documentaries where they work children 12 hrs. per day poking them with a screwdriver when they fall asleep. Paying them $ .16 per hr. and somehow these jeans end up being worn by Americans some at $400.00 a pair.
We are in a mess, does anyone operate on common sense or have we turned into a nation of Zombies.
I don't think the babyboomers have as much to worry about as they think. Its not so easy to find good workers. All educated young people are not as interested in work. Their still partying, playing video games and being absentee parents. There has also been a surge in theft from companies and drug use. I think that the people over 50 have great advantages in starting businesses. Finding reliable people is not as easy as one would think. Our failures and successes give us an advantage.

kathy tucker of GA 4:28AM July 29, 2011

Much to my dismay the poor children in Atlanta are and have been being robbed in the Atlanta and Fulton, Dekalb schools, of an education, all because teachers have been given the rights to do so through their unions. Working in a ministry for at risk youth, I've been a first hand witness. The children are not given text books. Its horrifying to think that vocabulary is ignored, the children are labeled, the teachers demand and fail them for not having the money to buy materials. Some of them are heartless and totally incompetent pointing their fingers at the children, I felt so sorry for an uneducated mother who was so furious with good reason; she had no communication skills, but knew her child was being mistreated and could only reply " I would like to blow this school up." I felt her pain. The teachers in Atlanta who cheated had to in order to keep their jobs. The children and youth have learned nothing and are passed along in hopes that they will drop out of school and fade into the woodwork. Having and international environment to face, children in 3rd world countries are receiving a better education in a thatch roofed building with a dirt floor. All teachers say the parents aren't doing their part. How does a woman with a 3rd grade reading level help her children with their homework. Lets be real make these unions stop being unreasonable at the exspense of our children and youth in this competitive world. There should be a limit when it comes to our children or these people should get out of teaching.

kathy tucker of GA 3:35AM July 29, 2011