30 Fast-Growing Careers for Older Workers

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Here is a issue that I never thought I would face. I am a retired veteran. I spent 24 years as a soldier and another 10 years as an imbedded contractor. When I was ready to look for work again I have been overlooked. Nobody has come out and said it directly but I believe my age has a lot to do with not getting hired. I have 40 years of steadfast employment history, never fired, resigned once. a strong Logistics background with some aviation background thrown in. Wake up people we have lots to offer still.

gary of WA 2:15PM May 13, 2013

I am 50 years of age. -Call me "old" or "mature" or whatever. This country we called the "United States of America" is anything BUT united. I never thought I would see the day when people who reach 40 years old would find themselves being pushed out of their jobs. People should not be compartmentalized based on what year s/he was born.
As for the "fastest growing" job list. I agree with the other comments... teachers are indeed being laid off and schools are closing. I recently tried out the home health care type job. It is a special calling and an admirable profession. -But there is a lot of physical work and the pay is low unless you work as a private professional as opposed to working for one of the agencies.
So, this list is definitely misleading. Also, it is difficult to go back and obtain training for some of these jobs because it is too expensive unless you have a spouse who will support you and "hold the fort down" while you re-train.

Pennsylvania Boomer of PA 2:54PM July 16, 2012

As a retiree who collects Social Security, I am still working full time as an Administrative Assistant for Temp Agencies. Temp agencies are a superb source that is so very often overlooked for older adults who want to stay active in the work force. All the senior citizen worker has to do is get training in the latest Microsoft softwares that are commonly used in most offices. These are Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook. The person can get a Microsoft book from the library or bookstore, sit at home for a couple of months and trained themselves not only in basics but advanced principles of each software.The individual can train him/herself in the course's hands on aspect. Develop or redevelop your typing speed to flow at 75 to 80 wpm plus. Learn one of the more common foreign languages ie, Spanish, French, Cantonese, Portugese. The icing on the cake is to take a self trained course in shorthand/speedwriting. Once again books in libraries and bookstore as well as the internet are valuable resources right at your fingertips. I myself have a Gregg Shorthand speed of 150 wpm. Practice your interview skills and update your resume with a professional. Trust me, I am living proof that when you have the aforementioned skills, Temp Agencies will treat you as a God or Goddess and will keep you busy on high paying assignments to the extent that you will find yourself having the luxury of working when and where you please. With Temp Agencies AGE is not a factor, only the up-to-date office skills that you possess is your best weapon.

Barry Green of CA 6:48PM June 16, 2012

The top job listed here is for teachers but, at this point, many teachers and TA's are being laid off and schools are being closed all over the country. So where is this data coming from that says teachers will be needed in the next decade? Also, older wrokers cannot be on their feet all day as in housework/cleaning jobs, lifting patients as in home health care and nursing jobs, running after little children as in day care jobs. I think these statistics are far from truth-telling, and I'm sure there are older workers who feel the same as I do.

Terri Fleischer of TX 11:59PM June 09, 2012

some of these jobs would require a lot of physical stamina so i don't know how some older people would be able to do them?
nurse on your feet all day and possibly lifting, house cleaner a lot of bending and lifting same with nurse aids and home health aids.

oldie of AL 5:54AM May 26, 2012

I HAVE RETIRED I WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK

MICHAEL DEW of CA 10:45AM March 20, 2012

I find that they tell me an older worker I don't have experience but if it's someone who is 18 or 20 it doesn't matter whether they have experience or not. They offer training for them.

Sue of OR 8:06PM October 19, 2011

you can't find Nursing Jobs in Tennessee, move to the North, there are plenty of Nursing jobs in Cleveland area.
Come on up!

Frank In Ohio of OH 11:40PM June 19, 2011

I whole heartedly agree.. I spent most of my adult life in the military and although I did not retire I did attain my BS. I have retrained myself in various fields only to find no work or underpaid work. I am now closing down my electrical business because the costs incured from MANDATED government documentation and insurances makes the business unprofitable for an upstart. Now at 56, I am considering returning to school for my teaching credentials. Maybe it is just dreaming at this point...

Gene of NY 8:42AM April 21, 2011

Nurses can not find jobs now, encouraging more people to become nurses is a crime.. Talk to real nurses, not economists making up these figures. New grads with Bachelors degrees in nursing are finding now work for up to 18 mos. Older nurses trying to change into a position they can handle are not finding any. And this ploy.. well get more education.. why would it matter if no work.

Nancy Nurse of TN 3:41AM April 17, 2011