5 Ways to Kickstart Your Own Job Recovery

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To Dave Kocinski, the requirements for degrees in skills such as Computer Programming are also obstacles for unemployed IT folks. My husband has been looking for work for 3+ years now, and most of the things he is capable of doing require either a clearance or a degree. It is quite a challenge to get a degree when you have no income... Too bad the Military didn't give IT degrees along with their training.

Diana S of MD 4:53AM August 30, 2011

July 14, 2010
Thank you for your brief article on "insights to hireability (ae), We older, outsourced, workers are in need of review tactics ! What worked once, may not, and probably will not, work again. One thing is certain, the last recession certainly ruined a lot of people. The United States should be held accountable for that.
Will there be any further articles on education, and retraining for the older employee?
Thank You.

Annette Loescher of WA 9:59AM July 14, 2010

To David: Yes, you are correct, age discrimination is alive and well in 2010. That said, ain't much we can do about our birth certificates though there has been a lot said about birth certificates since the last presidential election. So, let's move in another direction: refocus your resume away from seniority and tenure to challenges met and results. For sure when you show you have solved an industry challenge and saved time or increased profits, your age will be a secondary consideration. After all, statistics show us older folks are more reliable and predictable than our diget challenged competition. Give this a try and celebrate your other accomplishments garnered in time served.
To Pamela in Kansas: If at first you don't succeed, get a tutor. Kansas has some great training institutions; look at Kansas WorkSource internet site for preparation classes for the test you are required to take. If not there, Google the test title plus preparation. Be sure to check the BBB and/or your local teaching college for reviews before shelling out cash to the prep company. And stay proud: How many times did JFK Jr take the NY bar? How much did Jacque spend on tutors? It ain't the road we take that makes the difference; it's the destination that counts. In the interim, volunteer at a local adolescent after school program or United Way site. The purposeful life makes us feel valuable. When we think we are somebody, the rumor gets around.
To Cyndi: say hallelujah!! The key to faith based success is to listen to the guidance provided and read the NY Times. Keep your credentials current and note occupations in demand. There is a lot of work that requires curriculum development, employee oversite, and group organization. That work isn't necessarily titled teacher. You have a success centered attitude and that will take you far. Continued good luck

Susanne, WA of WA 4:34PM May 18, 2010

It appears that the main reason that many employers are finding it difficult to find skilled engineering talent is their unwillingness to consider talent over the age of 50. I have had many opportunities dry up once the hiring managers find out your age.

David Kocinski of PA 4:02AM May 15, 2010

Hi
I am a 47 year old woman that finaly was able to get my degree. I had always wanted to get a Bachelor degree and I did. My education is in Elementary Education K-6. I have always had a full time job, sometimes during my marriage I had three jobs. I never have minded hard work. My husband and myself put our four kids through college and I took some courses while they were in school but I did not want to miss any of their activities and money was good, just not great so I waited to finish after they all got done. Well I did it and I graduated in December of 2007. But the problem is, is that I have not been able to pass one of the tests to get my license. The test is number 0011 and for some reason I can not pass this thing. I study, I have a positive attidute but no. I want to teach so bad. I have been trying to get other jobs but it just seems t like no one will hire me. I have good references and a good work history for the most part but no luck. I get so down sometimes that I just don't know what is wrong. I try so hard. I have always been a strong beleiver in God but I have been questioning him lately to. I have had my resume and cover letter checked out by professionals and they have helped me and they say my stuff looks great. Still nothing. I need a job to pay bills and school loans but no one will give me a job. Even if I pass the test there are not many teaching jobs at this time. So what do I do? Money is not everything but is something we need. I feel like such a failure at times. I have a good grade point average ant great references from my cooperating teacher and supervisor from my university but still I can not pass this test. How do you keep on going when you know you are trying your hardest and nothing good is happening for you?

Pamela Hall of KS 4:39PM May 14, 2010

I am in my early 40's. I live in Florida. I have 13 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. I was laid off because of budget cuts. Since I have been unemployed, I have been working on teacher re-certification. I have also added additional certification in order to be more marketable. I am going to keep a positive attitude and see if I can find a job during the summer or in the early fall. If I am not able to find a teaching job, then I will have to consider a job where there is a great need. I am very trainable, flexible, and an excellent team player. As it says in the Good Book, in the book of Job, "Faith will give me courage!" I wish everyone the very best at whatever they are doing. America is the greatest country in the whole world by the grace of God! God Bless America and America Bless God. This country was founded on the principles of our forefathers' faith in God.

Cyndi Trantham of FL 8:55AM May 13, 2010

The bumblebee can't fly & the V8 engine is impossible to build. We have heard this many times. Right? These are both false. Lets be honest with ourselves Guys, bitterness gets us no where. What is really going on here? Let's concentrate on what we can do, not what we can or what is wrong with something else. I am a recruiter placing financial people and have done so for 25 years. I'm married with 6 kids and a wife that does not work. Yes, better luck selling icecubes to Eskimos! However, the world does not owe me anything. Sure it is tough. Let's quit thinking of our selves as being dependant on an economic umbilical chord. (employer) Hey, I made choices of how to spend my earnings when I had a fat stack, and I need to be accountable for how I did that. Risk.... Reward. The degree to which I lived up to or beyond my means is my issue not the world's issue. If I learn something from this maybe I can do a better job educating my childrenon how to deal with finances to handle situations like this in the future. All boats rise in high tide. That tells me nothing about the boat. How do I float in a drought? More importantly how do I respond? How do Ii treat others?The past 2 years have been an opportunity for me reflect on life issues and to change some of my priorities. The Lord is my Shephard, I shall not want. .................He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. ....I shall dwell in the house of the Lord.. (That my friend is 1 big house which I am sure has a view, AC and a full fridge.) What's on your plate today that you are not seeing? Sometimes it takes a dark night to see the brightest stars! Can I have an Amen?

Ron Theby CPA of MO 7:48PM May 11, 2010

If "traditional" employers won't hire old people (too high health premium costs, perhaps?) or younger people (less work experience than a 30 or 40-something would clearly have), then SCREW "traditional" employers!
Self-employment is the answer.
The problem, of course, is the credit crunch.
It's making it tough for smaller start-ups to...well...to start up, actually.
But that's the answer.
Corporate America is ageist, for sure, whether it's the over 50 crowd or the fresh-out-of-school crowd.
Just find some savings, if any, and if at all possible, start something up.
Maybe something with low overhead, if possible (consulting is always a good one).
People left waiting will end up still waiting...and waiting...and waiting.
That's just a lame course of events for otherwise ambitious Americans.
Find a S.C.O.R.E. mentor and a little financial help, if at all accessible (savings, a kind and generous investor, perhaps), and just start your own thang.

Dismayed at economy, but currently employed of IL 6:11PM May 11, 2010

All of the things that we have to encounter in these days are HORRIBLE. I am 59 years old and jobless for more than 1 year. I feel that our society is punishing with extreme cruElty to workers passing certain ages. I wished we have a better more accertive National Labor Deparment. Me C.

nilda of MD 1:54PM May 08, 2010

So many of hte un employed/underemployed are just trying to survive that they are not evein thinking about what this is doing to their future. Soicial Security sends statements that assume you will be employed until retirement and your income will grow, that is no longer the case. For those who CAN get a job, it will most likely pay less so the contribution to a 401K will be less if at all. This will have a huge effect on the baby boomers looking at retirement not to forget the younger generations who will be trying to support themselves while being taxed to support the 'elderly'. Of course, none on this effects the policians who have a terrific retirement program paid by our taxes.

death is the only answer of CA 1:24PM May 07, 2010