Last week the blog celebrated its first birthday. Since then, thanks to you, the response has been phenomenal and I share that with humility and gratitude. There is a part of me that wishes our community did not have to exist and those workers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s and yes, 70s enjoyed the respect, pay, opportunities and flexibility to thrive in their careers as they aged in the workforce. Over 5,000 page views in less than a year from all around the world and your comments to me on the blog, privately on LinkedIn, Facebook and my email reminds me of why I began this endeavor last June. Since then, I have met success stories, true heroes-- people like “retiree” Earle Hart, in my home state—Indiana-- who through his volunteer efforts at his church has put over 300 people back to full-time work!! Their ministry, Passport to Employment, is an incredible story that has engaged people in the community and prepared them for a 21st century employment search, but more than that—their program gives job-seekers hope. At the grassroots level, Earle and his cadre of volunteers perform their tasks from the heart in a way no government agency or non-profit with a grant could replicate. Earle and the other volunteers that work with him illustrate moving from personal success in their long careers to a much broader significance in life. Eternal thanks to Bob Hutt, who made that connection through LinkedIn.
In year two there is more to share on not just finding a job at 40+, but managing your career as an experienced worker. According to 2010 US Census data, 39% of the population is older than 45 and people older than 45 represent over half of the voting-age population for the first time in America
The grim report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reminds us that age 50+ job seekers are taking more than a year to find a new job. In that year, some mature workers sink their 401(k) savings into buying a franchise or starting a business with varying degrees of success. I’m looking for someone to share their learning on franchising. Some 50+ people drop out of the workforce all together while many feel forced to take their Social Security at age sixty-two with a reduced benefit which has lifetime consequences. The increased rates of depression, anxiety and relationship problems of job-seekers have not been linked to unemployment in an official study yet—but there is a lot of anecdotal information out there and a recent AARP article reports on the divorce epidemic at 50+. Expect more ideas on staying “Up” in a “down” job market posts. As usual, your ideas fuel the content.
Please continue to visit (and invite friends) join or start a conversation with a comment. I am honored when you forward the blog link (see below) to your network. Thanks for a great first year!
http://workinglater.blogspot.com
Congratulations on completing a year of blogging. It's so much work. I know many people over 40 and 50 that have lost their jobs in the past 3 years, it seemed to hit men harder than women. That's what got me into online business and blogging, fear of losing the day job.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Lisa. Having a back-up plan is important for everyone 40+. You are smart to have an online business and blog. Some men have said they identify their life w/ their work. So when people meet a man, the conversation always gets around to, "where do you work?" or "what do you do?"
DeleteTo Melanie who commented via LinkedIn, thank you for your kind comments. I am happy you find the blog helpful. And to two long time supporters via Facebook, Patti (the first person to "follow" the blog)and Sandra H.--thank you as well.
Congratulations on completing a year of blogging. I have forward your blog link to everyone I know. I am over 60+ and this past year has been difficult for me to find a job. I have taken on some consulting role, but they have all been short-term. I have every intention of applying for my Social Security at age 62 and look for a job doesn’t pay over $14,000 a year. That way I can continue my Social Security Benefits. Although my being unemployment have not affected my marriage yet, it has put a string on it. We no longer have money set aside for hard times. With my husband owning his own business, when I was working, I was able to help him with funds were tight. Now, we try very hard to only spend bare minimal. We definitely do not go out to dinner as much or travel to Florida.
ReplyDeleteYou provide a great service to older workers. You are wise beyond your years. Keep up the good work.
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