Workers Over 50 Are Experiencing Tremendous Discrimination
Unemployed workers in their fifties are finding themselves in a difficult situation. They’re too young to retire but they may also be too old to be re-hired.
Researchers at BostonCollege say, call them the “new unemployables.”
According to an Urban Institute study published last year, workers in their fifties are about 20 percent less likely to get re-employed that workers aged 25 to 34.
Mary Matthews, 57, who has been unemployed or had temp jobs for the last 5 years said, “Once you leave the job market, trying to get back in it is a monster.” Employers rarely get back to her, and when they do she’s often told she is “overqualified” for the position. Sometimes she wonders: Is that just a euphemism for too old?
That’s a question on the minds of many older workers.
Take Jill Cummings, 55, who has thought about dying her gray hair in order to get a job. Then there’s Tony Kash, 50, who wonders why his 30 years experience in manufacturing and management is no match for 25-year-olds fresh out of college with business degrees.
The average duration of unemployment for workers ages 55 to 64 was 11 months as recently as January, according to the Labor Department. That’s three months longer than the average for 25- to 36-year-olds.
Given these circumstances, many workers can’t help but think age discrimination is a factor. AARP’s Public Policy Institute surveyed unemployed baby boomers in 2010 and 2011. While 71% blamed their unemployment on the bad economy, almost half also said they believed age discrimination was also at play.
Employers may also have other reasons for not employing the older generation of workers. Older workers are less likely to have the latest skills in education and technology. “When there’s a large supply of unemployed workers, employers can afford to be choosier, and they’re opting for workers they think are less expensive or more recently trained,” said Sara Rix, senior strategic policy advisor for AARP’s Public Policy Institute.
That’s a hard reality for older job-seekers. “When you’re at 55 or 60, you’ve had a lifetime of work. You’ve played by the rules, and the rug has been pulled out from under you,” Rix added.
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9 Responses to Workers Over 50 Are Experiencing Tremendous Discrimination
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Should,nt be thinking about being employed and working for somebody else in your 50,s maybe they should think about being self employed ,be your own boss.I’m not far of the big 50 myself and i,m putting things in place to work for myself now instead of for some jumped up asshole boss whose most likely younger and does,nt know what the hell he,s talking about.Being your own boss is where its at as far as i’m concerned.
marcus davis
March 1, 2013 at 12:11 am
Its really the only way as you get older. The corporate model is now about gutting labor cuts including benefits. You cut the most cost by cutting as many permanent non-union employees as possible.
It is non almost irresponsible not to put money away in order to at least attempt to get an enterprise off the ground. When corporations cut you, the slice is clinical and quick. The George Cooney movie “Up in the Air” should give folks some idea of what goes on. And the impersonality of it all should give everyone the impetus to get prepared.
Jeffrey Perot
March 1, 2013 at 2:34 am
I made the decision to quit the job at age 50 after working 26 years for the same company. I have been self employed for the last 6 years. I make my own paper which is not as much as I did when I was employed and I don’t have the luxury I once had with the M-Benz, but I have peace of mind, and my VA Insurance to cover my health care needs. I tried looking for work, but somehow companies always manage to place questions on the application to figure your age and of course the color of your skin. I call myself a serial entrepreneur, and spend wonderful time with my grandchildren and enjoying life without looking at the clock. I have always wondered do they ask, what is your race, on employment application if you live in Asia, Australia, Europe or Africa, South America and Anartica?
Terrell
March 1, 2013 at 1:42 am
Been unemployed since 2010,have been in my profession for over 30 years,no more unemployment,unable to get public assistance,no children,no mental or physical disability,now 56 years old,unable to get retirement(social security),so what can be done,homeless,no income,do odd obs to get by,any suggestions.
Gotskills56
March 1, 2013 at 2:20 am
only maybe trying to find a willing relative in a part of the country with the lowest cost of living you can find to take you in. If you’re staying in a high cost of living part of the country, staying there with your diminished wealth, can only accelerate your net worth the a negative direction.
In a prospective new part of the country with a better value on the dollar you can try to get a foothold.
Jeffrey Perot
March 1, 2013 at 6:26 am
Hi Gotskills56, contact me via Facebook!!!!!
Carol Muhammad
March 1, 2013 at 7:30 pm
What are the “odd” jobs? Have you established yourself as a small business? If not, do so. Run your “odd jobs” just like a business. Pay your taxes, files your income tax on your “odd jobs” income and manage your expenses so that you can claim business expenses. Begin to look at ways that you can increase the number of jobs you can do in a day. Since I don’t know what the odd jobs are, it is difficult to advise you on the next steps. You have taken some great beginning steps, you must see yourself as a small business owner and operate in that fashion.
The Small Business Administration offers classes for small business owners. Use dollars you and the rest of Americans pay each year to have this service available to us.
If you create a business, then you can hire employees, apply for a small business loan and there are other benefits but you have to establish yourself as a business owner.
Do it Right! Do it Write! Do it now!!!
Patricia
March 2, 2013 at 4:27 am
I am sooooooooo glad that this is one problem I have no worries about I lived a simple life and now I enjoy the fruits of my labor so life is good.
rosemary davis
March 1, 2013 at 8:33 pm