new thread
I'm acquainted with the guys on this board enough to know that when I ask them for advice and ideas about how to handle a situation, I'll get it. So, here goes.
I guess this is directed toward the ones in my age group, mainly. I will be 61 in August.
Early in 2009, I lost my job of 13 years. I got another position pretty quick in my wife's office at the State Dept of Education. It was a temporary job, however and when the year was up, it was up.
My question is this: At nearly 61 years old, how does a man find another job, especially if he has hair down to lower part of his back? What should I look for? I can't stand seeing my wife and son both go off to work and/or school every day while I just piddle around home any longer.
I don't even think the hair is the main issue. The market sucks so badly, combined with my age and being off work for over 2 years--well, you get the idea. And, too, we only have one car and my wife has it at her own job everyday.
I'm not even considering cutting the hair that took over three years to grow out.
Maybe the only answer is either to work from home or for myself.
Steve
First and foremost don't cut any of that beautiful hair.
Second thing to consider is even if you did cut your hair at your
age (i'm 57 so i'm in the same age group) there is no guarantee
you'll find work. There is a lot of age discrimination in hiring for those of us over the age 50. Thankfully i've been
employed at the same company for 26 years.
Add to that being unemployed for two years and it will be tough to find work. In this part of the US of A there are ads saying unemployed need not apply.
Now I would caution too I know some guys who cut their hair for interviews only to find out they didn't get the job.
So please do not, under any circumstances, cut your hair.
"...Maybe the only answer is either to work from home or for myself..."
****************
While that is an option it is not necessarily the only one....there are many opportunities out there for "youngin's" like us....
I have nearly a decade on you and understand completely what you are going through. The important part of this stage of our lives is not to fall into the trap of feeling we are "old and finished"....in this rapidly changing world some employers are looking for the work ethic and standards of "our" generation, so we are, in fact, very salable. Open minded employers look past our appearance or even embrace the wrinkles and gray hair....seeing our life experience as an asset to them.
Long Hair on an older person is read differently than long hair on a younger person.....the younger guys are often stereotyped as "rebels"....we older guys are seen as people with strong convictions. I have never had a single negative response to my long hair either in field work or in the board room. Most women really like it....(smile)
Put together a good resume, put on your "Happy Face" and go beat the bushes....my favorite saying is "Do the footwork...and expect a Miracle".
Good Luck and Keep us informed.
Walter (White Tail)
I agree with Walter. When your hair goes gray, nobody cares negatively about how long it is anymore.
This probably goes back to prehistoric human behavior that is ingrained in us all. Long hair on young strong men was seen as a power grab, but gray hair was seen as marking someone to respect because they have seen a lot more seasons than you have. And the more gray hair, the better! You couldn't get historical wisdom from the Internet then. You had to ask a sage.
Why do you think portrayals of gods and wizards so often have them with long gray hair! And long gray beards!
Times are tough all over. The problem is not your hair. Younger guys are now finding it as tough if not tougher to find work than older guys, except in a few fields such as IT.
Bill
You might think this is odd coming from a woman on a long-haired board for men, but I couldn't help reading your statement about not being able to find work.
If you honestly think your age and hair are a problem, then here's a possible solution for you.
Try and find a job working with special education students. They would love to have you as a mentor. They are blind to long hair and age, OKC. If you are able to be patient, sensitive, kind and helpful to students who are different and difficult (I don't like to use the term disabled or disturbed since let's face it, we are ALL different), you will have a job for life.
Most school districts are open all year round and are hiring now through at least the end of July since many schools will start in August. Please GOOGLE schools in your area as well as charter schools, if you have them. There are also many special needs schools which are independent of the traditional school system.
I have found being a special education assistant most rewarding and it beats having to stare at a computer screen all day. You can also, at least where I work, wear jeans and sneakers and what could be better than that?
I hope you give this some thought, OKC and good luck to you.
Sincerely,
California
Good idea except for one flaw in the arguement: many states/cities/towns are hurting budget wise in the US of A. Many teacehrs/teachers aids are being laid off.
it's a pretty good bet that given the budget constraints that
the poisiton would most likely be on a volunteer bssis *read:
un paid position.)
Not in this budget environment. may have been true years ago,
now they have cut staffing to the bone.
I would point out we've got a number of cities and towns that
have laid off all their teachers and will hire only a few of them
back in September.
around here class sizes have balooned big time, staffing has been cut big time, and schools are being closed.
Which is too bad because we desprerately need good people
in our eduction system. Too bad some of our elected officials
don't value education.
You're right, Long Hair In Albany, like I've mentioned a few times in a few previous posts, I was one of them - nearly half of the boxes on my yearly evaluations were marked 'commendable'... enjoyed the job for the most part, but it didn't really matter in the end when it came down to money ~_~ .....
Sad times we live in now-a-days :/ . I read your post and know what you're going through. I'd say do what you're good at and try to make it into a trade. It may take time and a little investment, but it can't hurt while you're looking for a new job... and heck, it makes a person feel good doing something everyday - having a goal to go after :) .
Just a suggestion. It's what I'm trying, it may not work but I'll be damned if for the rest of my life I know I never did try and never would have known the results, good or bad... hopefully good ^_~ . Life is like a box of chocolates, huh :p ? What comes next, who knows~
Sincerely,
Eric
One idea that might help in a couple of ways is trying out some volunteer work. On the one hand, it gives you something to do instead of feeling like you're sitting around at home as you mentioned. Secondly, unpaid work experience is still better than extended periods of no work on the resume when you do find an opening for paid work.
I've no idea what your financial situation is like, but if your family income allows, you might even find something you want to stick with that way.
Beyond that I'd have to know more about what you've done to offer much more in the way of advice.
Best of luck,
Frodo
Hi Steve,
I may not be quite as old as you yet but since I just joined the half century club recently that should be close enough.A couple weeks ago marked my 18th year with my current company but sadly that did not mean much back in March, when for the first time ever, I was caught up in a lay off with one other co worker.Fortunately I was called back ten weeks later but it was an eye opener to what I thought was a secure job after so many years but in reality was quite fragile.Now I have no illusions about my company anymore knowing that when things get dicey again my number may be drawn upon.For the record I work as a service technician in the HVAC industry and am a member of a trade union.So now I have to think about as I go deeper into my 50s what the future will hold.Before this happened I was actually looking to make a job change that would get me to the west coast but work in Cali isn't so great currently.I have been in contact with the union BA out in Cali but so far nothing positive has been said about work prospects.My hope is to transfer out west and retire eventually there.Sorry for running off a little about your concern but I feel you will eventually land something if this darn economy can get rolling again.It seems certain industries are fine while others aren't so that could be a factor in your case as I don't recall your profession.Anyway for all its worth this is my story and I hope something good does come your way my friend.Cheers
Mârk
Steve,
Lone hair for men when left loose is provocative. I suggest you learn to put your hair in a bun at the base of your neck and I am willing to be that interviewers will not notice -- mostly they are oblivious.
Caledonian
I spent three years at one time working for myself from home, but I was still doing the same job. Ultimately, it didn't work out, but we didn't starve, even though we owed some back taxes.
Whether you can do anything like that depends on what you do or have done for a living, and/or what other skills you have that you can turn into a way of making money. Most people can think of at least some skills that they can turn into an income, whether or not it's enough by itself, but at least there are others bringing money into the house in your case.
Hi Steve,
You have such excellent advise and ideas already presented from so many folks that have replied below me here, I'm not sure I can add much now; but would like to at least say the following [hopefully] helpful comments:
I've been a member of the board here since early '04, and although have not be active much recently, would like to mention that it's been my privilege and honor to have gotten to know the following members quite well by now (including "behind-the-scenes", many of them even several times in-person, especially when I used to be one of the Moderators here at MLHH), -- so I greatly admire and trust heir advise. White Tail, Bill, J S Frodo, electros, Hairball, Caldonian, and more recently, Long Hair in Albany, they are all wise & very sincere men. I believe each one of them, plus others that have also responded, all have some excellent points and suggestions for you.
Going out into the world and doing ANYthing, even if you are financially secure enough to be able to afford to stay at home right now, will serve your mind & body (and self-confidence) well.
Whether you decide to do some volunteer work for awhile, take an inexpensive class of some kind to expand your skills and/or knowledge, or pursue even a modest-paying new career direction of some type that you've always dreamed about or been a bit curious to explore -- whatever it ends up being, as long as you're not just staying at home & watching TV (or any other similar form of being too idle), you'll find that being active in some way or another will eventually lead you into the right direction, ultimately landing yourself a good job match.
... My $.02 worth, anyway!
Good luck in your pursuits, and my best to you!!
Sincerely,
Ken in San Francisco
Hi again Steve,
Here in California we have the EDD (Employment Development Department). I assume you have the same or at least similar type of State agency in your home state.
Years ago I took a free 4-day class /workshop from our EDD office here in San Francisco, during a time when I was having a tough decision to make re. a career change I was facing. The class was not only totally FREE, but also VERY VERY INFORMATIVE -- it included everything from such topics as best available local career choices, how to go on a job interview, what to prepare for, HOW to prepare, etc., etc....
The state of Oklahoma I'm sure must have the same or similar sort of thing available to you. And even if they might charge a nominal fee, it would be well worth it to check it out.
I hope this helps!!
- Ken
What he said!
Obviously, if the financials don't work, it isn't an option, but I know plenty of people who have had volunteer gigs that they were passionate about that transitioned into paying jobs.
"...I know plenty of people who have had volunteer gigs that they were passionate about that transitioned into paying jobs..."
Great Advice, Pup !
Volunteering in a library has always worked for me !
Just keep on with the Job hunting and do not cut that hair! Those who will hire you are not the ones who want you to cut your hair.
Those who will not hire you because of your age, they need to get a real life.
Good luck in your job search!
Birdman