59 and unemployed

kadman

At 59 years of age , highly skilled in Woodwork related crafts,and unemployed for 4+ years. Do I have to accept the inevitable situation that I am unemployable. Well at least according to my last job application reply.

I applied for a position that I would be ideally suited for, 70 mile round trip commute on main roads. Ideal.

The company replied, that they did not see this as a viable commute, on a daily basis:eek:FFS.

half the country is commuting longer distances, and I spent 18 months doing a 200 mile round trip commute daily. Never missed a day, and I was first in and last out.

I think the underlying reason was because of my age, but of course they cant say that.

I,ve applied for dozens on top of dozens in the last 4 years, very few replies at all, and no interview offers.

Cabin fever is starting to kick in now, I,ve offered my skills in volunteering roles in the community for house repair ect, and am waiting on the vetting for that at the moment.

But is it a fact of life staring me in the face, that its doubtful I will get any job offer at 59. I,m starting to believe thats the case.

Any other 55+ year olds in the same sinking boat???:)

Rhys Essien

Its a pity if you feel your age is holding you back.In America you would be have no hassle as they are big on the anti ageism thing.Have you tried places like B+Q hardware store?.They seem to have a policy of employing older people.

kadman

I dont think employers here have cottoned on to the life experience and skills of the more mature employee:D

I believe they would rather opt for the younger option, whereby they can exert more pressure on them, in order to keep their job. Older workers would be less likely to take undue abuse in the workplace, I know I would.

The government manufactured slave labour pool has pushed the likes of me onto the fringes of the labour market. I believe the skillsireland.ie group did a report on this very topic of the possibility of the 55+ years, unemployed, men in particular securing a job position at this age. And the percentages succeeding were very low.

And retraining is not really a viable option either to be honest.

Rhys Essien

Have a read of this

http://www.thematuremarket.com/SeniorStrategic/B&Q_older_worker_policy-10301-5.html

Grand job here for you.You know what you're talking about if you know timber and diy.

http://www.irishjobs.ie/Jobs/B-Q-Store-Manager-7288027.aspx

All the best.

kadman

Rhys Essien wrote: »

Have a read of this

http://www.thematuremarket.com/SeniorStrategic/B&Q_older_worker_policy-10301-5.html

Grand job here for you.You know what you're talking about if you know timber and diy.

http://www.irishjobs.ie/Jobs/B-Q-Store-Manager-7288027.aspx

All the best.

I suspect that the store managers position would require business/retail experience or qualification, which i would not have as my experience would be orientated towards the technical end of woodwork and construction.

Would you not set up a small one man DIY business, you would be run off you feet there is a huge amount of people who cant hang a curtain pole, or a picture hook, or rehang a kitchen press door that's coming off, and there is a lot of people who can do it, but would rather pay someone else to do it.

Maphisto

Hi Kadman - I'm 56 and share your pain.

I think a 35mile commute (an hour at most) is F. all.

Most often I don't get a reply to applications - Supervalu thought I was overqualified after I ripped into their facebook page for no reply/

kadman

mariaalice wrote: »

Would you not set up a small one man DIY business, you would be run off you feet there is a huge amount of people who cant hang a curtain pole, or a picture hook, or rehang a kitchen press door that's coming off, and there is a lot of people who can do it, but would rather pay someone else to do it.

I Have thought about it, but the amount of small diy outfits closing, sort of puts me off.

Along with the lack of proper support in the case of cash only payments with regard to sw. I think it could be too much pain for little or no gain. And of course ther are setting up costs involved. But it might be an option

kadman

Maphisto wrote: »

Hi Kadman - I'm 56 and share your pain.

I think a 35mile commute (an hour at most) is F. all.

Most often I don't get a reply to applications - Supervalu thought I was overqualified after I ripped into their facebook page for no reply/

The old over qualified argument,:D You would think a company would welcome a really qualified applicant. Makes you wonder..

Looks like you and me mate, out to pasture:P

Do you think there is any hope on the horizon for us old geezers:D

NZ_2014

kadman wrote: »

The old over qualified argument,:D You would think a company would welcome a really qualified applicant. Makes you wonder..

Looks like you and me mate, out to pasture:P

Do you think there is any hope on the horizon for us old geezers:D

Ageism is alive and kicking,

I`m 28, and I was asked at an interview (for a graduate job), "You`re a bit older than most graduates, how do you feel about that?" they might as well have said.. "Your too old ya pr**k".

Mrs OBumble

For women, I usually advise leaving the first few years of employment off your CV and buying hair-dye. (No, I'm not kidding).

Not sure if it works so well for guys, but might be worth some experiments - after all, you've got nothing to lose.


NB I disagree re the small handyman business. Bottom droped out of that market as tradespeople dropped their prices. Lots more handymen around now, and between the mucking around, bad payers it's not a good business proposition.

Maphisto

kadman wrote: »

Do you think there is any hope on the horizon for us old geezers:D

I hate to come across as negative but I don't anticipate working again in a "proper" job.

There are bits and pieces here and there.

I did the Census in 2011 (that was a good gig) and other temp odds and ends jobs that come up but ....

Ann Landers

NZ_2014 wrote: »

Ageism is alive and kicking,

I`m 28, and I was asked at an interview (for a graduate job), "You`re a bit older than most graduates, how do you feel about that?" they might as well have said.. "Your too old ya pr**k".

did you get it?

NZ_2014

Ann Landers wrote: »

did you get it?

Nope

Hootanany

Try the big companies Bam or Sisk they are always looking for experienced people, I would rather hire people that know the job than younger persons that are wet behind the ears but that's just me.
Have you considered contracting?

bbam

Don't give up.
I started a lad last month.

He's 63.
Great worker and glad if the job.

doolox

I am afraid that the conclusion I have come to in the current dysfunctional jobs market is that companies will not take on over 50's not mind over 55's in anything but senior mgt roles or roles requiring very advanced levels of skills and administration experience.

They question people coming looking for junior roles or single contributor roles (non management) roles and usually say you will not "fit in" or their are other more suitable candidates available.

The real truth is that there are enough single people living at home with their parents to fill most of the available junior roles available at junior level in most companies at a lower cost to those companies than hiring older, mostly married people with higher costs and other commitments than work. If you do not fit the "normal" profile of moving from a junior position into supervisor and management roles in a certain timeframe then they hiring people do not want to know.

There is also the exclusion that comes from knowing that at advanced ages the payback from any training or education is reduced when compared to someone in the late 30's/early 40's who can spread the cost of any extra trng over a longer working life than someone in their late 50's can.

Self employed, casual work is often the only way to go, if you have no need to apply for a loan or mortgage etc then a permanent role is less important but the stresses and strains of free lance work and the competition involved in seeking work at low rates often is not possible for someone in their late 50's unless they happen to be very good at their job or trade.

kadman

I haven,t given up on it at the moment, but dying my hair to make me look younger is a definite no no, as most of me hair has already left me:D

I will have to look at adapting my skillset towards a niche role if I can. As construction is at an all time low. Although there are some construction jobs on fas.ie. The government crazy job bridge and wpp schemes have been effective in reducing these jobs to slave labour training roles.And even at the risk of doing the 6-9 months, there is absolutely no guarantee of a job offer, even if one should occur at the end of the time frame, company policies may have to offer the role as an advertised position from a point of view of equal opportunities.

The only government initiative on the cards at the moment for me and similar unemployed, is an early retirement option at 62. It just does not make sense to me at all.

I am lucky enough that I dont have a mortgage at all. But I,m not ready for the scrap heap at the moment:)
I,ve just finished these gates for my front entrance.

So everything is still working:)

Maphisto

Nice job on the gates;)

ifah

Kadman. Where are you based ? Just general area. I think that may dictate your options.

Guy:Incognito

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

For women, I usually advise leaving the first few years of employment off your CV and buying hair-dye. (No, I'm not kidding).

Not sure if it works so well for guys, but might be worth some experiments - after all, you've got nothing to lose.
.

I'm 33 but could pass for 25 without people questioning. I'm trying to get a mechanic apprenticeship but I know my age is stopping me getting calls. I've hand delivered CV's and sent ones for the further away jobs. I cant even get a call for an interview despite being more qualified than a 20 year old in the same position( I have experience, was in a garage for 6 months last year before being let go, worked in various other jobs and am a qualified plumber so I've been through an apprenticeship before)
I did think about shaving off the 8 years but figure in this day and age you cant get away with that any more.

As far as other jobs go I've applied for huge amounts and am not even getting calls from them. Motor factor counter person, which I would have thought having the motor experience (I worked in the parts dept too) as well as retail and stores experience in the past I'd at least get an interview, but nothing. It's fairly disheartening.

Ann Landers

NZ_2014 wrote: »

Nope

That's terrifying to me. I'm 30 and will be in the market for graduate and entry-level jobs very soon.

Ann Landers

I find the ageism interesting in that someone 50 plus is much more likely to be well-settled and to therefore stick around, not to mention all that life experience that lends itself to a mature, grounded attitude.

mfceiling

It's shocking alright.

I'm the big 40 this year and I'm normally always first at work and last to leave. We currently start at 7.30 and I'm there every morning at 6.45.


The younger lads bail in at 7.40 - 8.00 and moan all day about work. I did my safe pass recently and sat beside a lad of 18 or 19 who got up after an hour and said he had to go home sick...5 mins before he says to me "I'm out of here, can't be arsed with this on a Saturday"

Chin up OP..the job you deserve is out there.

flutered

is the same when one enters hospital, the money will not be invested in you as its waste, the gov will never get it back off you.

Odelay

kadman wrote: »

I haven,t given up on it at the moment, but dying my hair to make me look younger is a definite no no, as most of me hair has already left me:D

I will have to look at adapting my skillset towards a niche role if I can. As construction is at an all time low. Although there are some construction jobs on fas.ie. The government crazy job bridge and wpp schemes have been effective in reducing these jobs to slave labour training roles.And even at the risk of doing the 6-9 months, there is absolutely no guarantee of a job offer, even if one should occur at the end of the time frame, company policies may have to offer the role as an advertised position from a point of view of equal opportunities.

The only government initiative on the cards at the moment for me and similar unemployed, is an early retirement option at 62. It just does not make sense to me at all.

I am lucky enough that I dont have a mortgage at all. But I,m not ready for the scrap heap at the moment:)
I,ve just finished these gates for my front entrance.

So everything is still working:)

Perfect job there, neat gates hanging bang on, you have an eye for detail.

Don't loose hope, I heard a saying when interviewing, rather have the right man for five years than the wrong man for twenty five years.

Gmol

Hey OP, great job on those gates, you should put up ads for custom furniture etc, I'm sure you would get some interest, a talent like that is too good to waste. Btw where are you based.

kadman

I understand the disheartened feeeling of those in the same boat, applying for jobs, and not even getting a reply. I have a fairly thick skin, so I can normally shrug that off. More their loss I tell myself.

But I feel for the youngsters. Full of enthusiasm , and anxious to put there youthful vigour and learning, on the first step of a potential career, if ofered one. Soul destroying is a word I,ve heard used. painful stuff.

Government needs to recognise the pain that these people are going through...........and do something for them. I dont expect the government to do anything for me really, but the youthful brains of this country are our future. Not for export.

I expect something will turn up. If not I dont get too worked up over it. I know a lot of former work buddies in the same boat, and fairly convinced that there will be nothing out there for them either.

Midlands based, and i have heard it called an unemployment blackspot. But I think the whole country could e described in a similar manner,

Ann Landers

kadman wrote: »

But I think the whole country could e described in a similar manner,

With the exception of Dublin maybe.

kadman

Ann Landers wrote: »

With the exception of Dublin maybe.

Maybe:)

kadman

According to a good personal friend of mine , who is highly placed in the system we speak of.

He is still laughing when I asked him about re training opportunities for someone in a similar position to me. Budget cutbacks, and a complete non acceptance within the system that we are of any benefit if retrained at all. He said 55+ year old males are not a priority for any employment opportunities, or re integration into the workforce, as far as current governenment policy is concerned.

So basically we are redundant in more ways than one.

My past role was a technical manager with a construction company.

professore

There's no such thing as job security anymore for anyone young or old. OP, what about making things and selling them, maybe online? You could test the waters on the QT with one or two pieces to see what demand would be like. You're never too old!

Mr McBoatface

I'm a supervisor in my job, it started out with just two supervisor 3 years ago, now there is 14. Nine of the 14 where over 50 when hired, 3 of 9 where over 60, all unemployed prior to being hired....so there is hope.

I think the problem today is the recruitment companies, they discounted people with technical trades such as toolmakers, fitter turners, industrial electricians and so on for college qualified applicants, most see a CV without a degree and discount it unless the employer specifically states trade qualified people are acceptable. Experiences seems to count for nothing if there are no college qualifications.

I always advise people not to have their age or DOB on the CV and place their last position first directly under their personal profile on the CV. Also don't be afraid to point out you are unemployed and the potential employer can get a payment from the goverment for employing you - Jobsplus. If you can state the you are involved in community/volunteer work while job seeking it shows that you keeping busy.

Have you considered going out on your own with support from sometime like the BTWEA, Full dole for year one and 75% for year two while you try to get up and running. As a pre BTWEA bonus and preparation some community development companies (LEADER Partnerships) run a course on behalf of the DSP. It's one day a week for six months (think it six months), while on the course you receive the equivalent of your job seekers payment but you can work without affecting your payment. So in affect you get 2.5 years of help while you try to get your business up and running.

Also a little know fact is that Obair offices or LESN offices can give you funding of up to 500 euro to do courses such as safe pass or other courses that could be said would help increase your chances of getting a job.

Another thing - I know of two older men who approached an employer advertising for one position in their local town. They informed him that under the Part-time jobs incentive scheme they could both work up to 24 hour for him and receive a welfare payment. The employer took the two lads on, between them he had them working 48 hours a week at the same rate he would have paid one man to work 39 hours, so he was happy out. They where happy out cause the where getting decent enough money with the part time work and the welfare payment combined, plus they still had plenty of time free for fishing. It wouldn't suit everybody but it did them.

BBOC

I just LOVE your gates.

Best of luck.

kadman

Part time Job Incentive Scheme could be an option if a suitable job offer turns up. I can see how tempting that might be to an employer, and it would definitely be something that I would be interested in. Thats assuming of course that an employer would actually be willing to pay for an employee.

And seeing as how the government will supply the same employee on a job bridge scheme for no cost to the employer, the job bridge might be more lucrative to the employer. But its an avenue that might be worth persuing given the right opportunity:)

zoomaway

kadman wrote: »

At 59 years of age , highly skilled in Woodwork related crafts,and unemployed for 4+ years. Do I have to accept the inevitable situation that I am unemployable. Well at least according to my last job application reply.

I applied for a position that I would be ideally suited for, 70 mile round trip commute on main roads. Ideal.

The company replied, that they did not see this as a viable commute, on a daily basis:eek:FFS.

half the country is commuting longer distances, and I spent 18 months doing a 200 mile round trip commute daily. Never missed a day, and I was first in and last out.

I think the underlying reason was because of my age, but of course they cant say that.

I,ve applied for dozens on top of dozens in the last 4 years, very few replies at all, and no interview offers.

Cabin fever is starting to kick in now, I,ve offered my skills in volunteering roles in the community for house repair ect, and am waiting on the vetting for that at the moment.

But is it a fact of life staring me in the face, that its doubtful I will get any job offer at 59. I,m starting to believe thats the case.

Any other 55+ year olds in the same sinking boat???:)

Just a suggestion what about your own business putting flat packs together for people. You'd be surprised at how many people go nuts at trying to do that kind of stuff and almost everything now comes flatpack.
Or what about selling your wood crafts at markets/ car boot sales to test the water before opening a business. Maybe you could find a business partner if you went down that avenue.

Don't give up hope you are never too old.
So agree with the other posters that your wealth of work and life experience should be seen as an asset and not the other way round.

Oh another thing in case you don't have one, maybe a portfolio of your work to showcase what you can do.

Keep trying.

Wishing you lots and lots of luck:o

kadman

zoomaway wrote: »

Just a suggestion what about your own business putting flat packs together for people. You'd be surprised at how many people go nuts at trying to do that kind of stuff and almost everything now comes flatpack.
Or what about selling your wood crafts at markets/ car boot sales to test the water before opening a business. Maybe you could find a business partner if you went down that avenue.

Don't give up hope you are never too old.
So agree with the other posters that your wealth of work and life experience should be seen as an asset and not the other way round.

Oh another thing in case you don't have one, maybe a portfolio of your work to showcase what you can do.

Keep trying.

Wishing you lots and lots of luck:o

I wont be giving up anyway, I have great resolve:)

I suspect I,m probably a typical example of where a lot of trades people can find themselves in the current situation.
Lifelong in a craft, and boom, manufacturing industries gone.
Not the ideal candidate for emigrating, as some countries have age restrictions, and settled here anyway.

So really its a re evaluate my skillset, and re apply them in a slightly non conventional manner, thinking outside of the norm.

I have discovered one thing though today, as I quizzed a few offices associated with training and education ect. they dont really want to know, if you push them outside of their comfort zone. preferring to hand you off to another party.
But that just strengthens my resolve, and makes me an honory old cuss:D

I probably got better advice on this thread to be honest:cool: Thankyou

Maphisto

kadman wrote: »

I wont be giving up anyway, I have great resolve:)

I suspect I,m probably a typical example of where a lot of trades people can find themselves in the current situation.
Lifelong in a craft, and boom, manufacturing industries gone.
Not the ideal candidate for emigrating, as some countries have age restrictions, and settled here anyway.

So really its a re evaluate my skillset, and re apply them in a slightly non conventional manner, thinking outside of the norm.

I have discovered one thing though today, as I quizzed a few offices associated with training and education ect. they dont really want to know, if you push them outside of their comfort zone. preferring to hand you off to another party.
But that just strengthens my resolve, and makes me an honory old cuss:D

I probably got better advice on this thread to be honest:cool: Thankyou

I've noticed that too - we seem to have a lot of departments doing different types of stuff ~ FAS, TUS, RSS, Local Emp ~ it always seems you need to be talking to the other one.

Incidentally I tried the craft markets route, still do a bit at Christmas and Agri shows but its no route El Dorado or a living come to that.

Kablamo!

I know of a few bookies who have recently hired lads in their fifties with no relevant experience if that's any use, even just to raise your spirits. Might be worth checking out.

zoomaway

kadman wrote: »

I wont be giving up anyway, I have great resolve:)

I suspect I,m probably a typical example of where a lot of trades people can find themselves in the current situation.
Lifelong in a craft, and boom, manufacturing industries gone.
Not the ideal candidate for emigrating, as some countries have age restrictions, and settled here anyway.

So really its a re evaluate my skillset, and re apply them in a slightly non conventional manner, thinking outside of the norm.

I have discovered one thing though today, as I quizzed a few offices associated with training and education ect. they dont really want to know, if you push them outside of their comfort zone. preferring to hand you off to another party.
But that just strengthens my resolve, and makes me an honory old cuss:D

I probably got better advice on this thread to be honest:cool: Thankyou

Glad you got some useful advice on this thread boards people can be so helpful and you get a good spectrum of opinions. I think you are right though it is a case of thinking outside the box. I saw a programme the other day about a guy in the UK and when he lost his job he was stuck at home and having to do the wash up. Then he got this great idea to attach a sponge to the rubber glove and attach a capsule container to the outside to hold the washing up liquid, so that the whole washing up process would be much easier and less cumbersome. Anyway he perfected his glove has got it patented ( which apparently is not easy) and it will hit the shops soon if it's not there already. Can't wait to try out the glove myself! I loved the story and it just shows that great ideas can be born sometimes out of sheer necessity.

You're right too about some people not wanting to move outside their comfort zone and that is never a good thing.More thinking and creativity is what we need. Glad to hear you have great resolve because that's what it's all about.

kadman

Maphisto wrote: »

I've noticed that too - we seem to have a lot of departments doing different types of stuff ~ FAS, TUS, RSS, Local Emp ~ it always seems you need to be talking to the other one.

Incidentally I tried the craft markets route, still do a bit at Christmas and Agri shows but its no route El Dorado or a living come to that.

Problem with crafts end , is so many at it. One time turned bowls were expensive in craft shops, now you can get them in poundworld and the like.

I did the craft end many, many years ago, when it was worth doing. Now craft spends are a luxury item for most, so thats gonna be a seasonal thing really.

Yeah been there done that with most of the departments in question......computer says no:)

kadman

Kablamo! wrote: »

I know of a few bookies who have recently hired lads in their fifties with no relevant experience if that's any use, even just to raise your spirits. Might be worth checking out.

The whole thread has raised my spirits to be honest:cool:

Cian92

Another bit of advice, but I know a few people who have rang up their TDs and asked would they know anyone offering a job and they have gotten jobs out of it. It makes sense a TD would have so many connections thye are bound to know someone looking for staff.

beauf

A lot of people can only afford the basics at the moment. You'd probably get some work in doing basic things, like shelves, attics, fencing, gates, doors, custom storage. Maybe enough to get you by until things pick up. Things are picking up slowly. You can see signs of it in Dublin.

zoomaway

Maphisto wrote: »

I've noticed that too - we seem to have a lot of departments doing different types of stuff ~ FAS, TUS, RSS, Local Emp ~ it always seems you need to be talking to the other one.

Incidentally I tried the craft markets route, still do a bit at Christmas and Agri shows but its no route El Dorado or a living come to that.

Totally agree, they need to be more intergrated, not segmented as they are now, would make the whole thing more user friendly, efficent and productive.

Would benefit everyone really.

kadman

Thanks to all who took the time to post, give advice , comment ect , ect,ect,:)

And to all those prospective employers who think I might mess me kecks, with a long drive to work................I,m just finishing this piece that this thread inspired me to make......................and I managed to hold me water while I got this far:D

Nose and leaves to do, nearly there:) hope you like it

Maphisto

kadman wrote: »

Thanks to all who took the time to post, give advice , comment ect , ect,ect,:)

And to all those prospective employers who think I might mess me kecks, with a long drive to work................I,m just finishing this piece that this thread inspired me to make......................and I managed to hold me water while I got this far:D

Nose and leaves to do, nearly there:) hope you like it

Like it.

DLTBGYD

zoomaway

kadman wrote: »

Thanks to all who took the time to post, give advice , comment ect , ect,ect,:)

And to all those prospective employers who think I might mess me kecks, with a long drive to work................I,m just finishing this piece that this thread inspired me to make......................and I managed to hold me water while I got this far:D

Nose and leaves to do, nearly there:) hope you like it

That's so good!

kadman

No updates on jobs ect, just the usual no replies to applications ect, so the usual.

But the tree man is nearing completion:)

And he is younger looking than me, so he is in with a chance of a job:P

Maphisto

Nice job. What is the wood and what finish will you use?

kadman

Maphisto wrote: »

Nice job. What is the wood and what finish will you use?

Thanks.

The wood is ordinary red deal, which is tricky enough to carve. But I could not get lime at the time, which would have been a better choice , as it accepts detail well, and is far more forgiving than red deal.

Danish oil will be the finish I,ll be using. Its very easily applied, leave for a few hours, and wipe off the excess oil. Rinse and repeat when dry:)
Five or six coats will give a durable enough finish.