59 and unemployed

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.

LMK

I believe every individual case is different, I don't believe that your age will be a factor if the right circumstances arise. I know a few lads from the construction industry in their 30's that are out of work since '08/09, one of them thinks that he's too old to get work too! it's just the way with men who keep up an image that nothing gets to them so don't despair too much, you must get satisfaction in working with timber looking at the quality of your work, I'm sure many an employee would like to get as much from their job. Good man for posting in the first place.

alexlyons

To the poster how was asked his they feel about being older than most graduates, they aren't legally allowed ask you this.
Now I understand the time has past, and even if you were in the interview its pretty hard to say "sorry, you can't ask me that" as they could immediately turn against your supposed attitude.

However, no interviewer is allowed as a question in an interview that cannot be asked to all potential candidates.

Maphisto

alexlyons wrote: »

To the poster how was asked his they feel about being older than most graduates, they aren't legally allowed ask you this.
Now I understand the time has past, and even if you were in the interview its pretty hard to say "sorry, you can't ask me that" as they could immediately turn against your supposed attitude.

However, no interviewer is allowed as a question in an interview that cannot be asked to all potential candidates.

Agreed but what is the recourse after you don't get the job?

alexlyons

Maphisto wrote: »

Agreed but what is the recourse after you don't get the job?

You can take a case to the equality tribunal to have an investigation carried out by a Tribunal Equality Officer.

If the officer finds that discrimination has occurred, they may award redress.
They often find that discrimination has occurred but it is likely that the candidate would not have got the job any way, and therefore award minimal redress (monetary compensation).
The maximum monetary compensation is €12,460.

martinn123

Hi Kadman,

First let me say 1954, was a very good year, (as I know ).
I faced up to your situation a few years ago, following various jobs, which closed for various reasons, and a disaster of a Ltd Co effort, where my partner, destroyed the Co. Finances through stupid purchases.

Anyway, first, Recruitment Co's.... Avoid at all costs, useless, some 20 yr old, interested only in Commission sees you as a non entity, not worth of his/her efforts
Similarly I am afraid most employers who might advertise direct.
They see us as a prospect, from whom them might get 3/4years at most before we fall off our perch.

So I concluded you have to do it yourself,

Start a business,

You have obvious skills, no doubt all the Tools required, so...

Those pic's you posted are great, those items will sell.

Start small, maybe on DoneDeal, or even EBay, mention in your add that you can do Commissions, as well as standard sizes.

Try local Enterprize Board, although they concentrate on exportable products, and job creation.

You mentioned you are on Soc Welfare, good stay there till this generates some income, you also mentioned an " early Pension " at 62, not sure such a thing exists, but am open to correction.

Taking control of the situation under your own wing and not relying on Agencies, Adverts, Etc, where you will get a knock back, will give you much satisfaction.

Go for it, use you obvious skills, to produce items customers WILL buy, and just do it.

Remember the change to the Pension age, means we have till 66 before we qualify for a State Payment, that's another 7 years, let's not give up.

Good luck, and keep posting.

kadman

martinn123 wrote: »

Hi Kadman,

First let me say 1954, was a very good year, (as I know ).
I faced up to your situation a few years ago, following various jobs, which closed for various reasons, and a disaster of a Ltd Co effort, where my partner, destroyed the Co. Finances through stupid purchases.

Anyway, first, Recruitment Co's.... Avoid at all costs, useless, some 20 yr old, interested only in Commission sees you as a non entity, not worth of his/her efforts
Similarly I am afraid most employers who might advertise direct.
They see us as a prospect, from whom them might get 3/4years at most before we fall off our perch.

So I concluded you have to do it yourself,



Start a business,

You have obvious skills, no doubt all the Tools required, so...

Those pic's you posted are great, those items will sell.

Start small, maybe on DoneDeal, or even EBay, mention in your add that you can do Commissions, as well as standard sizes.

Try local Enterprize Board, although they concentrate on exportable products, and job creation.

You mentioned you are on Soc Welfare, good stay there till this generates some income, you also mentioned an " early Pension " at 62, not sure such a thing exists, but am open to correction.

Taking control of the situation under your own wing and not relying on Agencies, Adverts, Etc, where you will get a knock back, will give you much satisfaction.

Go for it, use you obvious skills, to produce items customers WILL buy, and just do it.

Remember the change to the Pension age, means we have till 66 before we qualify for a State Payment, that's another 7 years, let's not give up.

Good luck, and keep posting.

Great post,

And i agree, if i want change, then I have to change things myself indeed. And thats what I am aiming for at the moment.

I do have the skills, the tools, and more important, the energy and motivation to move things forward for my own benefit.

I am definitely not one of those that will be happy to sit in the position that the system has placed me in. So onwards and upwards. I have a few ideas up me sleeve, so intend to test them to see if they hold water.

On the pension thing at 62. Its a new initiative that seeks to move those of 60plus on the long term unemployment section, into an early retirement situation.

basically playing with the unemployed figures, and retiring my skillset, and of those in a similar role.

My skills retire when I pop me clogs, and not before..:D

WildRosie

I'm afraid I don't have any advice OP, I just wanted to say I wish I had somewhere to hang those gates, and money to pay for them. They're beautiful

kadman

Thats a lovely sentiment, thankyou:)

Maybe a lotto win will see us both sorted, and I,d be glad to take an order:)

Thankyou

kadman

Another jobless few days, no replies, no emails..............same old story.

But I notice there are plenty of joinery design jobs in the uk that would be perfect for me, pity. I was talking to a former work colleague today, and he told me he was recently encouraged to consider roles to suit him in New Zealand and oz.

But after a lifetime in the same place as a joiner, he cannot go as he has no qualification papers.

So..............in order to get myself a tactile portfolio...........i am just completing this:D

ifah

kadman wrote: »

Another jobless few days, no replies, no emails..............same old story.

But I notice there are plenty of joinery design jobs in the uk that would be perfect for me, pity. I was talking to a former work colleague today, and he told me he was recently encouraged to consider roles to suit him in New Zealand and oz.

But after a lifetime in the same place as a joiner, he cannot go as he has no qualification papers.

So..............in order to get myself a tactile portfolio...........i am just completing this:D

Hi Kadman,

I've been meaning to reply to this thread but never found time. I love the carvings and I love anyone who works within the small Hand Craft industry. It looks like it is something you love and are very good at - have you looked at continuing with the crafting and pushing your skills more on-line to allow people to interact with / order directly from you. Getting a website up and running (especially a portfolio one) should not take too much expense / effort and it would greatly broaden your potential client base.

Also maybe look at entering some pieces in this : http://www.rds.ie/crafts - it would be good to increase exposure etc.

Here's a sample of small crafters doing beautiful work (just picked these because I love the skill) : http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=81473288

This thread is just brilliant - shows the entire process.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056368840


So anyway - my point is that your skills look amazing - would be a shame not to make a living out of them - so get a website with some of your portfolio on it and see how it goes.

Maybe you could also do some part time teaching / one-on-one lessons as well - maybe even get some youtube videos up which you can use to drive traffic to you ...... are you anywhere near a tourist centre that you could take a couple of tourists and give them some basic lessons etc ? (this would need insurance etc.) See if there is any local craft galleries you could partner with to offer a live experience to customers !

Final thought - I think you said you're in midlands - you should be within easy reach of bog oak then - the american market can't get enough of it - have a look on ebay to see what bog oak blanks etc sell for.