Good jobs for the over 55's

Arkady

A family member, who has their kids reared and through college and no debts, is looking to downsize to a less stressful and less hassle job they can do full time at first, and then perhaps as the years move on, part time until their late 60's and even beyond if their health holds up. They are the type that would like to keep working, at least part time, as long as possible.

Has anyone any experience of this, or seen their family members do it successfully, and any good recommendation for jobs that might not spring to mind immediately ?

Zipppy

Public service

Arkady

If your serious, specifically, what type of jobs and where. If you're not, might be better not to waste your time and mine.

Mrs OBumble

What skills and experiences does this person have? This will largely determine what else they're suitable for doing.

Why can't they simply down-grade jobs in their current industry?

Arkady

They feel like a change and why shouldn't they if they do ? They're very capable at anything they do really, they just want more time for themselves and their leisure / family, hence the planned downshift. They're not fussy as to what work it might be, they get pleasure from doing whatever they do well. Some jobs / industries just prefer young employees, and the person has no issue with that. So now we've dealt with that, have you any helpful constructive suggestions ? Have you any experience of this yourself, or seen other older people do it successfully and what track did they take ?

Speedwell

"Capable at anything they do" is a lovely compliment, but it does not explain why they are better than the rest of the pack when it comes to being hired for a certain job. When I get jobs, it's based on what I have done, not on what I could do. What work experience do they have? What activities have taught them what skills? What do they like doing and are good at? What compliments do they tend to hear the most about themselves? What sort of people do they like to be around? What would they NOT like doing?

54and56

Arkady wrote: »

They're very capable at anything they do really, they just want more time for themselves and their leisure / family, hence the planned downshift. They're not fussy as to what work it might be, they get pleasure from doing whatever they do well.

Arkady, if you list out the skills and experience these people have along with any other interests or hobbies they enjoy it would be easier for people to try and match opportunities to your relatives capabilities.

seamus

Without knowing any details, supermarket work is very popular with the older generation of women who have their kids raised into teenage years and don't want to spend their days pottering about the house. It's a very social environment, minimal stress, pay is usually better than minimum wage. Doesn't require any specific skills.

Arkady

I think people are getting off track here. It's not a new career they are looking for, it's a job to downsize to, when they are finished with their current career.

This person is an all rounder, and can work in anywhere from Dunnes, to McDonalds, to Taxi Driving to Van Driving, to Petrol attendant, Coffee shops etc. etc. etc. It doesn't matter to them, and they would be excellent at any of those jobs and more. They are the fit and healthy type, that God willing will be able to work well into their 70's and they want to.

What they are wondering is e.g. McDonalds, or Dunnes to take purely arbitrary examples (there may be better ones), you don't see many older people working in there, so that might not be the best of choice for them, and that is probably for a reason, so they would rather work where older people are more common, so they can continue this work, even part time, for as long as they are healthy.

Some people out there may have experience of what has worked well for themselves or older relatives and that is all that is being asked here.

(e.g. It might not have caught on here yet, where the single career and job for life mentality still survives in some areas, but In America, it's extremely common for older people, who have retired from a career, to be working in such jobs. Not so much here yet, but it will be. The day of decent pension for most workers is over. When my relative was in America recently they got talking to people their age that had downsized to all sorts of things in their retirement, e.g. from Laywer to bus driver, from Dentist to Coffee shop worker, and they thought that was a very healthy approach to retirement.)

Ireland is not exactly America, hence the question of what jobs might suit here, until the culture eventually shifts or may not.

Speedwell

Arkady wrote: »

(e.g. It might not have caught on here yet, where the single career and job for life mentality still survives in some areas, but In America, it's extremely common for older people, who have retired from a career, to be working in such jobs. Not so much here yet, but it will be. The day of decent pension for most workers is over. When my relative was in America recently they got talking to people their age that had downsized to all sorts of things in their retirement, e.g. from Laywer to bus driver, from Dentist to Coffee shop worker, and they thought that was a very healthy approach to retirement.)

Ireland is not exactly America, hence the question of what jobs might suit here, until the culture eventually shifts or may not.

Um, I'm an American. Even in America, older people looking for jobs don't have such jobs handed to them. They have to compete based on their skills and experience. Whether in America or here, I would not hire someone... I would not hire anyone... based on their claim of, "oh, I worked all my life in much higher paying and difficult jobs, so this job is a doddle for me". I wouldn't even call the arrogant SOB back.

Arkady

Speedwell wrote: »

Um, I'm an American. Even in America, older people looking for jobs don't have such jobs handed to them. They have to compete based on their skills and experience.

No one said a job should be 'handed to them'. Not all jobs require specific previous experience. If you can't seem to accept that this person has the ability skills to do any of these jobs, the same way anyone starting in any of these jobs has, trust me they have. The only difference is their age.

Speedwell

Arkady wrote: »

No one said a job should be 'handed to them'. Not all jobs require specific previous experience. If you can't seem to accept that this person has the ability skills to do any of these jobs, the same way anyone starting in any of these jobs has, trust me they have. The only difference is their age.

I can't and don't accept that this person has the ability and skills to do "any of these jobs". Any of "these" (unspecified) jobs? Seriously? As an employer all I care about is their ability and skills to do the specific job I'm hiring for, relative to the ability and skills of the other applicants. As someone in international IT and engineering who has had the unenviable task of training senior engineers to do tasks they consider beneath their dignity because they "know better" or because "it's not the way we've always done it" or "the juniors just don't know what they're talking about" or "I won't take orders from that younger person", I would think hard before employing an older person even based on their work record, especially for a demanding, customer-contact, variable-hours, must-take-orders type of part-time job. It would depend on their temperament and inclination as well as their (possibly obsolete) skills. I'm no spring chicken myself, but I would never expect to be given a job I wasn't experienced in over a younger person who had actually demonstrated success in that particular job before.

Kristopherus

Arkady wrote: »

No one said a job should be 'handed to them'. Not all jobs require specific previous experience. If you can't seem to accept that this person has the ability skills to do any of these jobs, the same way anyone starting in any of these jobs has, trust me they have. The only difference is their age.

Is it yourself you are posting about? Because to me the 55yr old is coming across as the greatest thing since fried bread.

Mrs OBumble

Arkady wrote: »

This person is an all rounder, and can work in anywhere from Dunnes, to McDonalds, to Taxi Driving to Van Driving, to Petrol attendant, Coffee shops etc. etc. etc.

What they are wondering is e.g. McDonalds, or Dunnes to take purely arbitrary examples (there may be better ones), you don't see many older people working in there,

Some McDonalds do take older people. When I was working there the joke was that you came to our store to see your niece at work, and one in a smaller city about an hour away to see your grannie.

That said - you say that the person "can work anywhere", and list a range of entry-level jobs. But Does the person actually have skills and experience in customer service? Do they have a taxi license? Van license? HACCP certification (it's food-hazard identification, needed for some deli and cafe work)? Etc. Or are you just assuming (incorrectly) that of course they could handle the work because they've got a fair bit of cop-on?

If they've never done any of those jobs before, and cannot demonstrate transferable skills from what they've done before, then they will have a hard time convincing an employer to take them on.

One option that you've not listed is home-care work for elderly / disabled people. For this to be an option, your relative would need to be of a caring disposition, be able to be get garda vetting, and they would need to do and pass some FETAC (whatever it's called now - QQI???) courses. Can be very flexible work, usually not full time at first (you have to prove yourself) - but is emotionally harder than it looks.

If you tell us what skills the person has and in what industry, we can perhaps suggest some step-down type roles in those areas. Your call if you don't want to do that - but we cannot be very helpful without more knowledge.

Arkady

Kristopherus wrote: »

Is it yourself you are posting about? Because to me the 55yr old is coming across as the greatest thing since fried bread.

No, but they have been very good to me. Any other problems ?

The Diddakoi

Arkady wrote: »

If you can't seem to accept that this person has the ability skills to do any of these jobs, the same way anyone starting in any of these jobs has, trust me they have. The only difference is their age.

The thing is the average employer will not just "accept that this person has the ability skills to do any of these jobs".

These days you need proof.

I worked as a carer for 20 years, than decided to go back to work. (I am nearly 50). I am just finishing my second year of full-time college doing a business degree with advanced IT, as although I have never been out of work, I still need up-to-date qualifications to get a job.

Arkady

Speedwell wrote: »

I can't and don't accept that this person has the ability and skills to do "any of these jobs".

Well lets say they do (as they do) and then perhaps move the thread on in a more positive and productive direction.

Speedwell

Arkady wrote: »

Well lets say they do (as they do) and then perhaps move the thread on in a more positive and productive direction.

Nope, you can't just claim that, as others have stated besides me.

Arkady

alf66 wrote: »

The thing is the average employer will not just "accept that this person has the ability skills to do any of these jobs".

Again, I didn't say that an employer has to. The applicant is well used to the job application process and securing employment and what it takes, and they will do that. They are looking for suggestions as to what jobs to target for older people, that they sucessfully continue into older age.

Can we move it past this argument please ?

alf66 wrote: »

I worked as a carer for 20 years, than decided to go back to work. (I am nearly 50). I am just finishing my second year of full-time college doing a business degree with advanced IT, as although I have never been out of work, I still need up-to-date qualifications to get a job.

Good for you, but this person already has two degrees, and been there and done that, and is not looking for a job where a degree is required. They are downsizing, not moving up.

The Diddakoi

Arkady wrote: »

Again, I didn't say that an employer has to. The applicant is well used to the job application process and securing employment and what it takes, and they will do that.

Can we move it past this argument please ?




Good for you, but this person already has two degrees, and been there and done that, and is not looking for a job where a degree is required. They are downsizing, not moving up.

Well, as long as they don't have your attitude problem I'm sure they will be fine

Good Luck

benjamin d

OP you're being very aggressive to all posters here - bizarrely so. Why not answer the questions you've been asked about this person's relevant experience so that someone can help you out, rather than jumping down the throat of every commenter.

anothernight

OP, it's very difficult to offer suggestions without knowing anything about the experience and skills of this person. All you've given is their age!

What qualifications do they have? Do they like working with people? Would they prefer something based at home? Have they ever held a customer-facing position? Do they have a full drivers licence? etc etc etc.

Jellybaby1

Arkady wrote: »

.......(e.g. It might not have caught on here yet, where the single career and job for life mentality still survives in some areas, but In America, it's extremely common for older people, who have retired from a career, to be working in such jobs. Not so much here yet, but it will be. The day of decent pension for most workers is over. When my relative was in America recently they got talking to people their age that had downsized to all sorts of things in their retirement, e.g. from Laywer to bus driver, from Dentist to Coffee shop worker, and they thought that was a very healthy approach to retirement.)...

A Lawyer will have made his money by the time he is in his 50's. So I think he/she could consider voluntary work instead. Bus drivers although you might not think they are highly skilled, need a lot of patience and focus to do such a monotonous job all day, but they are paid very well compared to basic rates. I am in my 60's now. I became redundant some years ago when the recession hit. I found it impossible then in my 50's to get any kind of job at all. I got maybe no more than half a dozen interviews in the first three years. I had been working as a secretary, but interviewers would say things like 'you are just what we need' and then I wouldn't hear from them again, or 'you are over-qualified for the job' which is just another excuse to get rid of me, and another comment was 'you live too far away' - that was a north side city company and I live on the south side. Then another interview was rather telling when I was ushered into the interview the face of the interviewer just dropped when he saw me, he was obviously not expecting someone my age and I could see him searching my CV for my d.o.b. as I sat down. He couldn't wait to end the interview. All I eventually got was a two month temporary assignment. I am still technically unemployed. I would still love to be working in a poorly paid secretarial role. If you ever find out how someone over 50 can get any kind of job would you please let us all know over in the 'Oulwans and 'Oulfellas Forum. That's where I usually hang out. Besides all of this, I was told that older people should not be taking menial jobs away from young people who are trying to get on the first rung of the ladder in a very difficult job market. I hope things have improved by now but its too late for me. I wish you luck and hope you get positive news soon.

Merrion

Freelance [thing they already do] an option?

If they have good written communication skills then technical writer/copywriter are options that can be done flexibly and from home.

Saint Sonner

:rolleyes: Luas Driver if you get stick the incredibly unfair wages!!!

bullpost

One option is to look at opportunities to re-use skills in the charity sector - e.g. Good IT or sales or marketing skills . Pay would be less but so would stress.

ESRI are looking for people frequently to do surveys.

Another option is to join a barter group - swap your skills for things you need.

Carers - Companies like HomeInstead are always looking for people.

Taxi driver - always an option. work the hours that suit you.

Caretaker in schools - Guy who does it at my sons school took early retirement from Insurance Industry. Loves his job now.

Buy a small business with pension/savings - Know a former accountant who bought a newspaper distribution business

Tourguide

mdwexford

benjamin d wrote: »

OP you're being very aggressive to all posters here - bizarrely so. Why not answer the questions you've been asked about this person's relevant experience so that someone can help you out, rather than jumping down the throat of every commenter.

This.

Relax OP, you aren't coming across well here considering people are trying to help.

Zipppy

Ridiculous thread and OP being aggressive and obnoxious to posters....admin should close her down....

Is the person looking to retire early and then move in another direction and continue working past retiring age? Not many places would keep employees past retirement age.

As an older person, who due to redundancy, had to change direction drastically, it's bloody hard to get a job, any job! Jobs that require stamina or the necessity to stand for hours on end do not suit those of us over a certain age!

Good Luck to your friend.

Arkady

Ok, let's leave me and my relative out of this, as some people can't seem to handle the fact that they, just like many other people, might be perfectly capable and able to obtain whatever is required to obtain an entry level job, exactly the same as anyone else who enters an entry level job has to. Just as they already have done with the other jobs in their life. If someone in their twenties came on here looking for the same advice, they wouldn't be told it's not possible for them to get any entry level job, and they are not capable of obtaining what is required for that job. It's not that long ago we were all told that people should be working productively for as long as possible instead of retiring early. I really wasn't expecting this level of hostility and ageism to a simple question for suggestions. Do you all think you're going to permanently retire at 55 and never do different jobs in your lives ? Or stay in the exact same job and sector to the proposed pension age of 68 ? Not everyone does, or will.

For anyone that's actually interested in the actual OP, assuming any older person, who is downsizing their career, obtains the necessary entry level qualifications and criteria for that particular job, what would be suitable jobs for someone age 55-75, where their age will not be seen as generally undesirable ?

Arkady

Arkady wrote: »

Ok, let's leave me and my relative out of this, as some people can't seem to handle the fact that they, just like many other people, might be perfectly capable and able to obtain whatever is required to obtain an entry level job, exactly the same as anyone else who enters an entry level job has to. Just as they already have done with the other jobs in their life. If someone in their twenties came on here looking for the same advice, they wouldn't be told it's not possible for them to get any entry level job, and they are not capable of obtaining what is required for that job. It's not that long ago we were all told that people should be working productively for as long as possible instead of retiring early. I really wasn't expecting this level of hostility and ageism to a simple question for suggestions. Do you all think you're going to permanently retire at 55 and never do different jobs in your lives ? Or stay in the exact same job and sector to the proposed pension age of 68 ? Not everyone does, or will.

For anyone that's actually interested in the actual OP, assuming any older person, who is downsizing their career, obtains the necessary entry level qualifications and criteria for that particular job, what would be suitable jobs for someone age 55-75, where their age will not be seen as generally undesirable ?

From personal experience, general office work in a smallish private sector business, where duties include everything from answering the phones to basic accounts! Something with a bit of variety and responsibility, to stave off boredom, though I would not work past 68 years of age in order to free up the position for someone else.

Jellybaby1

To the OP - you mention 'downsizing' but I believe you really mean 'downgrading' I hope you didn't think my post #23 was in any way attacking you, I wasn't. But all I can suggest is that if the highly qualified person wanted to apply for any job they want, they can, and they can also stipulate that they are willing to work for the going rate for that job. When employers see a highly qualified person applying they automatically assume they are looking for a higher rate. If they understand they are getting a bargain they may be more interested in calling them in for interview. I would still suggest the voluntary sector as well, see this link: http://www.activelink.ie/

Arkady

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

To the OP - you mention 'downsizing' but I believe you really mean 'downgrading' I hope you didn't think my post #23 was in any way attacking you, I wasn't. But all I can suggest is that if the highly qualified person wanted to apply for any job they want, they can, and they can also stipulate that they are willing to work for the going rate for that job. When employers see a highly qualified person applying they automatically assume they are looking for a higher rate. If they understand they are getting a bargain they may be more interested in calling them in for interview. I would still suggest the voluntary sector as well, see this link:

ok thanks, in the states apparently they talk about downsizing or downshifting, which is a polite term for quite willing to work for less money after your main career, for a change, and for an improved lifestyle overall, when you've been there and done that. I think they are pretty aware of the salary you can expect for different jobs, I doubt very much they expect to be paid anywhere near what they were in their last career. I get the impression they have everything they need and can get by on a smaller salary and have a better more healthy all round lifestyle as a result. I don't think they view the money as being everything anymore. As well as their main career, they already did voluntary work some evenings and some weekends, and have done so for years. I believe although they only need a reduced income these days, they still require one to supplement their savings / investment / pension etc. and they feel it's healthier for them to work as long as possible. Some people want to retire as early as possible and never work again, including me, but, that's not their thing.

Although they are not a Guard, I've seen loads of Guards retire over the years in their 50's, and then take up all sorts of jobs not necessarily related in any way to policing and security or what they did in the Gardai, and not as well paid, from barmen to taxi drivers, to landscape gardener, so it's not that usual in Ireland, and is certainly very common in other countries. Outside the Gardai / Army, it still seems its a bit of an alien concept to some, which I'm surprised at. Maybe Ireland is not ready for it, or this forum is the wrong demographic to pose this question to. I don't know.

Speedwell

"Downsizing" is used exclusively in the US for a company's reduction in workforce. "Downshifting" is a term I've heard.

Jellybaby1

My elderly friends have downsized recently. It means they sold their large family home and moved to an apartment. Less work to maintain. Regarding jobs again, I don't think its Ireland that is not ready for the idea you suggest, its the employers that are not ready to recruit the older generation of applicants. There are many older people who want to continue to work.

Arkady

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

My elderly friends have downsized recently. It means they sold their large family home and moved to an apartment. Less work to maintain. Regarding jobs again, I don't think its Ireland that is not ready for the idea you suggest, its the employers that are not ready to recruit the older generation of applicants. There are many older people who want to continue to work.

Isn't discrimination on age grounds illegal now in most jobs ? I suppose proving it is another matter if they use another excuse other than actual age.

Jellybaby1

They can't discriminate against you because of age but of course you can't prove it just because you didn't get the job. There are lots of people like me who didn't get back into the workforce and are now too near retirement age.

Arkady

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

They can't discriminate against you because of age but of course you can't prove it just because you didn't get the job. There are lots of people like me who didn't get back into the workforce and are now too near retirement age.

If you're fit healthy and active and still have the energy, I don't really think it's ever too late to be working, if that's what you want to do.

domrush

Call centre work? No physical labour if they aren't able for it

Water John

I think some have been hard here on the OP. We need to chill out more. Its more of a broad discussion, not a specific job application.

Mrs OBumble

domrush wrote: »

Call centre work? No physical labour if they aren't able for it

Fairly high stress, though, in most call centres (AKA human battery farms).

My experience during the recession was that the lower-level-but-not-rock-bottom jobs were hard going: expected to work very hard to the the 20% more than minimum wage.

So a downshifted job is not necessarily less stress than an executive one.


However we still don't know what actual transferrable skills and knowledge the OP's "family member" has, so it's really hard to say more than the most gross
generalisations.

mansize

Don't woodies prefer seniors?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Arkady wrote:

Good for you, but this person already has two degrees, and been there and done that, and is not looking for a job where a degree is required. They are downsizing, not moving up.

Holy smell of entitlement batman. To post something so obnoxious an then expect help? Lol.

Since your friend is able to do everything, why not just make a list of the first 10 entry level jobs that come to mind. It's about as effective.

Squall Leonhart

OP, I fail to see what you think you're going to get out of this thread considering you already 'know' your relative is 'very capable at everything', yet you are unwilling to list specific skills this person has so others can help you. Though with your frankly obnoxious attitude I don't know why people might be willing to help still.

Being capable of doing everything is often the main barrier to getting the types of job the OPs friend is after. If you're seen as being smarter than the boss, you've no point even attending interviews! Sometimes the most suitable job doesn't necessarily come through the Situations Vacant columns.

Peig Sayers

mansize wrote: »

Don't woodies prefer seniors?

And B&Q! I prefer to deal with an older employee who has had the life experience that a younger person won't have.

Squall Leonhart

Peig Sayers wrote: »

And B&Q! I prefer to deal with an older employee who has had the life experience that a younger person won't have.

Well, at the risk of generalising, doesn't that depend on what you're buying from a person? The chances are a younger person would be more au fait if you were interested in buying the latest home entertainment electronic gizmo, whereas an older person may be better equipped to advise on something else.

Peig Sayers

Squall Leonhart wrote: »

Well, at the risk of generalising, doesn't that depend on what you're buying from a person? The chances are a younger person would be more au fait if you were interested in buying the latest home entertainment electronic gizmo, whereas an older person may be better equipped to advise on something else.

It's B&Q not Bausch & Lomb! Anytime I've dealt with an older employee if they can't help me with my query they will bring me over to someone who can help. Much better than a pointed finger and grunt from a younger employee!

Squall Leonhart

Peig Sayers wrote: »

It's B&Q not Bausch & Lomb! Anytime I've dealt with an older employee if they can't help me with my query they will bring me over to someone who can help. Much better than a pointed finger and grunt from a younger employee!

Ahhh right, sorry, I thought you meant in general, not just B&Q.
Still though, you're perpetuating the myth that all of the youth are bad mannered and unhelpful and that older people are beacons of kindness and warmth... very often it's the exact opposite!

tinpib

They could offer their mystery skill sets and ability to do everything via Freelance websites online.

elance and/or upwork would be a good starting point.

Instead of getting a job they could start working for themselves.

Arkady

Bennett Tasteless Sandblaster wrote: »

Holy smell of entitlement batman. To post something so obnoxious an then expect help? Lol.

Since your friend is able to do everything, why not just make a list of the first 10 entry level jobs that come to mind. It's about as effective.

Squall Leonhart wrote: »

OP, I fail to see what you think you're going to get out of this thread considering you already 'know' your relative is 'very capable at everything', yet you are unwilling to list specific skills this person has so others can help you. Though with your frankly obnoxious attitude I don't know why people might be willing to help still.

Deleted User wrote: »

Being capable of doing everything is often the main barrier to getting the types of job the OPs friend is after. If you're seen as being smarter than the boss, you've no point even attending interviews! Sometimes the most suitable job doesn't necessarily come through the Situations Vacant columns.

Rather than talk about what jobs would suit over 55's, some people are only interested in making this a personal hate rant, I'm not going to waste my time dealing with false personal assumptions.

For anyone who would like to actually discuss what jobs would suit over 55's and leave the personal remarks, assumptions and comments, out of it, the thread is still open . . .