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Good jobs for the over 55's

2

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭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/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,809 ✭✭✭Speedwell


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


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭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.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,183 ✭✭✭domrush


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,363 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,706 ✭✭✭✭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.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 14,521 ✭✭✭✭mansize


    Don't woodies prefer seniors?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 11,217 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭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.


  • Posts: 17,847 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭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.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭Squall Leonhart


    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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭Peig Sayers


    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!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,794 ✭✭✭Squall Leonhart


    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!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,591 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭Arkady


    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.
    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.

    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 . . .


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 921 ✭✭✭benjamin d


    Arkady wrote: »
    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 . . .

    Please do everyone a favour and read this thread back from start to finish, and then consider what exactly is the cause of the massive chip on your shoulder. Everyone has been nothing but helpful but you've b*tched and sniped at every comment. You don't deserve advice tbh.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭groovyg


    Arkady wrote: »
    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 . . .

    People have listed areas that the over 55's could work in.

    It really depends on what area the family member has worked in to date, what he / she is willing to work at and what rate of pay.
    What defines a "good job" in todays world. Something permanent and pensionable?
    If the person is retiring what do they want to do when they retire? Surely they have interests or areas they would be interested in getting involved in ? Do they want a part time job with set number of hours per week and what are they willing to work for?

    The few people I know who retired early one is back working in a consultant type of role with their previous employer but on a very part time basis , another is kept busy on various committees linked to his previous role. I've also met a few retired retired teachers who took early retirement and now do the odd job subbing or exam supervision. You haven't listed what the family member wants to go into just that they are capable with wide range experience.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 484 ✭✭NicoleW85


    Yes please read it from start to finish. You clearly don't realise how unfriendly you sound. At this point we are STILL none the wiser as to what this family member has going for them (apart from everything). Surely you can't believe all over 55s will be suited to the same kind of work???


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭Arkady


    All I've asked repeatedly is to keep the discussion general about what jobs suit over 55's in general rather the jealous snarky personal comments and attacks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,011 ✭✭✭irelandrover


    Arkady wrote: »
    All I've asked repeatedly is to keep the discussion general about what jobs suit over 55's in general rather the jealous snarky personal comments and attacks.

    Every job in the world is suitable for someone over 55, except for child actor.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,539 ✭✭✭anothernight


    Jealous? Personal attacks? :confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,608 ✭✭✭✭TitianGerm


    Arkady wrote: »
    All I've asked repeatedly is to keep the discussion general about what jobs suit over 55's in general rather the jealous snarky personal comments and attacks.

    OP a 55 year old can do any job they want.

    What people are trying to point out, and you cant seem to get your head around, is they could recommend better positions more suited to your family member if you gave a little more information.

    For example

    My Aunt is an Accountant. She loved been out on Audits and found it great sitting down and meeting with various clients and the demands of such a job.

    My Uncle is a Librarian. He loved archiving and working in a quiet peaceful environment.

    My Mother was a waitress. She loved meeting new people on a daily basis and working in a fast paced environment.

    My Dad was a dentist. He does not like talking to people.

    My Brother is a Engineer. He loves building and designing things.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭Arkady


    groovyg wrote: »
    People have listed areas that the over 55's could work in.

    It really depends on what area the family member has worked in to date, what he / she is willing to work at and what rate of pay.
    What defines a "good job" in todays world. Something permanent and pensionable?
    If the person is retiring what do they want to do when they retire? Surely they have interests or areas they would be interested in getting involved in ? Do they want a part time job with set number of hours per week and what are they willing to work for?

    The few people I know who retired early one is back working in a consultant type of role with their previous employer but on a very part time basis , another is kept busy on various committees linked to his previous role. I've also met a few retired retired teachers who took early retirement and now do the odd job subbing or exam supervision. You haven't listed what the family member wants to go into just that they are capable with wide range experience.

    Thanks I already know some examples, from a recently retired Gardai becoming a landscape Gardner, to a retired ex Solider working in a local launderette. I know a former IT manager, that now works in a florist when they finished in IT. I know these people personally, and none of them would have been previously working in such areas. Some people have mentioned woodies as being over 50 friendly, I didn't know that, so that is the type of useful information required. I'm only interested in gathering suggestions where over 50's are welcome, such as woodies, the person themselves can then decide what they are best suited to or not.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 8,589 ✭✭✭ongarite


    Exactly, more details makes it much easier.

    Do they live in urban or rural locality?
    Drive or reliant on public transport?
    Are they looking for work in close proximity to home or is travelling distances to work or meet customers in rush hour traffic acceptable?

    My father took early retirement at 55 and is now self-employed as a driving instructor.
    He would have asked himself & family all of the above & emmetkenny questions when deciding on new career path.

    You are asking general/generic questions about jobs for 55 year olds but you are not really. You are looking for the answers for your relation and hoping that someone's suggestion is the light bulb moment suggestion.
    Without the details, it a needle in a hay stack question from you.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,826 ✭✭✭StupidLikeAFox


    I think a lot of people are focusing on the experience this person has to date but the OP is probably quite right in that this is irrelevant for this question.

    I think a better approach would be find something that ties in with their interests and turn that into a day job or start their own business doing it.

    So my suggestions would be
    • If they are into fashion try find an independent boutique, clothes shop or bridal wear business who are hiring
    • If they like cooking/baking do that and sell to a small café or at farmers markets, or train up as a chef and work in a kitchen
    • If they like how computers work learn some programming languages or buy themselves an arduino and play around with it, take on projects like automating you house or something (if money isnt a factor and they just want a challenge)
    • If they like interacting with people and shooting the breeze maybe do hairdressing or get a job in a shop or supermarket
    • If they like beer invest in a small brewing system and try set up a small local brewery


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