59 and unemployed

kadman · 10-04-2014 12:06PM #1

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 · 10-04-2014 12:56PM

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 · 10-04-2014 01:19PM

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 · 10-04-2014 01:40PM

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 · 10-04-2014 03:50PM

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.

10-04-2014 05:02PM

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 · 10-04-2014 05:18PM

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 · 10-04-2014 06:01PM

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 · 10-04-2014 06:05PM

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 · 10-04-2014 06:26PM

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 · 10-04-2014 06:27PM

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 · 10-04-2014 06:31PM

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 · 10-04-2014 07:01PM

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 · 10-04-2014 07:05PM

Ann Landers wrote: »

did you get it?

Nope

Hootanany · 10-04-2014 07:13PM

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 · 10-04-2014 07:34PM

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

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

doolox · 10-04-2014 07:38PM

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 · 10-04-2014 09:33PM

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 · 10-04-2014 09:38PM

Nice job on the gates;)

ifah · 10-04-2014 09:41PM

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

Guy:Incognito · 10-04-2014 09:50PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:01PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:05PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:12PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:12PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:16PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:28PM

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 · 10-04-2014 10:48PM

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 · 10-04-2014 11:33PM

kadman wrote: »

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

With the exception of Dublin maybe.

kadman · 10-04-2014 11:46PM

Ann Landers wrote: »

With the exception of Dublin maybe.

Maybe:)

kadman · 10-04-2014 11:54PM

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.

59 and unemployed

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