I have a master of social work degree, over 30 years of professional experience, and just turned 60. I've been unemployed for 15 months now, and have applied for over 140 job positions, but still remain unemployed. Even if I am lucky enough to get an interview and that interview goes well, I am never offered the job. There are times when I don't even get offered an interview even though I've done the same job before. I really believe that ageism is the primary reason for my continued unemployment. I recently thought about addressing the age issue head-on in a positive way in my cover letter or in my resume. Something like "Now that you've read my resume, I'm sure you have realized that I didn't just graduate from college. What you may not realize is that the experiences, skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my career have prepared for positions in a way that no one fresh out of college could have ." This is either a great idea or a stupid one, I just haven't figured out which! Thoughts?

I am a retired museum educator, looking for a part-time job. My background is in language/creative writing, and environmental science, but so far haven't had any luck finding tutoring jobs. I'm open to trying something new, such as retail, or receptionist/greeter, but so far no luck there either. Every employer seems to want people with experience. I'm a people-friendly, creative person, but that doesn't seem to matter, since I'm no longer 20-something. I'm open to retraining and more education, but I would be even older by the time I finished. I want to be involved and help people, but am feeling frustrated.

Hi @Mary Nix , thank you so much for taking time to extend your compliment and gratitude. Managing an unplanned separation of employment, especially after a long term working relationship, is a challenging and growing concern.

We hear from so many other members experiencing the same concerns. Essential job options don't offer the same level of income, challenge and work/life balance as previous career job employment. Affected workers are limited to lower paying jobs with zero to very limited time-off flexibility.

Curious, what's you career background? Are you finding less job(s) within your career/profession? Have you been on any interviews within the last 3 months?

Mr. Pina, you are AWESOME, and a star ?of hope to each of us. I'm one of those "older" workers and finding it very difficult to get a permanent job after my last company pulled up and went back to their home state. Temping is not doing it for me! I'm missing grandchildren 's birthdays and friend's special occasions, after working since I was fourteen, suddenly I can't help my friends or do much for anybody, yet I am in great shape and strong,and want to work! I am praying, with a lot of us "baby boomers" I'm sure, that the country can get its wheels going again, with work for every able-bodied person regardless of age. Your interesting comments are hope-giving and inspiring, and I just want to say THANKS! You are the best! Amen.

I love this!

The thing you seem to be missing, that theirs 20+ young educated/trained people to every 1 older individual in the job market. The more the market changes the harder it is for the older generation to adapt to the changes. I've been a mechanical design engineer for the last 30 years, and I always kept myself employed. I'm currently in the twilight of my career, and need to work for at least another 5 - 8 years to get my SS retirement in full. Picking up a new career at my age is no small feet, or learning a new trade is not what I felt that I needed to do.