The problem is the Government has focused on opening minimum wage Jobs. (which cannot support a family) In the infinite wisdom of the Governments and Banking Institutions, they have frozen monies for startups and new technologies as being too high risk so the very jobs that could be full time and bring the country next generation technologies have been deemed too risky while they still escape their folly in the mortgage scams.

I feel your pain. I am in the same boat. I am 47 so I'm sure my age is a factor too. Unfortunately I don't know what to say except maybe look for jobs online.

Robin , You said your looking for retail and then stated your comfortable in an office setting.. When networking go after a specific position.. When setting goals like employment or in any area in life try to set S.M.A.R.T. goals.. what I mean by smart goals is the S stands for specific the M stands for motivating the A stands for achievable the R stands for relevant and the T would stand for trackable or traceable.. so instead of saying you want a job in retail for an office setting.. Set a smart goal for yourself like the following: for the next two weeks I will apply to five clothing retail stores within 20 minutes from my house. This way your goal is very specific it is motivating because you are going to try to achieve this goal and it is achievable furthermore it is very relevant it's not out of the realm of possibility for you and all this can be documented untraceable and you can track your progress.. I hope this helps a little and I hope you are very successful.. Age is just a number good luck to you Robin.

                          Sincerely,

             Kurt Gastonguay 

It seems that many of us are all part of the 40+ cruise. Note that some only seek employers with medical coverage. There are other options for coverage that could allow you to work your dream job or non-profit and maintain your own affordable coverage. I decided to go this route, transitioning from banking to insurances directly. While I am still in the learning phase, I have learned A LOT in the last few days. The big employers want to you to think they are the only solution for coverage and work--this is not true. Private Message me if you want more info--no cost or obligation. I can share options that you may not know about--all legal under the Affordable Care Act (avoid the penalty).

Unfortunately, my experience with retail is that most retail jobs are part-time and don't offer any benefits. Every retail job I ever had was part-time, but sometimes they would give me full-time hours or almost full-time hours. I ended up going to school and, as a result of that, I was hired full-time as a Clerk Typist with the Housing Authority. After 15 years, I retired from there with full benefits. Good luck.

have you tried looking into f/t jobs with custom retailers with all of your experience it sounds like you would be a good fit. Also try jobs in Jersey. I know it might be too much of a commute but some cities in NJ are easily accessible via public transportation.

I am in the same age category network is another way if not start you own business use you talents

I'm facing the same problem, I have over 25 years in guest services and can't find anything full-time and as with you age is a factor I'm 60 and really want to do something besides sit around the house.

Hi Robin, Welcome to Jobcase! Is there a career path you are interested in taking other than retail? Let me know so I can try to assist you! I would also suggest you take a few minutes to fill out your profile so other Jobcasers are also able to help you.