I'm in the demographic Michael mentions above (mid 30's) and have over 12 years of work experience and an MBA, and I still have trouble finding a permanent job with benefits. I think there are too many candidates applying for the same job and the companies do go with the candidate "earlier on in their career" as one hiring manager explicitly divulged as a reason why I wasn't hired for a job that I possessed every attribute they were looking for. Salary might be another reason. They probably thought since I had an MBA, I was expecting more than they were willing to pay. So they went with a candidate with a few years of work experience (2-3) and a Bachelor's degree. Not many companies value education and experience anymore. Hope it changes soon as I am working a contract position that ends in a few months. Never would I have ever imagined to be in this situation since I made the decision to pursue a graduate degree. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful things will change in the coming years.

Very True im Having the same issue

i told an older friend (retired 70) i couldnt wait to retire. Here is what she said, " don't say that. Work for as long as u can. Bevausr when u retire at 63. And u wany to work part tumew..NOBODY wants to hire u." Fyi..i thought. I would share: ):)

What I see... It depends on what your experience and skills are, your enthusiasm, their need for such skills to get work done, and the ability to make a deal.

I am 58 years old and currently looking. I have enough skills and experience to get some interviews in my field, but not enough (so far) of the right stuff to get hired. I have to consider it my own responsibility to remedy that. -- I have heard of people already retired who get contacted by headhunters asking if they would like to work again...

You are right about that my friend. My computer skills aren't bad but I don't 'get it' as quickly as younger people do so that is a black mark although I work hard until I do get it. By the way your last name is very apropos. You have to keep your sense of humor.

I agree I consider myself the best in my field but when they see my graduation date they disregard me

I know what you mean. I am 61 and have several years of office experience and am a licensed Notary and a new Paralegal. You would think that the way I'm treated that I have a criminal record. On my last interview that I went to through a temp agency, I arrived 15 minutes early as usual. I checked into the front desk upon arrival. I waited over an hour before I was seen and someone who had a later appointment was seen before me. I checked into the front desk several times to let them know that I was there. Finally, I was called back and I thought that the interview went well. The next day I was told by the temp agency that it was reported to them that I was late to the interview and other lies were told about me!!! I am so shocked at how unprofessional these people are. There is a lot of age discrimination out there and being 61 is not fun when looking for a job. You are right. They don't care. I have had to move in with my daughter unfortunately because I can only obtain temporary employment, and now struggle to get that!

Should create a company to stop all this 'I am discriminated against NONSENSE!.'....what a bunch of Punching Bags!....is this like a political party?....Cry Babies,,,,,read Theognis.....better you died at birth!....at 60 there were still Greek Heroes (Pericles) crashing Persian Ships into the rocks....and cutting them to pieces....with 20 year old oar handles....!...Stop Complaining and do something!.....This is Saturday Night Live 'Doug and Debbie Whiner'.....it hurts my ears!....and all the Whiners are always there right with you! No Individuals!....all WHINERS.....why were you born!?.....

listen if you have any questions message me at buklau.com

I just took early exit from a Systems Engineer job; did 5 excruciating interviews, 2 2nd interviews, finally took and offer from a bank and it was a phone hire. My Co.was in the seatback when I requested