Donald, I'm not familiar with manufacturing, but take a close look at your skills and see where you can use them. Can you teach at a community colege or tech school? Home Depot and other stores have sales jobs that require product knowledge such as windows and doors and sometimes pay a comission plus minumum wage. There are job counseors at unemployment offices and public libraries that can help you with your resume and transitioning into other work. They can be good at helping identify transferable skills and direct you to networking opportunities. Volunteer work can be a good way to network and meet new people, too. Get out there and Stay active. Good luck

Donald, I hear you LOUD and CLEAR! Age discrimination is alive and well within all organizations specifically enterprise corporations! So many hundreds of thousands like us are seeking too few opportunities and bear the brunt of our age vs the qualifications and experience we have. I NEVER needed to look for employment since the first few months out of college. Having been promoted many times and setting record breaking revenue and net income records for my corporation while holding fully fiduciary responsibilities for a 230MM P&L and over 400 EE's, I was cut along with 30 others like me due to expense reduction. Our loyalty and performance once the "newly appointed leadership" took over meant NOTHING! Now, I receive notices for employment via sites that want me to be a mailroom clerk or admin. asst.. REALLY!!!!!!!! The HUMAN has been removed from human resources and its become TECHNOLOGY resources via ATS systems! I have completed over 1,000 applications for professional employment over the past two years and have received three responses! All due to age! I do however keep "humping"! Wishing you better luck than I/we 50 year olds are getting!

Chuck

I have just had my two-year post-employment anniversary - looking every day. Fortunately I had done my retirement planning when I was still earning a salary, so we're able to squeak by. once we scaled back on spending, monumentally. I don't think you are in any position to plan a new CAREER - age discrimination is still rampant in the Work World. Your best bet is to look for something in the area that you may have had as an avocation (hobby, volunteere work, other special interest) you may have skills there you never even thought about. I presume you know you will have to take a HUGE cut in salary once you find anything, but at least you may be able to find some way to get back to a role of supporting yourself / family. Good luck.

Good afternoon Donald! The first thing you need to do is think about what you want to do next; you have the experience, now how do you add to your package? What can you see yourself doing in the near future? If you could do anything what would it be? Now that you have an idea, tell me what it is you would like to do and let's begin to think of routes to bringing this desire to fruition. Education? Please do not be afraid of that word just because your 55, so what! age is just a number remember? I didn't begin my educational journey until I was 46, and today I am working on my Doctorates degree in Business; therefore, I am saying, YOU CAN DO THIS. In the meantime utilized school funds and get yourself a position, even if it's bagging groceries, to maintain your finances while you learn. The one thing I am grateful for in this time of my life is that I am finished raising my children and I have found a life for myself; one in which I can live as I desire, making decision that please and appease me and no one else. So what do you say Donald; sounds like something you can do?

Good afternoon Donald! The first thing you need to do is think about what you want to do next; you have the experience, now how do you add to your package? What can you see yourself doing in the near future? If you could do anything what would it be? Now that you have an idea, tell me what it is you would like to do and less begin to think of routes to bringing this desire to fruition. Education? Please do not be afraid of that word just because your 55, so what! age is just a number remember? I didn't begin my educational journey until I was 46, and today I am working on my Doctorates degree in Business; therefore, I am saying, YOU CAN DO THIS. In the meantime utilized school funds and get yourself a position, even if it's bagging groceries, to maintain your finances while you learn. The one thing I am grateful for in this time of my life is that I am finished raising my children and I have found a life for myself; one in which I can live as I desire, making decision that please and appease me and no one else. So what do you say Donald; sounds like something you can do?

I don't know which state you're in but Minnesota has workshops or classes through the Unemployment Center which focus on Job Search Over 40, 50 and more as well as how to revamp your resume and target it for today's hiring managers and so on. Manufacturing is still big but their job listings are often confusing if you don't have the knowledge in the field. I found them to very helpful as well as encouraging when I am getting depressed about the job market. They also had a list of "transferable skills", how to answer the behavioral interview questions and explain why they are asked. They are also free. We also have a lot of social service agencies helping job seekers in this area as well - with free classes and job search counselors. I'd check there.

Hey Donald . I am going through the same thing , I just turned 60 , So my company let me go the day after my birthday . 9/11, I have applied to over 50 company s with no luck , When you fill out the apps.Most ask for your birthday and if you don't give it you can't go any further in the app.. I have been a manager or plant supervisor my whole life , and now this is what i get for this. What a shame how life works for the older people. I have companies trying to help me look for a job , but no luck. I feel for you and hope many blessings come your way thanks Raymond Norris Balto Md.

Check with your state DOL Career center. They should have lots of resorces and jobs available for you. 55 is not too old. Also get a good resume. DOL has classes on that as well or go on line for resume samples and interview tips. Good suggestions on LinkedIn as well.

During your 22 years, you must have held many titles. I would focus on that rather than working for the same employer for 22 years. You can break it up as "Job Title" and then bullet points calling your accomplishments. Only go back 10 years, though. If you were a manager, then project management is right up your alley. If you actually worked "on the line," you must have a huge knowledge base of manufacturing skills and expertise. Think where those can be transferred to. But I hear you, brother--I'm 55 and I'm trying to keep up myself. If there are PC/software skills you need to learn, there are tons of online resources as well as your local library that offer classes in Office, PhotoShop, more.

Hi Donald, after 22 years in the workforce, the most important skills I think you have and every employer wants are those core skills - communication, team player, leadership, you get where I'm going here. These skills are transferable across organizations from manufacturing to finance. You have to think about, which ones you have a special strength in and sell how you can transfer those skills from you previous work experience. Additionally, just point out how many years of experience you have that they are requesting, for example 10+, that way you take the focus off your age. Good luck and happy hunting. I'll be rooting for you.