Being Older, Unemployable and Broke

Let's focus on being older, unemployable and broke as it relates to the current job market.  Older is defined as over age fifty in the job market.  Just ask anyone who has been looking for work and not getting any positive responses.  This is not to say that it is an across the board situation because many people do find work even if they are older.  However, as the clock ticks it can be more challenging to get work as an older person.  In addition, it depends on your skill level.   It seems that if you apply for unskilled jobs, you have a better chance of being hired.  For example, if you had previously done secretarial work and you decide to apply for a home health provider job, you have a good chance of getting that job.  Why is that true?   I think it is because home health care providers go into the homes of elderly, frail people to keep that person out of a nursing home.   An older worker can better relate to another older person and the client will probably trust someone closer to their own age.  Also, not to bash young people, but sometimes they do not have the patience, maturity, good judgement or integrity to work in the home of a venerable older person.  I am saying all of this to say that for the former secretary, this type of job may be the only job that they can get due to the competition in the job market.  We have all heard it stated that many people may not be able to retire at age sixty-five much less earlier.  Older people, like other population groups,  have to find ways to survive while the cost-of-living continues to increase.  Working longer will work for many people provided that they have a job in the first place.  Looking for a job so that you can keep working is another story.  I think that being older, unemployable and broke can be overcome with some creative thinking.  Some of those creative ways include downsizing your standard of living, living with other people, or becoming self-employed can be done by anyone so motivated.  In addition, some cities have job or training programs for those over 55 that pay minimum wage for a part time commitment.   This is a solution as long as you can work since work is said to keep you healthy.  Self-employment, or a major business project is also desirable with the intention of making money for the future.  A job is okay as long as you can do it, but what about when you can no longer work?  That is why I mentioned a major, joint, business project to implement while you can still participate.  Let me explain.  If a few people could get together and start some type of enterprise, it would be beneficial for all.  A group home or some type of franchise comes to mind.  Pardon me for thinking outside of the box, but if you are older, unemployable and broke, you have to do something out of the ordinary to make a difference.   Don't forget about the historical example of late bloomers who became successful later in life.  Those include Alberta Hunter, Grandma Moses, and Colonel Sanders to name a few.  Anything is better than being older, unemployable and broke.