Career Change
I find myself entering into a new challenge. I'm in my mid fifties and recently received a golden handshake and severance pay in lieu of notice. They will probably replace me with someone who is 20 years younger and 30 grand lighter in the wallet but that is the nature of the business I was in. I looked around for similar jobs and was recruited aggressively until we got to the age part. Officially companies cannot discriminate on the basis of age but it is a major factor.
Instead I was approached by someone who read my resume online in the financial services industry - now my age speaks to wisdom I am told. I wrote the profile they ask you to complete and magically I am a perfect fit for the industry. So I have been studying to pass my exams and get licensed. There are many steps to take along the way but as they say a change is as good as a rest and I feel energized about my new job and the opportunity to help people prepare for retirement.
The moral of the story is simple - Do not become discouraged if you find yourself in a similar position. For every door that closes there is another door out there just waiting to be opened. It may take you a while to find the right one but you will if you look hard enough. When it comes, take advantage of it and make it work for you and your new employer...and never look back!
Regards,
Kevin
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It is called 'unofficial age discrimination' and it exists everywhere and sometimes the reason why many organization do a restructuring. They don't deserve you hence they have to pay you to leave. An organization did same to me last year. I saw the same post advertized recently. I sometimes wonder if these organizations are run by real people
True enough - the company I worked for continues to be a big recruiter for new talent to come in and learn their systems. I'm sure there will be more to fall by the wayside.
Kevin, it's their loss. Show them by what you do here and then go back and bring everybody that's worth it here. Much success to us all. Phil
Thank you Phil - I agree but I am stress free right now so out of all of this I am much happier now then I was then...
Absolutely true! My program at Choctaw Nation was discontinued, but if I had stayed there I wouldn't be on the path I am now which led to me creating The Grassroots Marketplace in Guthrie OK!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for the inspiration, Kevin. Yes, you shouldn't give up even though age DOES play a factor. My husband is about 10 years older than you and he stays at his job because he knows what will happen if he tries to get something better. You are protected in the US between 40 and 70 against age discrimination but, as you say, it's very difficult to prove. Good Luck with your new venture!
Thank you so much...Companies are very good at finding 'other' reasons for dismissal but the good news is that I am very happy despite the position they put me in...
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I too am in my mid fifties and although I still have a "JOB", I am not looking forward to what my retirement will bring. Instead, I have chosen my own destiny to do a home-based internet marketing business and hopefully by the time I reach retirement age (ore even a lot sooner LOL), I will not need any assistance from the government LOL
Awesome plan - that is why I am here too. Good luck with your WA ventures!