Even though I have a strong background in clerical work, it seems as if I'm overlooked due to being overqualified or under qualified. Why can't employers use their brains and realize that people in their 40's aren't dead and could be retrainable if given a chance? Anyone else facing this hard challenge?

I am 39 and was laid off from my job. I am having to start all over again at the bottom-it sucks. It is a huge insult to my intelligence-but I have to pay the bills.

It's pretty simple..because most of us over 40 have some sort of "sense".

It's much easier from a corporate position to hire the younger (more easily brain-washed) and they take lower pay and such as well.

You have to remember that in this day and time, corporations care about one thing...thier "bottom line".

Sad, but fact.

Sumthingdifferent:

What about those of us who are willing to work? It's not about the greed of wanting to climb a corporate ladder, it's about wanting to support my family. Corporations suck.

Oh thats not meant to be ANYTHING about the "worker". I KNOW we are very willing and HARD working generation! One of the best left.

It's the COMPANIES themselves that have the "greed" issue. That's where the problem is. If they can get it "cheaper" and "control it" easier with the young generations, then they go with them..simple economics on the corporate ends.

You can be the best and most trustworthy, sincere and most loyal employee on the planet. Unfortunately that never figures on thier "calculator". we simply lose.

I am in the Mortgage business and with all of the recent events, it has truly been challenging. I have been looking for a full time possition since the beginning of the year. IT IS CRAZY OUT!!!!

Romantic, with your background, what about medical billing? You could train and do that from home, set your own hours and choose who you work with?

Most past 40 have a different mind set for work ethics....just have to find an employer that sees the postive qualities over age...

I strongly suggest you look for work in non-profit or for the state. These are both areas that like experienced workers and are not afraid to hire mature people. But you do need to prove that you are not just in it for the paycheck; but are signing on for their cause. There are a lot more perks in these areas also; more days off, usually more caring people to work with, and often really good benefits. I'm speaking from experience. Don't give up, just refine your search a little more and dig deeper into these types of jobs. Medical office is a really good area to get into now also. Make sure you keep checking the OSU Tulsa employment web site regularly. You may have to start lower than you want, but they are all about promoting from within. I had to start over in my forties over a year ago and now have the best job I've ever had.

I totally understand. It seems that companies are seeking people in their 20's because they are "moldable" and when you are over 40 you can't learn new things...what a crock. My company has given me until 2/29 to seek other employment due to RIF, so I definitely understand where you are coming from. The prospects are not great (even with an MBA) and it is also tough because I'm a single parent with a kid in college.

Anyway, we didn't bypass 40 within tough times - we always survive.

All I can say is YESSSSSSSSSS. Over qualified usually means they don't want to pay you what your worth...Under qualified...you didn't go to the school of "their choice"

Hi,

I'm a social worker and I have heard that in 2030 there will be twice as many older adults than younger people - first time in history, so as baby-boomers age, (generation right before us) then there will be more and more jobs needed to be filled in the Older Adult areas. There's caretaking and case managment and mental health and various service type stuff (errends, housekeeping, whatever needs done an older person needs help with), there is a Huge need for Board & Care homes for the elderly. You'd be amazed how many don't have any family. (some are the difficult types). But if you are mature enough to have an adult conversation and are the compassionate type there are lots of opportunities, on the low end of pay but not for smart entrapeuter types, (which isn't me or I could speell it rite.)

Getting through the deep water of redirecting a career is tough but there are a lot of people looking for your talent. If you have made mid-life you are most likely to get through this too so keep your chin up.
Talk to your local community or state college "Displaced Homemaker or Displaced worker programs for how to market yourself in the best way to feature your strengths.
Make a variety of resumes and pass them around to every one you know. It is still alot who you know or that one open door a friend tells you about.
Don't be too proud to take any job until you find the one you deserve. Nothing hurts you more than inactivity and doing nothing. You can get fat and sloppy real fast. You may be surprised at the great jobs that "start" at the bottom but quickly move up after the initial look see time.
Doesn't hurt to build your own door. Have a dream go for it. A new career or dream delayed can still come true with school. You will be surprised at the amount of free school money for dependable people to be trained in a whole new direction. Talk to unions and corporations about their inhouse training programs.
Don't wait until you are out of money or behind on critical bills to ask creditors for creative help. They would rather waive interest, and penalties, than waste time collecting when all they need to do is work with you. This is especially true of morgages.
Your income drops dramatically you may qualify for extensive help on utilities and food assistance. Call all of them and get help immediately. If a good job comes through you can always stop the assistance. The programs that taxpayers support are not just for the bums; they are for real people in crisis. False Pride goeth before a fall takes on a whole new meaning.
Live and learn. Everyone gets short changed sooner or later and has to learn the hard way to put away for a rainey day. If you learn to live on less and times get better but something back for the next bump in the road.
Don't panic into a bad relationship. Bums; male and female; can smell fear and be oh so charming to you when you are in crisis. A good person will be emotionally supportive even helpful but let you work it out on your own until you can move forward in a good relationship with both feet under you.
Turn to your church or faith base. Often they can refer you to resources and help you network. Prayer and or meditation will help you find your best self and be confident. Practiceing faith isn't expensive and can be good fellowship.
Go for an unusal skill, status, or employment. Learn a second language, how to master a special tool, get a license, or join and organization or sport. Student, member, or union status opens a lot of doors. If you were an alumnus or veteran hook yourself up again.