Lou is absolutely right. A successful life means you are in control of it. Over 50 is the ideal time to become an entrepreneur and start your own small business. Don't waste your life drowning your sorrows because of a job loss. I never was gainfully employed at a company, so I had to start my own business.
HI Morena Czarnecki! I don’t know how the elderly are treated in many other countries but I know here in the US the elderly or virtually anyone over 50 isn’t valued as one might expect them to be valued or respected.
Lou - preach it, brother. I was pushed out of my job three or four recessions ago. The company I worked for billed the customers $75 an hour for my work and paid me less than $20 per hour. After I left their building, the first thing I realized was that if I am worth $75 an hour to my now ex-employer for them to bill their customers, I am worth at least that much to myself for exactly the same thing. I started my own side hustle in my industry and it quickly grew, both in number of clients and what the clients consider my value to them (hint - it's a LOT more than $75 an hour). Last year I sold my business for $120,000 which was my previous year's billings. Nice side-hustle considering it is part time two thirds of the year. My customers like hearing me say "I've been doing this for 40-plus years and you are in good hands." Ageism only exists in the minds of your boss and their pet chihuahuas, HR.
Hi Steve Katz! I loved reading your comment. Very inspirational! I’m going to make it a Comment of the Day on the Over50tv Facebook page. Thank you brother!!!
Become a consultant. I am 52 and I started an LLC and since I’ve been in my industry for a long time - companies feel like their getting an expert for a good price. Charge the prices the large companies charge and become that “expert” they want. I did this because I got laid off 3 times before I started my own gig. I got tired of being laid off for budgetary reasons. I know it’s sucks - but the title consultant implies expertise. Try it. It works.
I was 'gently' pushed out after asking for adjusted hours. A coworker 25 years younger than me asked and was accommodated with no question because she had an infant and wanted to stay home more with her children. Yes my skills are in high demand. They could not find a replacement. They had to hire TWO people when I quit and it took them 8 months! Back to my statement about being 'gently' pushed out. I asked for a schedule change. I wanted a day off during the week. Essentially to go to a 4 day work week. I worked over 15 years the same exact hours and after all that time, I was ready for something different, and some balance. The healthcare industry has a very high burnout rate now due to understaffing and piling on more duties to those understaffed workers. When they said no to my request, I started taking off a day during the week with my paid time off benefit. They asked me for my official quit date. No discussion about adjustments or negotiations. So in my mind, they did not value me and just wanted me out. I was a very high earner, so I am guessing they were looking forward to finding someone willing to work for half of my salary. But the joke was on them in the end since they ended up hiring TWO people to take over my duties. I did find another job. But I have a new mindset. It is not a 'career' anymore. I go to work, do my job and go home. I don't go to meetings or participate in any 'team' things. I work 'off hours' (weekends) and see very few others in my department and interact as little as possible. I am debt free and have enough savings to live on for several years if I pull the budget really tight. If things go sideways I can walk away with no regrets and no guilt. This is the NEW job mindset people. Millennials have been doing it for awhile and it's time we all learn it.
I can totally relate to what you've written. Been in the healthcare field for 27 years. Stepped away for a year break and now I am having issues finding another position. I feel it's due to my age and last income I made. Why hire me when they can cut that salary down for a new person. I'm doing ok though. Have a good savings and work parttime which covers my expenses and have given me time back to enjoy my life.
@@nitabe8653 I found that most job ads do not reflect the REAL info on the job. Almost every PRN job I applied for eventually told me that they wanted someone working hours that equalled full time. They just did not want to commit to specifics, or benefits. The other thing was education. I have a degree in Xray/CT/MRI and I know what the job involves, yet some are advertised wanting someone with a higher degree than is required (and at no higher pay I might ad) so I am thinking that these jobs are posted by HR personnel that have no idea what the job really is. My current job I hired on as PRN with the provision that I was NOT going to work more than 3 days a week. After they showed me that there word was reality, I transitioned to full time. I still only work 3 days a week and 32 hours. I have to say, though that it took me 3 months and numerous interviews via phone and live to screen out these jobs to find the right one. My hope is that the employers will eventually get their heads out of the sand and see that workers are not going to put up with being abused any longer.
Hi AnniesShenanigans! I’m so glad you shared your experience. The lessons you learned are valuable and I hope others learn from reading your words. P.s. I’m glad it worked out for you. Congratulations!
Hi Nita BE! My daughter is a nurse. I’m hoping she doesn’t have the same experience as she ages but my guess is she will. I am hoping she is as prepared as you seem to have been. Thank you for sharing!
I'm up to my eyeballs in this having been laid off in Oct of last year. The contract extension from NASA GRC only funded about half the work so it made it a convenient time for ZIN to lay off it's higher paid staff. It really boils down to money. I don't think they care about your age when you're doing the job, only what it costs them. You'd think they'd want experienced staff in the specialized high tech field I was in, but with an abundance of lower paid, near fresh outs from staging the company for sale, they chose to reduce total salary. Plus they are bidding contracts at the lowest levels for each position. I've come close to one position in my job search and that was at a 50% salary reduction. Breaking into a new industry seems like it will require a significant hit, but hits a wall when they finally do the math and figure out my age. Finding a job is when the age bias really hits since it's easy to say this guy will only be here five years. It's hard to stay optimistic and upbeat.
Want to follow up on your statement. The IT industry is full of contract work. A good bit don't even offer benefits. My last employer made statements that I'm the most expensive employee on the payroll because of my health insurance. That takes a set of stones to make a statement like that several times when speaking with her. I wish there was a way I could take her to court. Sure you can hire two of me but they don't know jack. That's one thing I can say if you're in the public sector and it's a contract all there trying to do is fill the seat and keep it warm it doesn't matter whether you know anyting its about the money buddy. My contract was likely billed at nearly $150-200/ hour more than what they were paying me.
@@richrizzuto5741 you are absolutely right about filling the seat. The more hours charged, the more the company makes. And if you're a lower salary than someone else, then all the better. And your last employer sounds like a real winner saying something like that. Sad to say I'm not surprised given how bold some of them are.
Hi Chuck Bunnell! No question comp weighs heavily on the decision to cut workers. But there are industries where a workers age is the determining factor. I see this a lot in tech. I also agree age bias affects the decision to hire. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Rich Rizzuto! I’m actually surprised your employer foolishly said you were the most expensive employee on the payroll. That statement is demotivating, degrading, and disrespectful. Not a smart business person.
Companies want to hire college grads, work them to death (which they don’t have the maturity to set boundaries) and pay them much less than you. It’s crazy, even with so much more experience. More experience should equate to more pay.
Julie B! I totally agree. I find it very sad that people who have skills, experience, and a great work ethic are sidelined because of their age. I may sound like a broken record when I constantly encourage people to start a side business or full-time gig but I believe it is one of the best options.
Unfortunately, when the time comes to "reorganize" and HR is targetting the older workers (overtly or covertly) they are not going to ask if you have new skills that could be applied or how great a manager you are to your team(s). They are looking at your salary+benefits and how they could pay someone a fraction of that to do the same. There is also the human factor where a director or high-level exec may just be looking for an excuse to clear out the ranks and the reorg is providing just such an excuse.
I totally agree with your statement though I think HR is targeting the highest paid workers who naturally are older. That's what I saw during the last round of layoffs. And none of the managers I worked for were consulted in any way, so that just back's up your statement about targeting the money.
@@Over50tv Unfortunately, when you are in a large corporation and you are not C-Level, you are at the mercy of those who are. They control your career and paycheck within their realm. Ideally, to control those two variables, you need to be the boss.
Hi K O! That doesn’t surprise me even though it does disappoint me. As someone who has three granddaughters I want they to have just as much opportunity as anyone else.
That would only work if the HR monkey can't add. "Let's see..... 8 years at this company, 6 at the next. 12 at the next. 9 at the next, Bachelors Degree is another 4 - that's 39 years plus the 18 before college, meaning you must be at least 57 years old." The only way around that is to simply remove the oldest employer or two completely - then the math adds up to 51 years at most.
Lou is absolutely right. A successful life means you are in control of it. Over 50 is the ideal time to become an entrepreneur and start your own small business. Don't waste your life drowning your sorrows because of a job loss. I never was gainfully employed at a company, so I had to start my own business.
If you don't build your own dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs.
Hi Dave Fredericks! I enjoyed reading both of your comments. In my experience you are absolutely, 100% correct.
Yes!!!!
It is a US cultural issue. The disrespect for the elderly. And for elderly I mean anyone older that them
HI Morena Czarnecki! I don’t know how the elderly are treated in many other countries but I know here in the US the elderly or virtually anyone over 50 isn’t valued as one might expect them to be valued or respected.
Lou - preach it, brother. I was pushed out of my job three or four recessions ago. The company I worked for billed the customers $75 an hour for my work and paid me less than $20 per hour. After I left their building, the first thing I realized was that if I am worth $75 an hour to my now ex-employer for them to bill their customers, I am worth at least that much to myself for exactly the same thing. I started my own side hustle in my industry and it quickly grew, both in number of clients and what the clients consider my value to them (hint - it's a LOT more than $75 an hour). Last year I sold my business for $120,000 which was my previous year's billings. Nice side-hustle considering it is part time two thirds of the year. My customers like hearing me say "I've been doing this for 40-plus years and you are in good hands." Ageism only exists in the minds of your boss and their pet chihuahuas, HR.
Hi Steve Katz! I loved reading your comment. Very inspirational! I’m going to make it a Comment of the Day on the Over50tv Facebook page. Thank you brother!!!
Become a consultant. I am 52 and I started an LLC and since I’ve been in my industry for a long time - companies feel like their getting an expert for a good price. Charge the prices the large companies charge and become that “expert” they want. I did this because I got laid off 3 times before I started my own gig. I got tired of being laid off for budgetary reasons. I know it’s sucks - but the title consultant implies expertise. Try it. It works.
Hi Diana Bradley! Excellent advice. I’d like to see more people drive down the entrepreneurial road. I’m glad you did. Thank you.
The solution is to promote yourself to CEO/President of your own business. Don't look for a job, look for clients.
Maria! I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you!
Exactly! I'm done working for these companies because they don't value you anymore! I'm self employed now and couldn't be happier.
I was 'gently' pushed out after asking for adjusted hours. A coworker 25 years younger than me asked and was accommodated with no question because she had an infant and wanted to stay home more with her children. Yes my skills are in high demand. They could not find a replacement. They had to hire TWO people when I quit and it took them 8 months! Back to my statement about being 'gently' pushed out. I asked for a schedule change. I wanted a day off during the week. Essentially to go to a 4 day work week. I worked over 15 years the same exact hours and after all that time, I was ready for something different, and some balance. The healthcare industry has a very high burnout rate now due to understaffing and piling on more duties to those understaffed workers. When they said no to my request, I started taking off a day during the week with my paid time off benefit. They asked me for my official quit date. No discussion about adjustments or negotiations. So in my mind, they did not value me and just wanted me out. I was a very high earner, so I am guessing they were looking forward to finding someone willing to work for half of my salary. But the joke was on them in the end since they ended up hiring TWO people to take over my duties. I did find another job. But I have a new mindset. It is not a 'career' anymore. I go to work, do my job and go home. I don't go to meetings or participate in any 'team' things. I work 'off hours' (weekends) and see very few others in my department and interact as little as possible. I am debt free and have enough savings to live on for several years if I pull the budget really tight. If things go sideways I can walk away with no regrets and no guilt. This is the NEW job mindset people. Millennials have been doing it for awhile and it's time we all learn it.
I can totally relate to what you've written. Been in the healthcare field for 27 years. Stepped away for a year break and now I am having issues finding another position. I feel it's due to my age and last income I made. Why hire me when they can cut that salary down for a new person. I'm doing ok though. Have a good savings and work parttime which covers my expenses and have given me time back to enjoy my life.
@@nitabe8653 I found that most job ads do not reflect the REAL info on the job. Almost every PRN job I applied for eventually told me that they wanted someone working hours that equalled full time. They just did not want to commit to specifics, or benefits. The other thing was education. I have a degree in Xray/CT/MRI and I know what the job involves, yet some are advertised wanting someone with a higher degree than is required (and at no higher pay I might ad) so I am thinking that these jobs are posted by HR personnel that have no idea what the job really is. My current job I hired on as PRN with the provision that I was NOT going to work more than 3 days a week. After they showed me that there word was reality, I transitioned to full time. I still only work 3 days a week and 32 hours. I have to say, though that it took me 3 months and numerous interviews via phone and live to screen out these jobs to find the right one. My hope is that the employers will eventually get their heads out of the sand and see that workers are not going to put up with being abused any longer.
Don't get me started on the health care INDUSTRY! Paying locals a quarter than travelers and needing 3 people to do the job of 1.
Hi AnniesShenanigans! I’m so glad you shared your experience. The lessons you learned are valuable and I hope others learn from reading your words. P.s. I’m glad it worked out for you. Congratulations!
Hi Nita BE! My daughter is a nurse. I’m hoping she doesn’t have the same experience as she ages but my guess is she will. I am hoping she is as prepared as you seem to have been. Thank you for sharing!
I'm up to my eyeballs in this having been laid off in Oct of last year. The contract extension from NASA GRC only funded about half the work so it made it a convenient time for ZIN to lay off it's higher paid staff. It really boils down to money. I don't think they care about your age when you're doing the job, only what it costs them. You'd think they'd want experienced staff in the specialized high tech field I was in, but with an abundance of lower paid, near fresh outs from staging the company for sale, they chose to reduce total salary. Plus they are bidding contracts at the lowest levels for each position. I've come close to one position in my job search and that was at a 50% salary reduction. Breaking into a new industry seems like it will require a significant hit, but hits a wall when they finally do the math and figure out my age. Finding a job is when the age bias really hits since it's easy to say this guy will only be here five years. It's hard to stay optimistic and upbeat.
Want to follow up on your statement. The IT industry is full of contract work. A good bit don't even offer benefits. My last employer made statements that I'm the most expensive employee on the payroll because of my health insurance. That takes a set of stones to make a statement like that several times when speaking with her. I wish there was a way I could take her to court. Sure you can hire two of me but they don't know jack. That's one thing I can say if you're in the public sector and it's a contract all there trying to do is fill the seat and keep it warm it doesn't matter whether you know anyting its about the money buddy. My contract was likely billed at nearly $150-200/ hour more than what they were paying me.
@@richrizzuto5741 you are absolutely right about filling the seat. The more hours charged, the more the company makes. And if you're a lower salary than someone else, then all the better. And your last employer sounds like a real winner saying something like that. Sad to say I'm not surprised given how bold some of them are.
Hi Chuck Bunnell! No question comp weighs heavily on the decision to cut workers. But there are industries where a workers age is the determining factor. I see this a lot in tech. I also agree age bias affects the decision to hire. Thanks for commenting.
Hi Rich Rizzuto! I’m actually surprised your employer foolishly said you were the most expensive employee on the payroll. That statement is demotivating, degrading, and disrespectful. Not a smart business person.
I have experienced this over and over again. I also face bias because I'm a job hopper and high functioning autistic person
Hi Michael Marshall! Sadly, workplace ageism is something many of us encounter no matter our level of experience or skills.
Someone needs to start a company where hiring criterion is only over 45. A-Ha, how bout that?!!
Hi Five Dee! Not a bad idea but I’d be happy with a fair mix.
@@Over50tv Add young (temporary) interns eh? hahahha
Companies want to hire college grads, work them to death (which they don’t have the maturity to set boundaries) and pay them much less than you. It’s crazy, even with so much more experience. More experience should equate to more pay.
Julie B! I totally agree. I find it very sad that people who have skills, experience, and a great work ethic are sidelined because of their age. I may sound like a broken record when I constantly encourage people to start a side business or full-time gig but I believe it is one of the best options.
Love this
Hi Honeycomb hour! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I really feel for this gentleman and all the folks who experience ageism anywhere.
Thank u for sharing love your content.
Theresa! Thank you for watching. I appreciate your time.
Unfortunately, when the time comes to "reorganize" and HR is targetting the older workers (overtly or covertly) they are not going to ask if you have new skills that could be applied or how great a manager you are to your team(s). They are looking at your salary+benefits and how they could pay someone a fraction of that to do the same. There is also the human factor where a director or high-level exec may just be looking for an excuse to clear out the ranks and the reorg is providing just such an excuse.
I totally agree with your statement though I think HR is targeting the highest paid workers who naturally are older. That's what I saw during the last round of layoffs. And none of the managers I worked for were consulted in any way, so that just back's up your statement about targeting the money.
Hi David Pearls! I agree with you. Essentially what you are saying is don’t let others have control over your career or paycheck.
Hi Chuck Bunnell! Yes, targeting the money is a lot easier thing for management to do than increasing demand for your product or service.
@@Over50tv Unfortunately, when you are in a large corporation and you are not C-Level, you are at the mercy of those who are. They control your career and paycheck within their realm. Ideally, to control those two variables, you need to be the boss.
Im in software sales. Its more common to see and older male in a management position than a woman which is gross
Hi K O! That doesn’t surprise me even though it does disappoint me. As someone who has three granddaughters I want they to have just as much opportunity as anyone else.
newest subbie! great conversation.
Hi kkidd108! Thank you for subscribing!
Change the range of dates on you CV to how many years at each company. E.g, not 1993-1996, but 3 years.
Hi WeedMIC! I had not considered that but it is a suggestion I’ll consider.
That would only work if the HR monkey can't add. "Let's see..... 8 years at this company, 6 at the next. 12 at the next. 9 at the next, Bachelors Degree is another 4 - that's 39 years plus the 18 before college, meaning you must be at least 57 years old." The only way around that is to simply remove the oldest employer or two completely - then the math adds up to 51 years at most.