I wonder how many folks there are out there who are over 60 and experiencing the same problem as I am.
Since being retired from a large company in 2011 at the age of 60 (because of company policy) I have submitted my CV to countless employment agencies.
I have even resorted to dropping off notices advertising my services at various companies.
It is now 2018 and I am still waiting (these days without much hope) that someone out there will call me with a job offer.
I have been bluntly told that businesses are no longer keen to hire people over 60 because it is a risk for companies to employ elderly people who are susceptible to health problems which can cause downtime; many ex-employees over 60 are over-qualified for the positions offered; it is unfair to hire people over 60 because the younger generation needs the jobs more; and other inane excuses … ad infinitum, and ad nauseam.
I find this totally discriminatory and biased towards people over 60. We have many, many years of experience and skills which are just going down the drain because nobody wants to employ us.
Many of us are still very active and have been working since the age of 18. Being suddenly forced to retire when one is still capable of many years of good work is a very traumatic and depressing experience.
Many of us also need to supplement our pensions in order just to survive.
With over 30 years of experience and skills, one would think that companies would jump at the chance to hire pensioners who are still in good health, can still drive, are independent and capable of putting in a good eight hours’ work each day.
What about small businesses and one-man-bands who could use someone like us?
Do I really need to resort to standing in the middle of the road with a board hung around my neck stating, “I am still alive and NEED a job, damn it!”
