The Gray Wall - Over 55 Unemployment is on the Rise
Have You Hit The Gray Wall? Unemployment figures in the USA are still pretty high, and there does not seem to be a quick answer to help solve this problem.
It is bad for lots of people, or all different ages and education levels.
But it even seems to be more acute with older workers.
Over 55 unemployment is even higher than it is for the national average.
This can hardly because older workers are not good workers.
We tend to associate older people with having years of experience and maturity.
What they lack in the energy of a much younger worker, they certainly make up for with other virtues.
They may not bring all of the current high technology skills to a job interview.
A recent college graduate should have more current skills.
But most younger baby boomers are pretty familiar with computers and the internet, so this can hardly be the whole issue either.
In fact, I think it is more about how younger bosses regard older workers that it is about the reality of the situation.
Another very real consideration for employers, and especially small business owners, is the cost of health insurance.
Even though a group health insurance policy must take everybody, they do not have to charge the same price for all groups.
An older group will cost more than a younger one.
It is impossible to ignore the situation, and to think this has nothing to do with the problem that older workers are having when they look for a new job.
Some Solutions For Over 55 Unemployment Issues One easy fix may just be to sure you have a quick skill update.
If you see a common skill on job postings, and it is one you lack, it may be time to look for some online or community college courses.
Of course, it always better to have actual work experience with any skill, but a training course can be a good substitute.
You may even be able to take that course, and then turn it into experience.
Let's say you are an accountant who is not familiar with the latest software.
If you take the course, perhaps you could find a client who needs a freelancer.
You have now learned the software, and you have actually gained real work experience to make your resume look better to a potential employer.
The other upside of this tactic is that you can actually make some money by taking contract work on the side! This lead us into an increasingly popular solution that many older unemployed workers have decided to accept.
They have taken their business experience and maturity, and they have decided to start their own business.
You may think that you need high tech or professional skill to start a business venture.
But many people have taken simple skills or hobbies to the next level.
They have started their own businesses to make a full or part time income.
The Gray Wall is Real There is no doubt that unemployment with older workers is a big problem.
But now that you know the problem exists, it is up to you to decide how to handle it.
It is bad for lots of people, or all different ages and education levels.
But it even seems to be more acute with older workers.
Over 55 unemployment is even higher than it is for the national average.
This can hardly because older workers are not good workers.
We tend to associate older people with having years of experience and maturity.
What they lack in the energy of a much younger worker, they certainly make up for with other virtues.
They may not bring all of the current high technology skills to a job interview.
A recent college graduate should have more current skills.
But most younger baby boomers are pretty familiar with computers and the internet, so this can hardly be the whole issue either.
In fact, I think it is more about how younger bosses regard older workers that it is about the reality of the situation.
Another very real consideration for employers, and especially small business owners, is the cost of health insurance.
Even though a group health insurance policy must take everybody, they do not have to charge the same price for all groups.
An older group will cost more than a younger one.
It is impossible to ignore the situation, and to think this has nothing to do with the problem that older workers are having when they look for a new job.
Some Solutions For Over 55 Unemployment Issues One easy fix may just be to sure you have a quick skill update.
If you see a common skill on job postings, and it is one you lack, it may be time to look for some online or community college courses.
Of course, it always better to have actual work experience with any skill, but a training course can be a good substitute.
You may even be able to take that course, and then turn it into experience.
Let's say you are an accountant who is not familiar with the latest software.
If you take the course, perhaps you could find a client who needs a freelancer.
You have now learned the software, and you have actually gained real work experience to make your resume look better to a potential employer.
The other upside of this tactic is that you can actually make some money by taking contract work on the side! This lead us into an increasingly popular solution that many older unemployed workers have decided to accept.
They have taken their business experience and maturity, and they have decided to start their own business.
You may think that you need high tech or professional skill to start a business venture.
But many people have taken simple skills or hobbies to the next level.
They have started their own businesses to make a full or part time income.
The Gray Wall is Real There is no doubt that unemployment with older workers is a big problem.
But now that you know the problem exists, it is up to you to decide how to handle it.
