Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just wanted to add a word of encouragement. I recently started a new career at age 50, and got hired by a large university. Sometimes I feel old, but I need this job. DH is even older and we have one kid in college and another headed off in less than two years. Remember, you just neec one employer to take a chance on you!

Please, please, give more details. How did you do this? I need to go back to work after 14 years at home. I've been compiling a list of people who work in the field I want to get into, so I can do some networking, but I'm new to the area, so my list is fairly short. I've updated my resume and applied to a handful of jobs I found online (no response whatsoever) for which I was 100% qualified. I have an Ivy degree and a master's degree in my field. Before I had kids, I was in demand. Now, at my age and in a recession, I'm toast. Any suggestions? A success story would give me hope. I'm feeling like a dessicated worm, useless and worthless, despite my education. I've done tons of volunteer work -- no shortage of demand for my skills there!

I'm starting over also. It took six months from being "cordially asked to leave" by year end, (a real shock and very much opposed by my closest colleagues) to a new position which will start in January. I feel very, very fortunate and starting to get excited about a new opportunity. I hadn't written a formal resume in 20 plus years. Applying to notices of job openings even if they were clearly focused on attracting senior, experienced types produced next to nothing. It was networking, all the way, and contacts and relationships developed over the career. The market is absolutely awful.

Anonymous wrote:I just wanted to add a word of encouragement. I recently started a new career at age 50, and got hired by a large university. Sometimes I feel old, but I need this job. DH is even older and we have one kid in college and another headed off in less than two years. Remember, you just neec one employer to take a chance on you!

Please, please, give more details. How did you do this? I need to go back to work after 14 years at home. I've been compiling a list of people who work in the field I want to get into, so I can do some networking, but I'm new to the area, so my list is fairly short. I've updated my resume and applied to a handful of jobs I found online (no response whatsoever) for which I was 100% qualified. I have an Ivy degree and a master's degree in my field. Before I had kids, I was in demand. Now, at my age and in a recession, I'm toast. Any suggestions? A success story would give me hope. I'm feeling like a dessicated worm, useless and worthless, despite my education. I've done tons of volunteer work -- no shortage of demand for my skills there!

Anonymous wrote:55, CPA with MBA from top 15, sometimes top 10 school. I have a financial reporting and technical accounting skill set where it is acknowledged that there is a shortage of people. But who is going to hire me at my age if big corporations are where most of this activity is found? I have to work at least another 10 years. I have been consulting through some agencies but the insecure work situation is killing me.

I would find a good temporary agency that provides professional accounting services. They will be able to put you in a long term placement or temp-to-perm position. My husband did that for his first job out of MBA school. He used Accountemps in Chicago.

Use your friends and contacts! Not everyone wants to work with the 20 something crowd. Us boomers like to stick together.

Anonymous wrote:55, CPA with MBA from top 15, sometimes top 10 school. I have a financial reporting and technical accounting skill set where it is acknowledged that there is a shortage of people. But who is going to hire me at my age if big corporations are where most of this activity is found? I have to work at least another 10 years. I have been consulting through some agencies but the insecure work situation is killing me.

I would like to add, you need to offer and stress your knowledge, experience, and what that translates to for an employer: more accurate reporting = better ability to make and manage decisions = reduced concern over fraud, theft, allocation to other resources. I too am over 50. The issue is not your age, I think(and hope), it is simply to show and display what value added you are bringing to the equation. While accounting is overhead, it is also necessary, for tax purposes, mgmt information. Stress not just your skills and knowledge, BUT, your ability to train others, reduce haedcount, help boost profitability, etc. Also, this is not calmly, but whether you work at a big corp, or, in some temp agency, I think the concern and fear out there exists in both environments. The reality is, the job market BLOWS. The ability to move around is now so limited.

Anonymous wrote:former headhunter.. forget about employment with major firm corp. Efforts should be focused on generating you own temp consulting work. the chance of consultant becoming employee totally unlikely due fees associated with the to hire of a 55 yrs old hard to justify. Counterpoint assignment obtained on your own you've worked for 6 the know you and no $10k -$20k fee

I'm sorry, is this supposed to be English? I certainly hope you don't communicate with candidates and employers this way.

former headhunter.. forget about employment with major firm corp. Efforts should be focused on generating you own temp consulting work. the chance of consultant becoming employee totally unlikely due fees associated with the to hire of a 55 yrs old hard to justify. Counterpoint assignment obtained on your own you've worked for 6 the know you and no $10k -$20k fee

Another booster for you. 55 isn't old these days and if you can relate well to people in addition to having excellent and updated skills, you will find a good position. Media reports indicate older workers take longer getting jobs, and they do get jobs. Your strategy of temping to get a job seems great.

You may not get the highest level corporate positions you have been used to but I would think you could set yourself up and do tax accounting, business management, etc. for your own clients. Did someone mention consulting? My years in a corp (lower level) I saw a lot of money spent on consultants who were total airheads but they got a lot of work. My city management calls consultants to tell them where street repairs are needed (!?) You seem as though you are level headed and know your work well. If an idiot can make money consulting, you should have no trouble at all. Someone may be glad to dump the airhead when he finds you. Maybe that is your niche? In fact, could you do both? Would tax accounting for smaller clients and consulting for larger ones be compatible? Are investments within your expertise? Lots of large & small clients need investment advice.

Best wishes.

No specific advice OP but hang in there. Something will turn up. Keep us posted.

I just wanted to add a word of encouragement. I recently started a new career at age 50, and got hired by a large university. Sometimes I feel old, but I need this job. DH is even older and we have one kid in college and another headed off in less than two years. Remember, you just neec one employer to take a chance on you!

Anonymous wrote:I agree, older workers have it tough. But you say you need to work another 10 years, and I believe you, because you're only 55. So basically, you can't afford to give up. Yet your post makes it sound a little bit like you are giving up.

Can you use your temp work to find an open job and ingratiate yourself with the bosses? This could be a really viable way to land a permanent job.

Also, don't talk yourself out of sending out resumes to the big corporations. As with everything in life, you won't know until you try. If you need to, invest in a makeover so you look younger and up to date -- yes, you may think this is totally corny, but from everything we hear, it seems necessary. Also, invest in whatever technical/accounting/professional certificates and training might help expand your job options.

And stay away from Barbara Ehrenreich's book

Thank you for the advice. My hair is thinning on top but otherwise I am in great shape and dress well. I have been doing temp work and feel that this is my main chance for something full time because either they will have something or know someone who does. Unfortunately the one time I was offered a position they liked my work but the job was not a good fit - I only tolerated it due to money reasons. In terms of investing in skills, I am an active license CPA so every year I take 40 hours of courses.

Why not go into business yourself? My mom did it at 60. She's a travel agent and got laid off from her company where she had worked for five years. She became an independent contractor. The change has been incredible. We wish she had done it sooner. She makes more money than she has ever made in her life, yet she only has to work 25 hours a week (tops) and gets to work out of her home, which she loves. She has no stress - zero. She specializes in very high-end older clients who love working with someone who understands their needs and expectations. All her business is word-of-mouth and she regularly turns down new business. 20 years ago she was 50 and homeless!

I agree, older workers have it tough. But you say you need to work another 10 years, and I believe you, because you're only 55. So basically, you can't afford to give up. Yet your post makes it sound a little bit like you are giving up.

Can you use your temp work to find an open job and ingratiate yourself with the bosses? This could be a really viable way to land a permanent job.

Also, don't talk yourself out of sending out resumes to the big corporations. As with everything in life, you won't know until you try. If you need to, invest in a makeover so you look younger and up to date -- yes, you may think this is totally corny, but from everything we hear, it seems necessary. Also, invest in whatever technical/accounting/professional certificates and training might help expand your job options.

And stay away from Barbara Ehrenreich's book

55, CPA with MBA from top 15, sometimes top 10 school. I have a financial reporting and technical accounting skill set where it is acknowledged that there is a shortage of people. But who is going to hire me at my age if big corporations are where most of this activity is found? I have to work at least another 10 years. I have been consulting through some agencies but the insecure work situation is killing me.