Working to Labor Day

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Despite its name, most Americans do not work this day but spend time with family, work around home, take vacation or just relax.

For others, Labor Day’s irony is they would like to work but are the unemployed or underemployed.

Throughout America, middle-management, middle-income, middle-aged Americans are taking a particularly hard hit. Despite a strong economy, many feel forced out by younger, lower paid replacements.

Baby Boomers grew up in the time of the gold watch. Nostalgia and memories taught them the ideal was to work hard for one company, give your best and retire with a comfortable pension.

Today’s employment picture is one of multiple careers, many different employers and extreme competition for a well-paying job.

Even worse is the growing understanding that they are now the “older worker”. Add the uncertainty about retirement, falling pensions, rising health-care costs and older workers are finding much less gold in their golden years.

The picture is one of good news, bad news. Since 1993, American workers age 55 and older have almost doubled – a steady increase with few dips or spikes.

If you are an older worker looking for a job, you must be willing to make changes in the way you perceive yourself and your work experience.

Think, act and be positive. Attitude counts.

Be receptive to new ideas. Perhaps, this is the time to consider a career change.

Work hard at finding work. If you don’t have a job, finding work is your job. Get up in the morning and spend your 8-hour workday researching, networking and applying for jobs.

Use all resources available. Many libraries have entire areas devoted to employment.

All states have federally-funded free job service offices. Many help update resumes and assist in retraining. Most have free Internet access to employment sites.

Be wary of employment agencies. Many are legitimate; others will waste your money, time and energy.

If you go with an employment agency, personnel placement service or executive recruiter (headhunter), check their state licensing.

How long they have been in business? Are they connected with a national group? Check with the Better Business Bureau and your state Attorney General’s office.

Who pays the fee if you are successful in getting a job? Get a written listing of all fees you will have to pay. Check their policy if employment does not work out.

Be suspicious if they promise you a job. Reconsider registering if the agency wants money before starting especially if money-back, satisfaction guarantees are promised.

Before giving anyone money for services, check the contract carefully. Ask questions. Do accept promises made that do not appear on the contract.

Be particularly wary of companies that contact you by phone or email. Watch for job ads that are actually employment agencies looking for clients.

Do not believe agencies that claim to have the inside track on federal jobs. All federal jobs have to be listed with state and federal agencies whose services are free.

Do not give out your personal information to any agency or businesses until you check the legitimacy of that business. You may end up jobless with a stolen identity.

Whether you are an older worker or someone entering the job market for the first time, you may need help in creating a good resume and gaining interview skills. Many of the federal job offices offer these services. Local colleges often have career assistance centers that will help for a minimal fee.

Check for non-profit agencies in your area that help with job search and placement. Many provide career counseling and skill assessment. These can be particularly helpful if you are looking to change careers.

Some workers are finding help through career counselors and career coaches. Like the employment firms, you will have to do some research to make sure the company is legitimate and qualified to provide advertised.

Consider temporary help agencies. If you are changing careers, this can be a way to gain valuable experience.

Companies often use temporary agencies as a way of screening candidates for full-time jobs. Make sure you understand the agency’s policy on work-to-hire situations.

If you are trying to get a full-time job with a specific company, check for part-time openings or in-house temporary employment offices. A part-time or temp job can give you a foot in the door to full-time employment.

Network. Look for organizations and clubs associated with the type of business or career you want. Find people working in the field who can tell you of job openings and sometimes act as a reference.

Volunteer. You can build up a network of contacts who can help you while you help others.

For older workers, changing careers or finding jobs means going back to the skills they used when they first entered the workforce. While looking for work can sometimes be discouraging, finding a new career can be an exhilarating and life-affirming experience.

Web√.
An excellent place to start looking is America’s Job Bank You will find a wealth of information plus many linked sites.
Virginia Employment Commission

This column appeared in the Greene County Record May  2006.

Boomer Journeys Index

Read Boomer Journeys and other articles by Alex Carrier in the Greene County Record

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