Busting Ageism: A Guide to Finding Jobs You Can Do at 50 and Above

Ageism in the workplace is a reprehensible and unjust reality for many people over 50. They are often judged and dismissed based on their age, rather than their qualifications and abilities. Society tells us that with age comes wisdom, yet in the workplace, it seems to be a hindrance rather than an asset. It is disheartening that individuals who have spent their entire lives working and contributing to society, are now facing the unfair discrimination and marginalization. Age should not be a determinant of one’s value or potential for success. It is a tragedy that so many people who have so much to offer are being denied the opportunity to continue making valuable contributions to the workforce. The HR Digest has created a short guide on how to look for jobs at 50 and above. But first, and anecdote from my previous company…

John had always been a hard worker, and a dedicated employee. But at 52 years old, he found himself out of a job, and struggling to find a new one. It wasn’t for lack of trying – he sent out dozens of resumes and went to countless job interviews, but time and time again, he was told that he was “overqualified” or “too experienced.”

One HR representative even told him, “I’m sorry, John, but we’re looking for someone who can grow with the company for the next 10-15 years, and at your age, that’s just not feasible.”

Another interviewer told him “You have a lot of experience in this field, but we are trying to keep the company young and fresh, I’m afraid you might not fit in with the team.”

Feeling defeated, John started to believe that maybe he really was too old to find a new job. He thought, “I’ve been in this industry for 30 years, I’ve accomplished so much and yet, here I am, struggling to find a job, it doesn’t seem fair.”

But John didn’t give up. He knew that his experience and knowledge were valuable assets, and he refused to let his age hold him back. He kept putting himself out there, and eventually, he found an employer who recognized his worth. The employer told him, “We need someone like you, with your experience and knowledge, to help guide and mentor our younger employees.”

John finally landed a job and proved to himself and others that age should not be a barrier to success. He showed that with hard work, determination and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals, no matter how old they are.

Discover practical strategies for finding rewarding job opportunities as an older worker. Learn how to overcome ageism and highlight your valuable skills and experiences.

The current economic downturn is hitting households and individuals alike badly. Both young and older individuals are seeking ways to hold onto a job to remain financially stable during this period. Due to the downturn, it may seem almost impossible to find the right jobs for 50 years old (or older), and even younger people.

Older employees are always at the forefront of age bias within organizations, and when it comes to finding a job, it’s even more difficult. Statistics show that about 20% of people said that they were neglected for a job because of their age. While about 78% of employees aged 50 and above reported that they have experienced age discrimination in the workplace.

While all of these are true, we can’t help but suggest ways to break the bias. This article discusses several ways and steps on how to look for a job at 50, whether you’re looking to switch careers or get back into the workforce due to the recession.

What are some jobs you can do at 50?

You can do literally anything at the age of 50. Many successful people today started fulfilling their dreams at the same age, so nothing makes that impossible. Don’t believe us? There are many famous people who have started their careers later in life. Here are a few examples:

Samuel L. Jackson: Jackson began his acting career at the age of 46, after years of working as a stage actor. He went on to become one of the most recognizable and successful actors in Hollywood, known for his roles in films such as Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Julia Child: Child is best known as the host of the popular cooking show “The French Chef,” which premiered when she was 51 years old. Prior to that, she had worked as a spy for the OSS during WWII, and was a relatively unknown cookbook author.

Mark Twain: Twain began his writing career at the age of 35, after working as a printer, steamboat pilot, and miner. He went on to become one of the most celebrated authors in American history, known for classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Grandma Moses: Anna Mary Robertson Moses started her career as painter at the age of 78. She quickly gained fame for her depiction of American rural life, and sold her paintings for thousands of dollars during her lifetime.

Colonel Sanders: Sanders started his famous fast food chain, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) at the age of 62, after a successful career as a gas station operator, farmer and restaurateur.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other people who have had successful careers later in life. These stories show that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and achieve your goals. The gist of it is that you can do ANYTHING.

To help you get started, there are several jobs for 50-year-olds that may be more pleasant, enjoyable, satisfying, and engaging. These jobs help you be as productive as possible without putting a stamp on your age. Some of the jobs you can do at 50 include:

• Healthcare worker
• Real estate agent
• Accounting officer
• Teacher
• Therapist
• Freelancer
• Personal trainer
• Consultant
• Childcare worker
• Customer service representative
• Administrative assistant
• Gardener

Selecting the right job for a 50-year-old takes passion and interests. You’ll need to go for a job that you like and are capable of handling so it doesn’t disrupt your personal time and time with family.

How to Look for a Job at 50

Whether the job market is booming or on the low side, you’ll need to use the right tips to get employed by a company you’re interested in. Since age bias is a big issue in the workplace, older workers have to take strategic steps in finding a good paying job. Let’s look at the following:

1. Find the right job.

Before you start applying to jobs, you’ll need to consider the types of jobs you are interested in. You should look for one that checks all the right boxes when it comes to satisfaction and productivity. This will require you to conduct extensive research and discover where your true interests lie. Another key thing to consider is the market. You should find a job that pays well too if you’re more concerned about the financial benefit. In the case of an economic downturn, look for jobs that promise to be stable regardless of global finance issues. We have listed some of the jobs you can do at 50 above, and you would do well to research more on them.

2. Find the right company.

The next step on how to look for a job at 50 is to apply to the right organization. It’s unfortunate that some people aren’t aware of age bias and make their workplaces difficult to work in. For this reason, older employees will need to look out for organizations that have an inclusive work culture and apply to them. You can visit their LinkedIn profiles, websites, or even ask one of your networks who works there to discover how age inclusive they are.

3. Ask your network

Jobs you can do at 50 are sometimes hard to come by, no matter how continuously you apply for them. Here, you should consider reaching out to your network and informing them of your “open to work” status. You can easily get a referral through this process.

4. Smash the interview

If you’re lucky enough, you’ll eventually get invited for an interview. This is the right time to prove yourself through your skills and experience. Try to keep things on an average level so you don’t come off as too experienced for the job. Show your interviewer that you are worth the hire and will be a great asset to their company.

5. Look out for red flags

Good jobs for 50-year-olds shouldn’t support age discrimination, and you can discover these through obvious signs. During the interview, you might notice your interviewer keeps pointing to your age as a limiting factor. That’s a big red flag there. The job description will also highlight what a company’s culture may look like.

6. Stay up to trends.

One major reason for age discrimination in the workplace is the belief that older employees are not trendy. You’ll have to prove your new organization wrong. Before you start job hunting, find time to learn about new technology. Familiarize yourself with these tools so there will be no need for them to second-guess you.

Finding a job at 50 or above can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that age is just a number and experience is a valuable asset. It’s never too late to pursue a new career or to make a change in your current one. Ageism can be a concern in the job market, but don’t let it discourage you. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a valuable candidate.

Emphasize how your years of experience have given you the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a new role. Additionally, show that you are open to learning and adapting to new technologies and methods.

It’s also important to remember that there are many industries and companies that are actively seeking to hire older workers for their experience and skills, such as healthcare, education, and consulting. Be open-minded to different job opportunities and don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiters and networking contacts who may be able to offer advice or connect you with potential employers.

Keep in mind that job search might take longer and be more difficult, but never give up. Stay positive and persistent, and remember that you have a wealth of skills and experiences to offer.

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