Over Fifty And Unemployed - Wow!

Author: tman333

I'm a senior software designer, and yes, over fifty and unemployed. And, because of today's market, there are many more in the same position. Professionals and non-professionals, members of the job force for more than 40 years, being told during interviews, "Thanks, we will let you know", but never hearing a word and, at the same time, trying to re-assure themselves it has nothing to do with the fact that they are "over fifty and unemployed".

Let me tell you, this can work on your psyche. Over the years you come to think you can do almost any job you set your mind to, but after multiple "rejections" you start to wonder if that's true anymore. I know that I can still be productive. But, how do you persuade others? Yet, I press on. I have to.

Its a bizarre feeling. For years I've supported myself. From cutting grass as a teen to doing part time janitorial work as a student in college. As an adult I've worked for numerous companies as a contractor knowing that, if needed, my next job was just an interview away.

Unfortunately, its not that way anymore. Whether its the economy or my age (or both), the prospects of landing another job are not that sure anymore. As a result, my primary financial support system appears to have dried up, it seems, overnight. This wouldn't be so bad if the bills (mortgage, car, utilities, etc.) would dry up as well.

Hence, a since of urgency.

I'm forced to fend for myself. But I'm finding, though, this is not necessarily a bad thing. I no longer want my future in the hands of others. I now aspire to work for myself. Even though that's easier said than done, I'm resolute to succeed.

In my search I've found several appealing areas to focus my attention. One, of course, is the internet. As I delve into this vast and at times ominous world, I'm finding a maze of get rich quick adds and tons of internet marketing gurus telling you about the millions of dollars they've earned and promising their program is the best and will give you the greatest return on your investment.

But, like any business endeavor, you have to weed thru what's "real" and what's not. I not looking to get rich, just survive!  And so, I press on. The learning curve is great, much more than I was led to believe. and it take time, lots of time. Oh yeah, and lot's of money. Fortunately for me. I don't have any money and this is driving me to find less expensive ways to accomplish the same results.

I will be passing along to you, in future articles,  the weath of information I've learned and there is a lot to learn. The link below is an interesting article I came across. Take a look. Let me know what you think.

In the mean time, to the other "over fifty and unemployed" I say, be encouraged. You've overcome obstacles before. You WILL overcome this one, too!

Change your career path it’s never too late to try something new

Author: Roy J Derrick

Middle age does strange things to a man. It finally makes a person evaluate the priorities in life. This was certainly the case for me.

For many years I had been what could have been considered as a “busy fool”. I had always worked incredibly hard, often working many long hours to provide both for my family and for the families of my employees.

I began my working life as a gas engineer working lots of overtime and ensuring a secure income for my family. I then threw caution to the wind and decided to venture into the unknown territory of retail.
 
I began by opening a convenience store which involved working very long hours for little income at the beginning.  It also sadly meant spending large periods of time away from my family particularly my young children. However by sheer hard work and dedication I began to succeed and eventually expanded to open two further stores and a manufacturing company.

As the business expanded so did the workforce. This resulted in more pressure to succeed not only to provide for my own family but for the families of all my employees. Competition from other retail outlets further increased the pressure on me and I continued to work harder and longer hours in order to succeed.

After twelve years I decided to make a career change. I sold my businesses and ventured this time into another relatively unknown domain- I became a property developer .

I had a little experience in this field as I had built my own home and began buying various parcels of land to sell. I also built more houses which I sold and I project managed house builds for various clients. This proved a welcome change and a great challenge but after seven years I was becoming submerged in mountains of paperwork and I was again beginning to spend less time with my family. It was time for a change. This time I was determined to make the right change – a change for the better.

I am now successfully running a businessworking from home  and have stopped being what I regarded as a “busy fool”. I have now struck the right balance between work and family life. I have succeeded in creating good quality time with my family and am now finally beginning to really enjoy life to the full. Making changes in your life especially when you reach the insecure middle aged phase of your life can be daunting and hold much insecurity. However by finally taking the plunge and venturing into the unknown many wonderful opportunities can be created which will go on to create gains both financially and socially.

By my very nature I will always need a certain amount of challenge and set goals in my life but at least now I am productively busy and am actually reaping the rewards for myself.  I believe that I am now fulfilled in my life. It is never too late to make alterations in our lives provided we take the time to ensure that we make the right changes to better our lives.

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