Hidden Treasures in Older Workers

Posted In: Career Coaching, Employer Resources · By: Ian Dimerman · Date: 1 Aug 2007

By Jacqueline Allen

I had no idea what to expect when I walked into my first session of "Working at 55+", a pilot project sponsored by the Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging and funded by the federal and provincial governments. I had read the full-page write-up in the Abbotsford News and was intrigued with the concept of older workers gathering together to update their resumes, study the intricacies of the job hunt, and learn the value of transferable skills. I had been through several such programs in the past few years and considered myself employment-ready but this group was different. All participants were over the age of 55.

When I found myself back in the workforce in my early 50's, I thought I was armed with a solid employment history so would have little or no problem finding work. Such was not the case. I'd had only two jobs in the past four years, both ending in lay-offs due to downsizing. While out of work, I had taken advantage of many free back-to-work programs as well as an HRDC sponsored administrative assistant course that gave me the certification many companies were looking for. I often found myself to be the oldest member of the classes.

Then came the morning I walked into the Working at 55+ meeting room. The first session of the program was spent getting acquainted with the other participants and, as they introduced themselves one by one, I was astounded by the skills, talents, and experiences represented by the attendees. Just as amazing was the general lack of confidence in those attributes as a result of unsuccessful job searches.

By the second day, as members of the group became more relaxed and comfortable with one another, they spoke of their personal lives along with their work histories and even more abilities were revealed. Among the group was a former restaurateur famous for her pies, an engineering draftsman, an LPN, a mathematical genius who had graduated from high school at the age of thirteen, a master chef, a cosmetologist, a receptionist, a salesman, a graphic designer, a drapery seamstress, a hairdresser, realtors, and a former mayor. The myth that older workers are beyond learning was dispelled by the recent training represented in the group; a BA in Social Work, legal secretary, specialty cake decorating, and recent Administrative Assistant course.

The informational handouts given as part of the course contained valuable and timely information but I felt one of the most important aspects of joining the group was the interaction and networking with my fellow participants. I no longer feel alone in my job search as an older worker. I now realize that we all contain hidden treasures from our vast experience and would be a benefit to any employer willing to give us a chance.