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The job market for older people

Kate Kestrel

Hi - I have a cousin (whose nearly 60 years old) who has had the same job for 30 odd years. They’re now wanting to move area to another part of the country to be near their daughter as she’s having a baby (plus they feel like a change anyway). He’s got many autistic traits but not diagnosed. His job has not been ‘highly skilled’ - so he’s not looking for ‘professional’ level jobs. My question to anyone who might have insight into this is: how easy is it these days to find a job when you’re in your late 50s or early 60s? I’m a bit concerned that he’s taking an enormous risk to move to an area and leave the secure job he already has now. I’ve always thought that employers don’t like to employ older people - but maybe I’m wrong? 
He’s asked me what I think but I don’t feel equipped to offer good advice as it’s been ages since I was applying for jobs, and when I did I was lots younger than he is. 
Can anyone offer any advice? Thanks! 

Parents

  • Hi Kate, 

    This is something I’m thinking about at the moment as I am in a similar  situation. I hope to have two holiday lets to help with income but in reality these are most probably going to take about two years to convert. I’ve noticed the local supermarkets have large fleets of delivery vans and seem to employ the more mature person! I was thinking of doing this as it’s flexible hours and the pay isn’t bad. The only thing bothering me is if I can meet strangers when delivering.

    I’ve also considered gardening as I can then work alone. An option I really favour is window cleaning, I’ve noticed there seems to be a gap in the market locally. I don’t like heights so thought of buying a used van and fitting a water tank and purifying unit, The house windows are then cleaned with a long pole so no ladder needed. I have a customer who does this at the moment and makes very good money, the hours are also flexible.  What field of work is your cousin in? There maybe a company who are looking for someone already skilled in his field. 

Reply

  • Hi Kate, 

    This is something I’m thinking about at the moment as I am in a similar  situation. I hope to have two holiday lets to help with income but in reality these are most probably going to take about two years to convert. I’ve noticed the local supermarkets have large fleets of delivery vans and seem to employ the more mature person! I was thinking of doing this as it’s flexible hours and the pay isn’t bad. The only thing bothering me is if I can meet strangers when delivering.

    I’ve also considered gardening as I can then work alone. An option I really favour is window cleaning, I’ve noticed there seems to be a gap in the market locally. I don’t like heights so thought of buying a used van and fitting a water tank and purifying unit, The house windows are then cleaned with a long pole so no ladder needed. I have a customer who does this at the moment and makes very good money, the hours are also flexible.  What field of work is your cousin in? There maybe a company who are looking for someone already skilled in his field. 

Children
  • in reply to Roy

    Hi Roy - thank you for your reply. My cousin doesn’t drive unfortunately. I wonder what the stats are on autism and learning to drive? Neither of my son’s drive btw (they’re both autistic). A lot of our supermarket delivery drivers are older too - I’ve noticed that. I like your window cleaning idea - it’s nice to work outside in the fresh air and be your own boss. Good luck with that if you decide to do it!