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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

  • I wouldn't worry .  It's their decision which seems like they've made in their minds, and for them to do the math and risks on. 

    They are near retirement and they see the benefits beyond just maintaining a job which they've have for 30 years, so moving to a new phase of life, which many do at that age of life.

    I think the job market is tough for all ages - my daughters friends who graduated last year haven't exactly been inundated with job offers, and if they are in work, not sure they are jobs that require a degree either.  If I do go into the office (now I'm in my 50s) I do feel much older than those I generally see, but if I think back to when I was in my 20s and 30s, I suspect colleague of my age now, probably thought the same back then too. So are things different ? I suspect not, but you'd have to look at employment data and I'm sure your cousin isn't expecting you to do this analysis

    So when they ask "what do you think?" just say I can see why you're moving and wish you well, you may ask what would they plan doing for work, and just hear what they say

  • in reply to Jalapeno

    Thanks. In many ways he’s very like me in that he wants to be more adventurous in his life but he also struggles with change too (I think he’s undiagnosed autistic to be honest). My eldest went to uni and he and his friends haven’t  found finding a decent job easy either - even with a good degree they’ve found it a challenge - and like you say they haven’t found degree level type jobs. I think it’s hearing of my son’s experience which has made me think it will be difficult for my cousin - especially as his qualifications aren’t great. When I left uni in the 80s it was a lot easier as the cost of living was so much more reasonable and as long as you didn’t buy luxuries you could live very cheaply. Now all the basics seem to cost so much. 

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  • in reply to Jalapeno

    Thanks. In many ways he’s very like me in that he wants to be more adventurous in his life but he also struggles with change too (I think he’s undiagnosed autistic to be honest). My eldest went to uni and he and his friends haven’t  found finding a decent job easy either - even with a good degree they’ve found it a challenge - and like you say they haven’t found degree level type jobs. I think it’s hearing of my son’s experience which has made me think it will be difficult for my cousin - especially as his qualifications aren’t great. When I left uni in the 80s it was a lot easier as the cost of living was so much more reasonable and as long as you didn’t buy luxuries you could live very cheaply. Now all the basics seem to cost so much. 

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