Top of My Game...

I'm at the top of my game professionally but I'm not being given the opportunity to use it.  Since we moved to Houston from New York, I've been looking for a job.  I actually did keep part of my job at The One Club until November when I finished up the Corporate Membership renewal part of my job but I was still looking for a job during that time.  I kept a  spread sheet of every single role I applied for and as it started getting near 50, I started to become a little worried that something strange was going on.  I only have 26 weeks of unemployment and although it comes no where near paying the bills, it certainly does help.

It was like a truck hitting me that no one was responding because of my age.  I have been an executive assistant and office manager for years.  If I really look back at it, I began when I was only 19 and helped to run Momma's Worry, a popular college nightclub in the late 70's.  I took several years off to raise children but was soon back to work and all told, I at least 20 years experience.  Through the years I have had mentors that helped me hone my skills that are not only technical but also with people.  There is a patina that has developed over the years which gives me what sometimes almost seems like a second sight when it comes to anticipating how people may react to problems and how to respond to panic in others.  I have many excellent C-level references.

What I didn't realize about this situation is how much it was going to personally hurt me. The rejection is such a personal affront. I don't actually look my age, which should be a good thing but it turns against me after a good interview.  I leave an interview knowing they like me and in three incidents, actually told me I was their choice.  Then almost immediately, I get an email or call the next day to tell me they have decided to move on with other candidates.  This happens after I fill out and sign background check forms which must include my birthday.  Not one single large corporation responded to my application and resume.  All of those have websites where you are required to fill out this information.  They judge you before they even talk to you and no chance is given to the individual who might make the best employee they ever had.  The actual interviews went fine until I submitted required background check forms.

I don't apply to any roles that I am not absolutely qualified for and try to avoid applying for jobs that are way below my skill level so that if someone looks at my information, it would seem that I am a perfect fit.  What a shame they do not give me a chance and an even bigger shame that the government has helped them do it.  The same government that is now telling my generation that they have to work to 72 to get full benefits from Social Security.  They help companies discriminate against me so that it's almost impossible to get a job which puts me in a dead man's zone. I cannot afford   I can't work and I can't afford not to work. 

I'm 60 and will easily work another 8-10 years and even if I worked for only 5, that is more time than most people are staying at jobs today.  My spread sheet is now at 184 jobs I've applied to through websites, friends, networking and a few recruiters.  I have two interviews this week through a recruiter that I am hoping turn out.  I just applied for my next to the last week of unemployment so a lot is riding on them.

I don't like to complain without offering a solution and protection for the older workers and a solution to this very real problem is really pretty easy...

• It needs to be illegal to require age identifying information on an application either in person or online This includes high school and college graduation dates.
•  It needs to be illegal to require someone to fill out or sign background check forms before an offer of employment is extended. 
• Unemployment needs to be extended for people over 55 years of age looking for work.

 Sounds simple doesn't it.  At least this will give me a fair playing field.  I'm at the top of my game and the skills and background I have should be utilized.  I'm going to share this blog post with some people I think might be able to make a difference and do something about this problem.