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Richard Nelson Bolles

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Renowned author of the What Color Is Your Parachute? Series

Bradley Richardson

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Business author, professional speaker and career development expert

Tanya Flynn

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Communications manager at Careerbuilder.com
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Everyday Change

It's a SAD Month

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If Seasonal Affective Disorder (or life in general) has you down, take steps to deal with depression. You aren't weak and you won't feel this way forever. October is Depression Education and Awareness Month-become educated and aware.
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If you have questions about this change, you're in the right place. Our editors, experts, and community of change optimists have answers!

DianeSusan

Question:How does one get past age discrimination?

I'm 59 years old and three months ago was down-sized for the third time in two years. Now to find a job, the salary is not there for a person with my experience and education.

Asked by DianeSusan on 7/19/08 3 Answers»
giapooh

Answer:

If you think you are truly being discriminated against because of your age, you need to consult with a lawyer. That is against the law.
Good Luck,
giapooh

Answered by: giapooh on 9/14/08
DianeSusan

Answer:

Thank you for the feedback. You're right...experience can overcome age, but I forget that sometimes.

When my boss laid me off, he told me not to focus on my age; he'd rather hire an older worker than a younger worker because our families are complete, we're more dependable, etc.

My daughter keeps telling me to watch "Joe Versus the Volcano". An older movie with Tom Hanks about a man in an isolated job that he hates...then made big changes when he thought he was dying.

Thanks again...I'll take your advice to heart.

Answered by: DianeSusan on 7/24/08
cmclaugh

Answer:

I don't know, but being in a similar situation though more hopeful, here's how I'm going about it.

First, figure out what you want in life, not in salary. I'm prepared to move, sell my house and move into a smaller one (something I want to do anyway), and more. I want simplicity and life with mass transit, not in my automobile. That life will be cheaper and make me happier.

Second, when my rather isolating job of 15 years was eliminated I moved into a different field in a much risker small nonprofit. The economy led to professional staff being laid off, but this time I'm in a much better position--lots of good connections with people who know my work and may help.

Third, my age is an advantage. I have incredible skills and experience, I know how to make the workplace better for everyone and navigate political waters with diplomacy, and more. I love working with people my age and younger people. Why not go in knowing what advantages your age gives you?

Answered by: cmclaugh on 7/20/08
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