| Have You Hit The Gray Wall? | | | | Issues |
| Unemployment figures in the USA are still pretty | | | | One easy fix may just be to sure you have a |
| high, and there does not seem to be a quick | | | | quick skill update. If you see a common skill on |
| answer to help solve this problem. It is bad for | | | | job postings, and it is one you lack, it may be |
| lots of people, or all different ages and education | | | | time to look for some online or community college |
| levels. But it even seems to be more acute with | | | | courses. Of course, it always better to have |
| older workers. Over 55 unemployment is even | | | | actual work experience with any skill, but a |
| higher than it is for the national average. | | | | training course can be a good substitute. |
| This can hardly because older workers are not | | | | You may even be able to take that course, and |
| good workers. We tend to associate older people | | | | then turn it into experience. Let's say you are an |
| with having years of experience and maturity. | | | | accountant who is not familiar with the latest |
| What they lack in the energy of a much younger | | | | software. If you take the course, perhaps you |
| worker, they certainly make up for with other | | | | could find a client who needs a freelancer. You |
| virtues. | | | | have now learned the software, and you have |
| They may not bring all of the current high | | | | actually gained real work experience to make |
| technology skills to a job interview. A recent | | | | your resume look better to a potential employer. |
| college graduate should have more current skills. | | | | The other upside of this tactic is that you can |
| But most younger baby boomers are pretty | | | | actually make some money by taking contract |
| familiar with computers and the internet, so this | | | | work on the side! |
| can hardly be the whole issue either. In fact, I | | | | This lead us into an increasingly popular solution |
| think it is more about how younger bosses regard | | | | that many older unemployed workers have |
| older workers that it is about the reality of the | | | | decided to accept. They have taken their business |
| situation. | | | | experience and maturity, and they have decided |
| Another very real consideration for employers, | | | | to start their own business. You may think that |
| and especially small business owners, is the cost | | | | you need high tech or professional skill to start a |
| of health insurance. Even though a group health | | | | business venture. But many people have taken |
| insurance policy must take everybody, they do | | | | simple skills or hobbies to the next level. They |
| not have to charge the same price for all groups. | | | | have started their own businesses to make a full |
| An older group will cost more than a younger one. | | | | or part time income. |
| It is impossible to ignore the situation, and to think | | | | The Gray Wall is Real |
| this has nothing to do with the problem that older | | | | There is no doubt that unemployment with older |
| workers are having when they look for a new | | | | workers is a big problem. But now that you know |
| job. | | | | the problem exists, it is up to you to decide how |
| Some Solutions For Over 55 Unemployment | | | | to handle it. |