Technically speaking, I'm not a baby boomer, having been born in 1944, BUT I feel like a boomer in every other respect: I am at retirement age, I have lots of creative energy, and I'm not ready to stop working! However, I was forced into retirement when, in June, my "technology integration specialist" position was eliminated at the school where I was working--due to, of course, the dreaded budget cuts. Colleagues assured me I would find another job with no problem. I had wonderful references and lots of "marketable" skills. Some even suggested my age would be a positive factor because employers view our generation as having a certain work ethic that younger people lack. By September, however, after seven interviews and as many rejections--not to mention a number of sight-unseen rejections--it was clear that I would not be going back to school as a teacher. I had no choice but to take my State of Maine retirement income and supplement that with unemployment benefits! At that point I swallowed some pride and began to look for office jobs. After all, I had worked as a secretary years ago, and because I have taught MS Office skills, I felt qualified for that type of work.
In the meantime, the state unemployment agency identified me as one likely to use up her allotment of state funds and UNlikely to find another job in her field. Because of that, I was offered entry into the Maine Enterprise Option (MEO) program which provided wonderful resources and support for establishing a business of my own. I gratefully accepted that help and have spent 40+ hours a week creating a web design business <http://www.miniwebbin.com>. It's very exciting and rewarding. But a successful business takes time to establish. I still need to supplement my retirement income with at least part-time work. So, even after changing directions, I continue to apply for jobs. Though the rejections keep coming, I have not lost hope. As I write this, I am waiting to hear from a school system that posted, not a teaching position, but a very interesting position, for which I believe I qualify. A friend and former colleague, who works in that school system, told me of the opening and will certainly act on my behalf! In my next post, I'll let you know how that goes.
I'm interested in hearing from other baby boomers (or would-be's) who're having similar experiences. Have you been able to remain confident and positive? Have you discovered WHY it is so difficult to find work? Have you been able to manage creatively? Have you actually found work and, if so, where and how? Is this a phenomenon specific to the State of ME (or state of me)?
I refuse to feel desperate. I know something is out there for me. How about you?
4 comments:
Maybe I can give you some insight. A friend of ours--who is a well qualified teacher--started applying to find a teaching position in various cities throughout the U.S. when she was about 60. Guess what? No response that were positive.
Your best bet, to me, is for you to go into office work or sales. Teachers make the best salespeople due to their empathy and listening skills.
You have alot to offer, so don't give up. Just figure out what you would enjoy and do it.
All the best.
Thank you, Anonymous. I am now working part-time at Barnes & Noble and still continuing to work on websites. At B&N I enjoy Storytime each Friday night, as I get to read to the little ones. The pay is awful, but the work & camaraderie, enjoyable.
Nancy,
Having worked with you many years ago and knowing how competent you are I'm shocked you haven't found a job teaching. I've been told 2010 is the date many teachers will retire in Illinois. Keep checking Illinois school sites.
Sherry
Wishing you
Wishing you luck in your search!
Post a Comment