I’m already falling into depression because I can’t find another job. I didn’t get layoff at Belk but every day I feel like they'll let me know that I’m too old and that I need to go somewhere else. Maybe I’m just imagining it but I’m looking for other options just in case.
My age (55+) is the biggest obstacle in finding a new job and it just worries me. I would love to hear about some positive experiences of older employees how they managed to find a job so as not to be completely discouraged.
Im 54. I left Belk in April, went on a well known site for work from home jobs, applied, got hired in two days. Belk is not the end of the road because of your age. Keep looking because there are employers who want maturity and will train if necessary.
I’m pushing the “old dog, new tricks” age myself. I up and quit a few months ago. Applied for jobs I did not think I’d get. None of the retail positions called me back. But I did have a lot of tech skills that I had just never been paid for.
I now have a job with a desk, a name plate, great pay, no weekends, no dread when I wake up in the morning. BENEFITS, like healthcare, profit sharing, structured bonuses. Just do it. Wallow in self pity for a few months, but you ARE better than Belk. Everyone is.
You'll find something. I'm in your age bracket and thought I'd never be hired. I took 13 months off (on purpose) for health reasons, and have been "Job Hopping" b/c I can't find anything I like that is fun and I want to stick with. I'm more comfortable with the next best thing that comes along-- I try it for a while and, well, move on.
I cannot and will not devote that much of my life, 14 years, to any business again just to be tossed aside. Tain't worth it.
Just don't settle for anything that comes along. Feel it out and find a fit.
Concentrate on your skills and experience, not your age, you are an asset to ANY company. Apply with confidence.
Hang in there. You are an asset to the company
Be a good role model for the younger associates. Mature workers are reliable, dedicated, and have strong work ethics
Older folks are more loyal since they will probably stick around until retirement. Younger people in retail tend to bounce around jobs because they always think there is something better out there. Just hang in there.
I don’t see it in store I’m working at. We have people between 50 and early 70, management is friendly and respectful to them. There isn’t much certainty about job security in general, so nothing wrong with searching, but if you like your job at this point and pay is acceptable, do your best and don’t worry.