We need a voice, to advocate for workers who are 50 and over. Our elected officials need to assoiciate a face with this problem. Age Discrimination affects your family. When I unjustifiably lost my job three years ago and exhausted my unemployment, my 2 year Suzie Ormon emergency savings account,my 401K beecame my income. My 87 years old mother had to step in to help me pay my mortgage.She keep hoping that I will be up and running one day,but the reality of me returing to a job similiar to the one I held is not positive. I have submitted over 2 thousand CVs and have been interviewing every week by phone or face to face. I get NO CALL BACKS. The process is a real beat down.
Last week I was turned down for a $15 dollar and hour customer service job located 30 miles one way from my home. The recruiter told me "I would be bored and would quit for a higher paying position." She's right , I definitely would continue to look for a job comparable to my experience level but I right now I have nothing . I NEED RESOURCES NOW!. WE NEED RESOURCES NOW! We need tougher laws that will protect employess who are over 50. We need to hold the EEOC and our Elected Officials more accountable.
There is saftey in numbers. I live in Chicago and jobs in my city are all about who you know. My problem is I have always received job offers based on my experience and my ability to interview well. I never was in a position to call my friend who work in City Hall or my friend who work for the State of Illinois. Networking is a joke, most people who are over 50 and are still fortunate to have there 6 figure job won't offer much help because of fear or they are in denial. This problem is real and everyone over 50 should have a back up plan.
Learn a trade,start your own business or start a new career. Corporate America could care less that I am 5 years from receiving the minimum of my retirement benefits.
Through my journey of trying to return to the work place at 57 years old , I have met a lot people in my neighboor hood who are in the same situation as I am,"Unemployed Over 50 And Faking The Normal". I was surprised and out raqgged that this country would coldly allow age discrimination to be non-event.
I have met several out of work 50 year olds who are single parents with children in college and are foreclousing on their home. I have met 50 year old un employed people who are forced to go on social security disability because they have been unable to find work for years and they need a source of income.
Or what about the 56 year old woman who suddenly lost her job and is working as a Crossing Guard and Halmark Greeting Cards living with her daughter in a one bedroom apartment because she can not afford nor do she qualify for a Senior Apartment. The University of Chicago laid off a entire department of 50 and over employees six years ago ,to this very day the employees have not found comparable employment , most of them are working in small retail stores. Just as of last week a 56 year old Director of Saftey for Sherman Williams Paint Company was forced to resign after 20 years of service after reporting a Osha Saftey Violation . I have at least 30 stories of finacial hardship that Age Discrimination has cause but everyone seems to take the attitude "they have been doing this for years" or "they did it to me , Im glad I am retired" . Why is this acceptable?
I have met with my Alderman in my community askig that she support me by using her voice to communicate the affect of Age Discrimination in her community. I have also met with my Illinois Senator and brought members of my family to the meeting so he can see how many are affected by AGE DISCRIMINATION. My senator aggreed that it is a old and increasing problem ,larger than Washington will acknowledge. He asked me to organize a meeting of 10 to 30 individuals who are willing to discuss how AGE DISCRIMINATION have affected their life. He has also ask that we bring some sugguestions as to what we would like Washington to do about this problem. I am currently in the process of planning the meeting. I have also written letters to my Illinois Congressman and Senators. I have asked everyone I know who were affected by Age Discrimination to call our senators and congressman and ask for tougher laws Against Age Discrimination and programs that will help bridge middle age workers in to retirement.
It's a long haul but this must stop NOW. I want to decide when I stop working. I know I am sharp and I have a lot to offer . They have mess with the wrong one.