They forget about the skills we have...

...we unemployable oldies!

Published on April 25, 2006 By adnauseam In Blogging

My wife and I spent a year in England to be near our daughter and her husband. I'm a bored old critter so I decided to look for work. I'm an avid gardener so applied to be a nurseryman. No luck--too old. I guess they thought that carrying plants might be a chore for a fifty-nine year old! Then I applied for a job in PR. Surely my years as a principal might convince them that I had PR skills. No---59 year olds might fall and have an accident while successfully selling an idea. An application to be a hedge-measurer was turned down too even though I love hedges. I love animals so I applied to be an animal inspector. No chance. Animals bite old people. Ambulance driving (taking old people to hospital and back),came next. It would have been a wonderful chance to show off both my PR and driving skills (driver for 40 years). Not a chance in heaven. I can just see the selection committee at work:" He's been driving for 40 years--must be as blind as a bat." And: " He's driven all over Africa--not a good choice--probably thinks he's on the Dakar rally." I can visualise committee member Mrs Pemberton-Jones saying: " For God's sake, this man has been to Lesotho. You cannot equate that wild sort of life with Norwich!"

Thought I'd make a list of the skills I've learnt after the age of 50 just so older Joeusers can feel good about themselves. So here goes:

- I've learnt how to use Microsoft Word, Publisher and Excell. (we had no computers when I was at school).
- I can repair printer jam-ups.
- I can trace electrical faults to a Distribution board.
- I (ah yes), know the secrets of KY jelly.
- I know the correct way to transplant seedlings.
- I have every confidence in my ability to resolve conflict amongst staff.
- I can fix most photocopier jams.
- I can cook fillet steak and fries.
- I know about dogs and their diseases.
- I just know how to make my boss seem inadequate!
- I know how to Google! Yeah.
- I know what the word "gay" means.
- I know what a "motherboard" is.
- I take no sides in arguments. Why should I when I know I'm right.
- (and, seriously):The greatest skill I have learnt is to praise young people because they appreciate it and it inspires them.

Oh well, we all get old but life is still great!

Comments

Dr Guy

on Apr 25, 2006

I know. The last time I was laid off, I went looking. I was really qualified, and had a lot of interviews. But I was also 47, so I got 3 job offers. All from the state as they HAVE to take the most qualified (State law). The others said no thanks.

On the bright side, if you choose to move to the colonies, you can always get a job as a Wal Mart greeter!

Trudygolightly

on Apr 27, 2006

have every confidence in my ability to resolve conflict amongst staff.

well that skill is sorely needed here amongst the non-staff. it'd be great to have you sorting through the squabbles and such

I totally understand the agism thing though, Leo Buscalia talked about it I think, he's a favourite of mine.

and I'm 59 also, and what can 60 possibly bring? whatever I put into it! yea!

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on May 01, 2006

I like what you do, continue this way.

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