March 18th 2024.
As I sat down in front of my computer, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as I logged onto my email account. It had become a routine for me - checking for any responses to the numerous job applications I had sent out. I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope when I saw a new email notification, but that hope was quickly dashed as I read the familiar words of rejection. It seemed like every email I received was the same - a polite rejection letter, thanking me for my application but ultimately deciding not to shortlist me for the opportunity. It was a scenario I had become all too familiar with in my years of job searching.
Despite expecting this outcome, it didn't make the disappointment any less painful. I felt like I was constantly hitting a brick wall - never able to even get an interview, let alone a job. It was a demoralizing experience, to say the least. I had been searching for employment for nearly three years now, and I couldn't help but wonder if my age was a factor in why I wasn't getting hired.
In my earlier career, it was almost unheard of for me to not make the shortlist for a job, but now it seemed like I couldn't even get a response. My skill-set hadn't deteriorated, in fact, I would argue that it had only improved over the years. The roles I applied for were well within my capabilities, yet it felt like my age was the deciding factor against me.
Before this frustrating period of job searching, I had spent decades working in senior finance positions. I had even been head-hunted by employers who were eager to have me on their team. However, 19 years ago, I made the decision to start working for myself, supporting start-ups in securing capital. It was something I was passionate about and enjoyed, but unfortunately, it came with its own set of challenges.
As time went on, I began to struggle with significant depression and other mental health issues, which were only exacerbated by the isolation of working alone and the pressure to generate my own income. Realizing that I couldn't continue down this path, I made the difficult decision to look for an employed position.
Since then, I have applied for at least 50 jobs, lowering my expectations and even applying for roles that I may have been overqualified for. Yet, the result was always the same - my applications were either ignored or rejected. When I asked for feedback, I received a standard letter that offered no insight into why I wasn't chosen. It was a frustrating and disheartening experience.
Despite knowing that I am qualified and capable of working the jobs I apply for, it felt like no one was willing to give me a chance. It was a constant battle against the recruitment mindset, and as each day passed, I couldn't help but feel like my chances were getting slimmer. I was getting one day older while fitting the desired image of a candidate less and less.
Naturally, my motivation to continue the job hunt dwindled, and I found myself applying for fewer and fewer roles. It felt like a futile effort, and I couldn't see how I would ever get past this stage. Unfortunately, I was not alone in this struggle. Research from the charity Workingwise showed that many older workers, like myself, have been searching for employment for over a year, and almost half feel that their life experience is not valued by employers.
Thankfully, luck was on my side when I was offered an interview with a charity through a personal connection. It was the only interview I had received in the past three years through the traditional application process. The charity couldn't believe their luck in getting me, and they were thrilled to have me join their team for 17 hours a week. It was a reminder that I was capable and had so much to offer, but it took a personal introduction to get me through the door.
Unfortunately, the job did not pay enough to cover my expenses, and I still had to rely on my self-employed work to make ends meet. It was a struggle, and I had to cut back on my social life and holidays, which had a negative impact on my overall well-being. Despite this, I was able to afford my rent and other bills, with any extra money going towards supporting my son. However, I couldn't help but feel guilty that I couldn't be more generous with him due to my financial situation.
Taking money from my savings each month was not something I was comfortable with, especially since I had planned on relying on those savings later in life. It seemed like employers had a specific image in mind when recruiting, and if someone didn't fit that image, like a 60-year-old man, it was hard to get hired. In order for organizations to truly embrace the older workforce, they need to completely redesign their application processes.
The focus should not be on age, but rather on the skills and experience a candidate can bring to the table. Online application forms are not equipped to evaluate non-linear career paths, and employers should refrain from asking for a candidate's age and instead focus on their capabilities. Furthermore, if an application does not progress, a meaningful explanation should be mandatory.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, I still hold onto the belief that I will find work. My goal now is to either find another part-time job to supplement my income or find a full-time role that can cover my expenses without relying on my savings. Ideally, I would like to continue working for as long as possible, as I enjoy the intellectual challenge and camaraderie of being part of a team. Retirement is not in my plans anytime soon, as I firmly believe that age is more than just a number - it's an asset in terms of experience and knowledge.
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