Career Help and Advice

groundloop

(12,271 posts) Thu Jan 29, 2015, 10:59 PM Jan 2015

Age Discrimination [View all]

So what the hell is an "old fart" to do?

I'm an engineer who was unlucky enough to be laid off several months ago (after over 17 years at the same place) due to corporate restructuring (the company was profitable but wasn't making as much they wanted). I'm over 50 and have become convinced that my age has been a detriment to landing a new job.

I've applied for jobs which were a perfect fit for me, even ones where the job description says at least 10-15 years of experience. I've had very good phone interviews, but can't get past that. The people I've interviewed with are smart enough not to come out and ask my age, at the end of the conversation they ask what year I got my degree and then I never hear from them again.

Other than to keep on trying, and praying that I find something before I have to start robbing from my 401k what else can be done? I just have a sick feeling that I'm screwed.

38 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Age Discrimination [View all] groundloop Jan 2015 OP

You are screwed. The sooner you accept it and move on, the sooner you will quit trying jtuck004 Jan 2015 #1

Gee, thanks for the uplifting post :) groundloop Jan 2015 #2

Yeah, I thought about becoming a motivational speaker, but I have a nasty moral streak jtuck004 Jan 2015 #3

"an extremely bad attitude lately" < See, that's what people accuse me of, when I think I am just jtuck004 Feb 2015 #12

I have an idea for a business that's really needed. mahina Jul 2015 #16

What type of work do you do? n/t discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2015 #4

I'm an electrical engineer groundloop Jan 2015 #5

have you consided consulting? discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2015 #6

I wouldn't have a clue how to begin groundloop Jan 2015 #7

I don't have a PE discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2015 #8

Yes, I'm near Atlanta groundloop Feb 2015 #9

I understand wanting to be home discntnt_irny_srcsm Feb 2015 #10

Check out possible career path that may work for you, posted today. CK_John Feb 2015 #11

My age is hurting my chances of getting a promotion. RandySF Mar 2015 #13

There is one job where your age does not matter...truly. But it's tough...Sales. I've seen many libdem4life Apr 2015 #14

That might work if you are InkAddict Oct 2016 #38

My father was in the same type of situation. Jax90 Jul 2015 #15

Pray to god sincerely and God will help you. openheart Dec 2015 #17

I'm going through the same thing right now. Did Groundloop ever find a job? mackerel Jan 2016 #18

Well, I did find a job but it didn't last... so now I'm in the same boat again only worse groundloop Aug 2016 #22

I started substute teaching-I call it guest teaching-the pay is decent and as a guest mackerel Sep 2016 #24

Don't lose your patience Michael621 Mar 2016 #19

I can identify. drm604 Jul 2016 #20

Everything is your hands Phill_Dalton Jul 2016 #21

Great option to do EllaJones Aug 2016 #23

I was just laid off this morning liberal N proud Sep 2016 #25

What type of engineering? discntnt_irny_srcsm Sep 2016 #26

I am/ was the CAD Manager liberal N proud Sep 2016 #27

Would you consider consulting? discntnt_irny_srcsm Sep 2016 #28

I have tried to figure out how to do that for years liberal N proud Sep 2016 #29

Please let me know if I can be of any help discntnt_irny_srcsm Sep 2016 #30

Autodesk Inventor is the 3D tool liberal N proud Sep 2016 #31

I'll be in touch and let you know what I find out discntnt_irny_srcsm Sep 2016 #32

Any help is appreciated liberal N proud Sep 2016 #33

I have seen quite a few contract openings for people skilled in both SolidWorks and Inventor groundloop Oct 2016 #34

The plan is to relocate liberal N proud Oct 2016 #37

You CAN find a new job, but it's likely to take longer than it used to groundloop Oct 2016 #35

Congrats, that's fantastic. discntnt_irny_srcsm Oct 2016 #36