2-Minute Money Manager: Where Can Seniors Find Jobs?

Welcome to your “2-Minute Money Manager,” a short video feature answering money questions submitted by readers and viewers.

Today’s question is about finding work when you’re over 50. This is a good question for me, since I’m eligible for Social Security and still working daily. I’ve also done several news stories on this topic.

Watch the following video, and you’ll pick up some valuable info. Or, if you prefer, scroll down to read the full transcript and find out what I said. You also can learn how to send in a question of your own below.

For more information on this topic, check out “Older Workers Dominate These 9 Jobs” and “20 Ways to Make Extra Money in Retirement.” You can also go to the search at the top of this page, put in the words “senior” or “older workers” and find plenty of information on just about everything relating to this topic.

Also, remember that if you need anything from a better credit card to help with debt, you’ll find it in our Solutions Center.

Got a question of your own to ask? Scroll down past the transcript.

Don’t want to watch? Here’s what I said in the video

Hello, everyone, and welcome to your “2-Minute Money Manager.” I’m your host, Stacy Johnson, and this answer is brought to you by the Microsoft Edge web browser. It’s the faster, safer way to get things done on the web.

Today’s question comes from Fern:

“What kind of legitimate work can a healthy 74-year-old female find? My brain is like a 40-year-old, yet nobody’s interested in hiring me. What do you suggest?”

First things first: Congrats, Fern, on having the mind of a 40-year-old! I’m 62, and I think my brain is more like that of a 74-year-old.

I’ve gotten a lot of questions similar to this one. It’s tough for those of us with a little snow on the roof to find jobs, but I’ve got a couple of suggestions.

First, visit AARP Work Channel. There’s tons of info there. I’ve done stories with AARP and how they help older Americans find work. They’re great. Visit the site for all kinds of articles, helpful tips and suggestions. While you’re there, see if they have an office in your area where you can go for hands-on training.

Next suggestion: Visit your local CareerOneStop. This is what we used to call the unemployment bureau. They’re available in almost every major town and offer free classes to sharpen your technology skills, as well as job postings and pretty much everything else you could need.

I’ve also done a couple of TV news stories at CareerOneStop locations, including one specifically about finding work when you’re older. The folks there are super helpful. In fact, although that was nearly 10 years ago, one of the pieces of advice they offered for older workers stuck with me. It was this: Instead of treating your age like a handicap, use it to your advantage.

For example, like I said, I’m 62. If I was interviewing for a job today, I might say something like, “I’m not saying young people aren’t worth hiring, but I have decades of experience when it comes to showing up on time, dealing with challenges and adapting to a changing landscape. True, less experienced people might turn out to be an asset to your company. But wouldn’t you rather work with someone who definitely will be?”

You get the drift. Turn your age into an asset. It’s not something you’re ashamed of, it’s something you’re proud of.

Fern, I hope that helped. Make it super-profitable day, and meet me right here next time!

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About me

I founded Money Talks News in 1991. I’m a CPA, and have also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

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