At 60 I’m looking for something new as I need to work for several more years
I am 60, have an arts degree, an MSc in computer science and a postgraduate diploma in information management which landed me in a professional information role instead of “clerk typist” after being a mature student.
Redundancy, family issues and relocation meant a four-year hiatus but I have found two jobs, the more recent – audio typing – is a return to what I did 40 years ago. I still have several years in which I need to work and I wouldn’t necessarily stop at retirement if I was happy. I did enjoy information management but libraries look doomed. I’d like part-time/flexible working and something new.
Jeremy says
Many statistics about job recruitment are derived from surveys among companies above a certain size. They may have a workforce of thousands, a HR director, an active website – and will routinely advertise any jobs, both online and in newspapers, either directly or through agencies. As a result the findings tend to under-represent the opportunities in much smaller enterprises. For obvious reasons, it’s virtually impossible to get a firm fix on numbers.
What is certain is that there are always many non-advertised jobs that get filled via word-of-mouth. In smaller companies, staff are often incentivised to act as recruiting agents. Particularly for a local firm, personal recommendation makes all the difference.
By far the most important piece of advice I can offer is that you should spend as much time as you can forming and nurturing networks. Your interest in the arts and computer sciences should help form the nucleus of a couple of like-minded groups – but being a member of almost any group (formal or informal, social or interest-related) will be of value. I am not suggesting you should expect them to offer you jobs, but by talking and asking their advice (most people are wonderfully generous) you’ll greatly increase the possibility of your “chancing” on an opportunity that you’d never otherwise have known about.
Readers say
• Libraries, including education establishments, often employ casual staff. Having experience would stand you in good stead. JustanOldFool
• You need to be much more focused on what you can do and what you want to do, and look for a synergy between the two. This would give you something to strive for rather than simply looking for a job related to other jobs you have done. Starterforten
• Newsflash: 60 is no longer retiring age. I am 60 and will not get my state pension until I am 66. Try to network so people see you as the energetic, productive person you are. I have been doing agency work for three years and get job offers all the time because I am good and fast at what I do. I have started training as a personal trainer with an eye to older clients and am doing work experience at my gym, I will probably be offered paid sessions when the January rush hits. Anenome6
• Given your background could you work for a small publisher, perhaps of a magazine in a niche field – being part PA, part editor/marketing executive? That way, you could be learning new skills whilst capitalising on those you already have. Small charities often need support with IT/web content/social media, as do churches. This often expands into a role encompassing taking minutes/adult social care/running fundraising events/updating websites … varied and positive work if you are not looking for a “career”. Search local listings for anything that seems small company/workplace, low-key and pleasant. Avoid any ads with phrases such as thrusting/go-getting/sales driven/performance related/ambitious/growing … and anything that uses management speak in its ad or if the person spec has “dynamic” in it … and you should be fine! Tippingpoi
I used to be a nurse and midwife but now, at 53, I am feeling redundant
I am 53 and feel redundant. My career consists of 10 years nursing and midwifery in the 1980s. But after 25 years of marriage and raising five children, I feel I am becoming more redundant!
I always had visions of returning to my career but am still needed at home for my disabled son with autism. He goes to daycare five days a week from 9.30am until 3pm.
I am reluctant/fearful of returning to midwifery as I am sure a lot has changed and the hours were never family friendly. I would like to – need to – do some form of work that takes me outside the home. I am creative and like crafting. I can paint, do quilting and knit and I love the arts. How can I restart my working life?
Jeremy says
I hope that much of what I said to the previous correspondent can be of some guidance to you, too. I strongly suspect the key lies in the word “local”. You don’t actually want a career – at least not in the conventional sense – but you have skills and experience that many local groups and enterprises would welcome.
Your creativity opens up quite a few interesting possibilities. Explore arts and crafts groups, or centres where arts and crafts are taught as part of rehabilitation schemes. Encouraging others must come as second nature.
Think, too, of galleries or studios that might be on the lookout for part-time educated help – you could be the perfect solution. But you’ll never know unless you join, gossip and explore – online and in person. And do try one very old, but still surprisingly effective form of communication: pay to put a postcard in a newsagent’s window spelling out exactly what you can offer, and who you’d like to offer it to.
Readers say
• The problem is that “the arts” and “working life” are sadly often incompatible, and that is coming from myself as a fine art graduate with numerous internships under my belt. There may be volunteering opportunities in galleries, museums etc, but they tend to be competitive and not very open-minded in their selection. It could be a demoralising route. clouds9
• Valuable childcare skills, linked with your midwifery qualification, could mean that you would be welcomed as a day maternity nurse to new mums. Some need help in the first months of bringing baby home. Volunteer and see how it goes. Linda Murdoch Moon
• Would a non-clinical role in a health care/special needs environment suit? If you were to set up an art/craft group for patients, that would combine many of your skills – but it’s unlikely to be paid.
Running arts activities at a care home or similar may be enriching, as your principle objective is to work outside the home, not to make money. Bambis
• Unless you’ve completed a minimum 450 clinical hours as a nurse or midwife every three years, a return to practise course is required, as your Nursing and Midwifery Council registration would have lapsed. Caramel10
• Volunteering would be a good place to start and explore your options. The first step is to explore before committing to any one definite path. You could find yourself going in surprising directions. HonoraM
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
