Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I am 61 and have been in the motor trade all my life. I have been lucky enough to be in a secure job with the same company for the last 30 years.
But I have come to a stage in my life where I feel like a new challenge and a complete change of job.
Financially, I need to work, and pay is a consideration. But I suppose I feel this is my last chance to try something entirely new.
I have been interested to read over the last few years about some companies such as B&Q that actively encourage the use of older experienced workers.
But I can’t decide whether I should I sell myself to these companies offering to use my existing skills or just do anything that’s offered. Even stacking shelves in a supermarket would be a whole new world to the one I’m used to.
The other choice is stay in my job and try to weave other work experiences into my life around this. Or chuck in the job and throw myself into the workplace which I realise could be a very difficult place to be at my age.
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.
