I read this and think it is spot on. After running my own business for over 15 years and feeling helpless as it collapsed last year with the economy, I took the consulting approach. Did a few stints here and there in my industry.
Being in Cleveland/Akron the economy is horrific. Tried hard to stay here and transfer my skills into another industry with no results. Finally looked to key markets that show promise for stability and quick recovery. I focused on the DC market. Researched companies in my industry and began dropping unsolicited e-mails titled "Brainstorming and networking".
Came upon a company that had interest. Went out to interview. Came upon this EXACT situation. A younger 30 something manager. I'm 46. The concerns of age were obvious as well as moving into a new market.
Ironically, followed all that was outlined in this article. Presented a 4 month consult to employment option. Set some very specific short term goals that was reviewed, edited and agreed upon for that 4 month period. The approach was seen as not only addressing immediate needs, but undertones of seeing the value of mentoring, coaching, etc.
The goals are lofty to say the least. But in this economy I'll take the challenges over other options. I view it as a stepping stone in a new market. The ability to get up to date in a corporate environment, learn new software and methodes, get creative juices flowing again and to create my own opportunity to jump again into full employment.
Feel also very strongly that if and when a recovery comes, my resume will not show "job hoping", but a resourceful and successful consulting record that bridged the worst recession in our lifetime while adding value to the companies I worked with. All while adding to my own education and experience.
I have felt the pain and hopelessness many of us go through. This has seemed methode has seemed to get me through and hope others may consider it.
Formal offer was made yesterday and will begin a new chapter of life in DC beginning Dec. 2nd. A challenging and yet welcomed 4 months of hard work ahead of me. But people our age remember what it's like to bust our butts during the good 'ole days and I'll take that again any day of the week!
Hi James and all over 50, I can relate to all the comments that encourage those over 50 to try contract/consulting as an temporary solution in this terrible job market. My hard working, highly skilled 57 year old husband lost his Sales Director position last December after over 15 years with the same company. After months of trying to get interviews in his industry and from the online career boards, going on a few interviews with no success, he decided to start out November with a different approach to his search. He went to a trade show this past week where he knew he'd run into poeple he knows as well as meet new contacts. He handed out some simple business cards promoting himself and has a couple of leads to follow up on for contract/consulting work. This experience boosted his morale. It was much better than staying home alone at your PC for hours and praying that you will have a lucky day and see a new hot job posted, get a phone call or e-mail that someone wants to interview you. Just to sum up what over 50 job seekers need to do, forget the tradtional job search period in this market. That's not even working for 30 year olds! Get out and sell yourself the best way you can. Good luck to All!
Nov 7th 2009 @ 9:17AM James Dean
A glimmer of Hope!
I read this and think it is spot on. After running my own business for over 15 years and feeling helpless as it collapsed last year with the economy, I took the consulting approach. Did a few stints here and there in my industry.
Being in Cleveland/Akron the economy is horrific. Tried hard to stay here and transfer my skills into another industry with no results. Finally looked to key markets that show promise for stability and quick recovery. I focused on the DC market. Researched companies in my industry and began dropping unsolicited e-mails titled "Brainstorming and networking".
Came upon a company that had interest. Went out to interview. Came upon this EXACT situation. A younger 30 something manager. I'm 46. The concerns of age were obvious as well as moving into a new market.
Ironically, followed all that was outlined in this article. Presented a 4 month consult to employment option. Set some very specific short term goals that was reviewed, edited and agreed upon for that 4 month period. The approach was seen as not only addressing immediate needs, but undertones of seeing the value of mentoring, coaching, etc.
The goals are lofty to say the least. But in this economy I'll take the challenges over other options. I view it as a stepping stone in a new market. The ability to get up to date in a corporate environment, learn new software and methodes, get creative juices flowing again and to create my own opportunity to jump again into full employment.
Feel also very strongly that if and when a recovery comes, my resume will not show "job hoping", but a resourceful and successful consulting record that bridged the worst recession in our lifetime while adding value to the companies I worked with. All while adding to my own education and experience.
I have felt the pain and hopelessness many of us go through. This has seemed methode has seemed to get me through and hope others may consider it.
Formal offer was made yesterday and will begin a new chapter of life in DC beginning Dec. 2nd. A challenging and yet welcomed 4 months of hard work ahead of me. But people our age remember what it's like to bust our butts during the good 'ole days and I'll take that again any day of the week!
Best of luck to all.
Reply
Nov 7th 2009 @ 9:26AM JWA
Hi James and all over 50,
I can relate to all the comments that encourage those over 50 to try contract/consulting as an temporary solution in this terrible job market.
My hard working, highly skilled 57 year old husband lost his Sales Director position last December after over 15 years with the same company. After months of trying to get interviews in his industry and from the online career boards, going on a few interviews with no success, he decided to start out November with a different approach to his search. He went to a trade show this past week where he knew he'd run into poeple he knows as well as meet new contacts. He handed out some simple business cards promoting himself and has a couple of leads to follow up on for contract/consulting work. This experience boosted his morale. It was much better than staying home alone at your PC for hours and praying that you will have a lucky day and see a new hot job posted, get a phone call or e-mail that someone wants to interview you.
Just to sum up what over 50 job seekers need to do, forget the tradtional job search period in this market. That's not even working for 30 year olds! Get out and sell yourself the best way you can.
Good luck to All!