Over 50 and can't find a job in Vegas |
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Debi 5 months ago |
I went to school to become a CMA. What they didn't tell me was it seems like no one wants someone who's over 50. It's all about the money. When I graduated they got me an externship working for a podiatrist!!! I learned about EKGs and Blood draws for THAT? I was lucky enough to find another Dr. who took me on for the rest of my externship. I worked there after it was over but then had my hours shortened so I had to leave. It's been TWO YEARS and I still can't find a job. It's the same old story.......you aren't hired because you don't have experience. HOW CAN YOU GET EXPERIENCE IF NO ONE WILL HIRE YOU???????
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Diane 5 months ago |
I am looking to hire a Medical Assistant. Internal Medicine If you are interested please fax a resume 363-0118 Thank you |
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Diane 5 months ago |
Thanks, I received your resume. I will be calling you soon for an interview on Thursday. |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
UPDATE ON PERSON WHO RESPONDED TO MY SEARCHING FOR A JOB.....
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LC in Cleveland, Ohio 4 months ago Guide |
Debi-People do this all the time on these forums,come on say they have a job but it turns out to be nothing,especially since they NEVER say who they really are,with some detailed information about their company. I have yet to see an update like yours though so thanks for posting. Yeah,it's hard all right. I once posted a question on a website called "Advanced Medical Assistants of America" about whether it's easier to get a job as an inexperienced MA if you are younger rather than in your 40s,like I am (and it's been 2 years for me also). Nobody was willing to really answer it. Someone did say a younger person would be viewed as having more energy. The only thing I have had luck with are health screenings,and there are a lot of companies that perform them. Do an online search for "Onsite health screenings (or wellness exams)". It's easy work,you go to a work site like a factory and do vitals on the workers. Some of these companies will even pay to fly you around to do them,like "Health Fitness". |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
It was a legitimate business. Some "allergist or internal med dr"-John McAllister. She sent me the two addresses and had stories for it all. I called her "private number" and someone answered the phone and put me on hold and nothing. Then I called the "regular" number and got some BS story again followed by another few BS emails. It just really ticks me off.
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Mrs Teacher 4 months ago |
I teach at a vo-tech center and place students in medical settings for externship. The students that have a problem getting (and keeping) a job are usually the ones with lower than average employability skills. We can teach students the skills of the job, but the so called "soft skills" such as getting along with others, positive attitude, puctual, great attendence are not so easy. There is probably a reason you needed two externships and that after two years you don't have a job. The reason is you. How many interviews have you gone on? If not many, than you are not active enough in your job search. If you have gone on many, then maybe it is your interviewing skills. You might try contacting some places that didn't hire you and ask what you could have done differently. Revisit your resume. Is there something on it that deters potential employers or do you make it to the interview process and lose there? Again, as an instructor I have a hard time believing your story. The fact that you gave out the doctors name and are bashing them, makes me sure I wouldn't want to hire you. Could it be they are avoiding you for a good reason?. Also, did you make a good impression on externship? Over 90% of my students receive gainful employment with in 90 days of graduation. The students who do not, and complain, and complain, are the ones who lack proper social skills to land a position and keep it. They tend to be the ones who enjoy complaining and blaming rather than working and receiving a paycheck. Just some thoughts from the other side. |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
First of all-you seem awfully angry and hostile. Second, the reason I had "two externships" was because the office manager knew I wanted to be in a medical setting where I'd be able to practice my skills that were taught me, rather than a podiatrist's office where I felt I had nothing to offer nor would I learn anything to help me in the future.
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little nicky in Cleveland, Ohio 4 months ago |
Forums like this are a great place to vent when things aren't going well. You have to vent SOMEWHERE! It's not like she would be venting like this at an interview. That was a pretty stupid thing to assume Mrs Teacher. It's tough out there now for those over 40. It's even harder to have to compete with those younger applicants for the same jobs. Honestly, I would have to say it's more about your age than anything else. Age discrimination is alive and well in America. Youth is so over-prized in this country, just witness the number of snotty, disinterested receptionists and assistants rolling their eyes and talking on their cell phones. They can be, they know that they could get another job in a heartbeat if need be. Well Deb, I would like to think that sometime soon it will be realized that youth doesn't always equal an hardworking, upbeat, employee. In fact, some of those I have come across were socially unpleasant, and did more complaining than I ever did. Keep pluggin along...you will find something that was meant for you. Employers will come to a point were they will prize experience over youth when they see their profits going down. |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
Thank you so much for your support. At least there are some caring people around. It made me feel much better. Things are really tough for me right now and I didn't need that posting from her. But hey-that's the problem in this world. There are too many mean hateful people around. I happen to be a caring person who would be nothing more than an asset in ANY office. I guess it's their loss. I've done volunteer work in hospitals and patients have sat on the edges of their beds waiting for me each day.
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LC in Cleveland, Ohio 4 months ago Guide |
These forums ARE for venting and for offering helpful suggestions on finding work,not blaming someone when they can't. There are many who have no concept on what it is like to be fully trained for something and then the end result is that no matter what a person does or tries,they can't get a job,so it's assumed that there must be something wrong with that person. Sure there are many that had no business being in a medical assisting program but there are many more who had a perfect right to be and are now paying a price because of certain factors (such as coming from a school with a bad rep) that seems to prevent them from being hired. |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
Sometimes people just have to throw their two cents in to stir things up I guess. They have their own private issues and need to lash out at someone.
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little nicky in Cleveland, Ohio 4 months ago |
Didn't go to school to become a MA, but I am experiencing the same as you. I KNOW what you are going through. Yep, it's tough.
Caring, dependable, people like you BELONG in your chosen profession, don't let anyone tell you any different. It will pay off, trust me. Just takes us a little longer, that's all. Just keep trying till you find your perfect fit. It does exist. |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
Thanks again. But since I"m going to be 59 next Tuesday I'm not sure I"m going to find a decent job at all. I'm seriously considering a PCA position. It's the only thing I can do. I'm discouraged and fed up. I do appreciate your encouragement. I wish you such good things to you because I can tell that you're an awesome person. Any time you need to chat I'm here for 'ya! |
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Mrs Teacher 4 months ago |
Most of the employers in my medical community prefer the more mature student for externship and employment. I still maintain my point that you need to analyze what is going wrong with your resume, interviews and potential employers. This includes some very serious (and yes potentially painful) self reflection. Since you have not been able to get a job in two years something is wrong and its not just your age. I did make an assumption here though, an assumption that you were looking for help, ideas, tips, leads. I gave them to you. By bashing others, by name, in the medical community you are trying to enter, was not a good way to handle that problem. Even if it was a negative experience, be careful. As I ended my earlier post. These are just thoughts from the other side. |
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IAMACMA in Henderson, Nevada 4 months ago |
LOL I refuse to dignify anything you write again. Spew your anger and hatred and "help" to someone else. You have no idea of what you are talking about. End of subject. It's apparent that you don't because no one agrees with you. I really don't care what you think of me. Have a wonderful day.
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mshmelling in Mattawan, Michigan 4 months ago |
iam sixty frustrated also. discrimination is real. i realized that sadly i cant be what employers want me to be.
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50 and underemployed in Phoenix, Arizona 3 months ago |
The age discrimination thing is huge! Especially for women over 50. I have been underemployed and unemployed since 2001! I used to make over 70K/year plus excellent benefits. I have passed two and three phone interviews but when I get to the over 50 white guy at the top of the food chain, he acts as though I am wasting his time! And they have this really confused look on their face during the entire interview. What's up with that? Is it some "code of the school yard" thing that they teach middle age white guys? Or are they naturally afraid of post menopausal women? I don't get it. |
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50 and underemployed in Phoenix, Arizona 3 months ago |
Mrs Teacher said: Most of the employers in my medical community prefer the more mature student for externship and employment. I totally disagree with you. May I inquire as to YOUR age? I can tell by your answers that you are probably under 40. Wait til YOU experience it (age discrimination). It will blow your mind! |
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Mrs Teacher 3 months ago |
Apparently the point of my post has been missed. I meant to convey that: 1. bashing a medical provider by name, in this forum, in the medical community you are attempting to gain employment in, is a very very bad move. 2. If you have not been able to even gain employment for two years, even entry level in any medical facility (as the original poster stated) then it may not be your age. 3. I offered areas to look at. Does she make it to an interview? How many in the past 24 months? If many than her resume is doing its job. If hardly any, the resume and presentation (email, personal delivery, networking, mail) may be something to look at. If she is not getting the jobs after an interview than it may be the interviewing skills that are lacking. I suggested bluntly asking them what critiques they could offer her. 4.Age Discrimination is alive and well, I agree. However my providers (externships and job opportunities) want me to send them mature students. By mature I don't mean age, I mean dedication, determination, respect, optimism, tolerance, and many other "soft skills" that employers want and need. Honestly my older students are the ones who match their requirements and are offered the jobs. That was my point and I still contend it is a good one. |
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stephen in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 3 months ago |
the economy is not doing so well, as we all know.
Much regards,
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Phoenix Instructor in Tempe, Arizona 2 months ago |
I am an instructor for a Medical Assistant program in Phoenix, and I found that as Mrs. Teacher stated, maturity will help you find a job, most of my students finish their extern and are employed with in 90 days because of the level of maturity they potrayed while they were on their extern and how much of an effort they put into locating a job. I do find that people who are older have an easier time finding a job in the health care field. I think you havea poor attitude and the number one rule is do not ever say anything bad about other medical offices,that type of behavior will follow you and it shows your negativity and why you cannot get hired. And for the record I am over 40 and I had to find a job due to hours being cut and it too me less then 30 days. Its all about how you act and speak and sound. |
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Deborah Schoenfeld in Las Vegas, Nevada 2 months ago |
Actually I find it rather funny that EVERYONE seems to take the side of that drs office. But that'sok. That's just the way the world is. And before you continue to make statements about ME perhaps you should re-think that as well. As for my age I happen to be close to 60 than 50. What the reasons for my not getting a job in this town are I guess I'll never understand or know. It's been MY experience that the majority of offices are looking for experience ONLY. There is nothing wrong with my resume or my attitude and maybe, just maybe you should take a look at the person who responded to my ad and then continued to play little head games with me when she obviously had no intention of even getting to know the person I am.
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joann in Ann Arbor, Michigan 2 months ago |
I know that in some way but I have hope for the furture |
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Nita in Goldsboro, North Carolina 1 month ago |
Debi said: I went to school to become a CMA. What they didn't tell me was it seems like no one wants someone who's over 50. It's all about the money. When I graduated they got me an externship working for a podiatrist!!! I learned about EKGs and Blood draws for THAT? I was lucky enough to find another Dr. who took me on for the rest of my externship. I worked there after it was over but then had my hours shortened so I had to leave. It's been TWO YEARS and I still can't find a job. It's the same old story.......you aren't hired because you don't have experience. HOW CAN YOU GET EXPERIENCE IF NO ONE WILL HIRE YOU??????? Debbi hang in there, I recently graduated 5/09 and passed the certification test. Unfortunately I havent found employent either. I live in NC and if you go online to the employment security commision they mostly want CNA's. I could have done that in 4monts vs 2 years I feel your pain. |
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Debi in Las Vegas, Nevada 1 month ago |
Thanks for your support. The truth is that the schools should be more honest. I guess the hint for me should have been that I was the oldest student in the institute. But all they saw was money. They are now out of business and could care less about their students.....not that they cared much when there were in business!
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Mrs.Teacher 1 month ago |
This is a tough job market right now. Follow up and networking are your best solutions. I recommend following the application requirements whether it be an online application or a fax. Follow up with a nice hard copy with a cover letter. After a week and a half give a follow up phone call. Whats the worst that can happen? I find that many students are intimidated and do not follow up or send more than one or two resumes a week. Activity produces results. You do not have to just apply or send resumes to places that are listing a job opening. Apply everywhere and keep a journal. Document when you sent the resume or applied, when you followed up and with whom you spoke. you may even create a new networking contact. Finally most employment is obtained by networking and referrals. Your teachers, school administrators, counselors, students in your program and others as well as your externship coworkers have all seen your value and if you made a good impression will be willing to keep an eye out for you. Keep in touch with them often. My students should have 15-20 good contacts just from school alone. Don't write them off yet! |
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Experienced MA in Phoenix, Arizona 4 days ago |
This forum has actually helped me realize that I am not alone, which is how I have felt for months! Mrs. Teacher is right...this is a VERY difficult job market at the moment. I graduated as a Medical Assistant in 1999, worked in reputable clinics and eventually became an instructor at a private college. Within three years I became the program director. It was great!!! I moved to Arizona in June to care for a sick relative. I had a few potential jobs lined up and thought that it would be easy.
I also wanted to say that I don't feel Mrs. Teacher was being angry or hateful, she was trying to convey the idea that soft skills can make or break a job hunt. Good luck to everyone! Lets hope 09 is better then 08!! |
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iamacma in Las Vegas, Nevada 4 days ago |
Actually the truth is that I don't even get to send my resume out. I respond to ads and NOTHING. Same as you. I am in my late 50s with no prospects AND we are going to lose our home next. My resume has nothing to do with anything. But what angers and hurts me most is that someone took the time to send out a phone number......made empty promises and then left me feeling even worse than before. No one seems to understand that part of it. But really it's ok. When I'm living in the streets I'm sure that my loan will still be there and no one will give a damn then either. When I was a kid I could have any job I wanted when I was a Dental Assistant. Funny how life can be isn't it? I never thought things would turn out this way but then again I"m sure alot of people are thinking the same thing.
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Experienced MA in Phoenix, Arizona 3 days ago |
you sound scared and I don't blame you. My home back in MN is also in forclosure and I have no hope of saving it. My car is about to be repo'd and with my aunt ill and my husband only being able to find a menial job for very low pay i'm not even sure how much longer I will keep the electricity on. I feel your pain! I'm scared too! All we can do is push forward and pray that things will turn around. Good luck to you and God Bless. |
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iamacma in Las Vegas, Nevada 3 days ago |
Thank you so much. I hope things get better for you. It's nice to know that there are some genuine people around. Vegas is nothing more than a cess pool. If I could I'd send you money to help you but I just can't. I hope something good happens for you and your family and thank you so much for taking the time to let me know someone cares........ |
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Judy in Holden, Massachusetts 3 days ago |
Debi said: I went to school to become a CMA. What they didn't tell me was it seems like no one wants someone who's over 50. It's all about the money. When I graduated they got me an externship working for a podiatrist!!! I learned about EKGs and Blood draws for THAT? I was lucky enough to find another Dr. who took me on for the rest of my externship. I worked there after it was over but then had my hours shortened so I had to leave. It's been TWO YEARS and I still can't find a job. It's the same old story.......you aren't hired because you don't have experience. HOW CAN YOU GET EXPERIENCE IF NO ONE WILL HIRE YOU??????? First of all externship is only considered as another class, so it doesn't really matter what kind of office you went to. Some people go to Dermatology or eye doctors. There is no such thing as you can't find a job, have you applied for admitting at the local hospital or MRI Service coordinator or unit secretary? How about Phlebotomy or EKG tech, you are eligible for all of these things under a CMA. Don't just apply online, it's like dropping your resume into a dark hole. Physically bring your resume or fax it or mail it. Age has nothing to do with it. At least prosepective employers know that you won't have babysitter issues, like so many people have, so that is a plus, also the maturity level is higher, another plus, work ethic is probably better. You need to focus on these positives! You will get a job! |
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My2Cents 3 days ago |
Mrs Teacher said: Most of the employers in my medical community prefer the more mature student for externship and employment. Ms Teacher, I think you are extremely naive to the unemployment situation we are faced with today. Many highly qualified and socially acceptable (if I may) individuals are working full time at trying to find a decent job in their chosen field. It is with 100% confidence I can also state that age discrimination is a huge factor. It is a shame. If for some unfortunate reason you find yourself out of work at the age of 50, no matter how professional, well liked, or talented you are, you are in for the eye opening fight of your life. You will never be told, by the way, that the reason they did not hire you is because of your age. That is illegal; of course they will not give you the real reason. Consider this also, most people interviewing these 50+ and highly qualified and experienced candidates are half their age with less maturity, less experience, less professionalism, less worldly knowledge, and usually less talent. Yet, they have their own image of who they want to hire, and it is not someone twice their age. Why? Because...these young interviewers/recruiters themselves lack the knowledge, experience, maturity, talent to spot the best talent based on the |
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My2Cents 3 days ago |
...based on their own bias. The ones really being hurt by this, obviously the 50+ year old unfortunate enough to find themself in the job market - and the collateral damage...the company that missed out on a fabulous employee. |
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Mrs. Teacher 3 days ago |
Debbie said she doesnt even "get" to send out her resume! I didn't know that hitting 50 would do that. The economy is hard right now. Hiring freezes are all over every industry. Even more so than the five months or so ago that this post started. And especially not two years ago when this all started with Debbie and age discrimination. Debbie is like some of my students. If she doesnt even "get" to try, I will expect she will not get a job for the next two years. Attitude and activity was my point. The job fairy with a $20/hr job is not going to fly into your living room with an offer today. I know my students dont really believe the above, but they sure act like they do. |
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iamacma in Las Vegas, Nevada 3 days ago |
As far as the word "GET" goes..........What I meant whas I don't "GET" responses before I sent my resume out. I"m sick and tired of having to defend myself. I am not sitting in my living room waiting for the job fairy. Please-give it a rest. You're only showing your ignorance by getting on my case every time I say something in these posts. Maybe one day you'll understand that there are people who don't have any hidden agendas or lie about what they state. You have no idea of what you're pontificating about so get a life already and get off my ass. You don't know me-I don't know you but I certainly know that you are making blanket statements about something you know NOTHING about. Whether I was "bashing " anyone certainly has nothing to do with you so why don't you find something else to get nasty about? Geeze. My stress level is out the door and when I come on here to read your ridiculous remarks it only angers me more. You don't know much about the real world do you? Find something constructive to do with your time other than to make baseless remarks about someone you know nothing about. This is a struggle you shouldn't even have to experience. But the way things are-you never know do you? You may be the next one to lose YOUR job.........then see how happy you are and what you'll be up against and I truly hope you run into the lack of compassion that YOU display. Have a wonderful weekend. Find something to do other than draw empty conclusions about someone. |
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Mrs. Teacher 3 days ago |
I am sorry, I misunderstood "get" and I have assumed since you made a post on this public forum, you realized everyone would not coddle you. Most important though is why do you wait for responses to send a resume? |
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Mrs. Teacher 3 days ago |
Oh Yeah. Bashing the doctor, by name, for giving you the run around and not hiring you was the reason I first posted. They knew you were over 50!
Not the way to get a job in a medical community that uses this board. |
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iamacma in Las Vegas, Nevada 2 days ago |
yup-i was 'bashing' the dr. that's why i tried getting the post deleted more than once. serves me right for not being able to get a job now. you're so right. have a nice day. |
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RM in Gilbert, Arizona 2 days ago |
I have been watching this thread for awhile. I am 51 and looking for work in another field and believe me, age and gender discrimination exists. Nobody wants to hire their mother! It actually starts just after age 40, as the actuarial charts start showing an uptick in medical costs. For this reason alone, age discrimination is built into the fabric of our financial system-- the very same system that is currently failing us. |
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RM in Gilbert, Arizona 2 days ago |
Mrs. Teacher said: Oh Yeah. I never saw the Doctor's name. Was that on THIS list? |
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Mrs. Allen 2 days ago |
Yes the doc name is on this list. But the original poster states she has tried to get it off. |
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Mrs. Allen 2 days ago |
Good news is the poster states she messed up on the name. So thank god its not real. Had me going. I thought it was real and couldn't believe it. |
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Steven in Sumter, South Carolina 1 day ago |
Best way to solve age discrimination. Work for yourself. That or do what I decided in my 20's, be retired before my 50's. |
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Experienced MA in Phoenix, Arizona 1 day ago |
Steven in Sumter, South Carolina said: Best way to solve age discrimination. Work for yourself. That or do what I decided in my 20's, be retired before my 50's. lol...Okay, everyone just go work for yourself.
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Mrs Teacher 1 day ago |
or marry into money. I tried both. |
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