Over 50 and can't find a job in Vegas

I considered entering the nursing program at LCCC, but after seeing all I did on an ICU after my mother had heart surgery, I didn't think I could do it. Still, I should have put my name on the list in case I changed my mind because if I tried now, the waiting list is 2 years or more to get in.

Ageism is not going away but will get worse. I never see an older woman as an MA at a doctor's office, they are usually nurses and the MAs are young girls. Look around at other places. At PetSmart, older people are the managers and cashiers and all the other positions are kids. What if you are over 45 and want one of those positions? Apply online at Giant Eagle, which I have done for pharmacy positions, and you will actually see a question asking if you are under the age of 40.

Deborah Schoenfeld in Las Vegas, Nevada said: 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.
I tried to get that posting with the drs name on it deleted just to make you people happy who can't get over it. I made a mistake with his first name anyway. If she is inclined to bash me after what she did to me then she's free to have at it. And the rest of you as well.
I'm tired of the judgemental responses I've gotten. And to those who teach-as the saying goes "those how can't do-teach".
I'm really not interested in the rest of your comments if you're intent on putting me down. I responded to that person with all good intentions. And since NONE of you were present at any interview I've gone on I suggest you keep your comments to yourselves.
My mistake for ever trying to vent my feelings on this board. It was the biggest mistake I made........after spending ten thousand dollars on a stupid attempt at trying to better myself with some school who was far from honest. They are now out of business. I rest my case.
Try being nice. It goes further than what you have been doing. Pay it forward.

I understand how you feel. Keep trying. Double check your resume amd get a part time first. You'll Make it!

LC in Cleveland, Ohio said: I considered entering the nursing program at LCCC, but after seeing all I did on an ICU after my mother had heart surgery, I didn't think I could do it. Still, I should have put my name on the list in case I changed my mind because if I tried now, the waiting list is 2 years or more to get in.

Ageism is not going away but will get worse. I never see an older woman as an MA at a doctor's office, they are usually nurses and the MAs are young girls. Look around at other places. At PetSmart, older people are the managers and cashiers and all the other positions are kids. What if you are over 45 and want one of those positions? Apply online at Giant Eagle, which I have done for pharmacy positions, and you will actually see a question asking if you are under the age of 40.

LC have u ever given truck driving any thought? I know its tough to be away from home, but age isn't really a factor. It is hard at first to get a job if you dont have experience, but once you get the experience you should do all right. I am going into nursing or driving, i just need to make up my mind fast and go for it. I do know a few drivers and they like it but they wish they were home more.

Mrs Teacher said: 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.

The fact that you teach at one of these scam outfits is the reason you don't want to admit that it is a scam. Even at the NY State unemployment office they told us all those jobs are going to India, and that you will never get a job with this coding BS.

Best advice for those considering any advanced training (unless it is brain surgery) is don't.

Mrs Teacher said: 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.
.

The fact that you teach at one of these scam outfits is the reason you don't want to admit that it is a scam. You also sound like one of those arrogant headhunters that blames the applicants for not being able to get a job when you are always up against 800 apoplicants. But as for medical coding? Even at the NY State unemployment office they told us all those jobs are going to India, and that you will never get a job with this coding BS.

Best advice for those considering any advanced training (unless it is brain surgery) is don't. You are wasting your money.

50 and underemployed in Phoenix, Arizona said: 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!

You speak the truth! Wow. I just turned 50 years old. I'm a fairly well-preserved woman, keep relatively fit contemporary looking. I say that because although I have many years business experience, I've been unemployed for almost 3 years. I've truncated my resume to highlight recent and pertinent employment and not to make myself sound too old. I'll get calls for my resume, phone interviews, yet the moment the recruiter sees that I'm over a certain age ... goodbye. It's horrible. Positively disheartening.

I agree that a MA with no experience and over the age of 40 or 50 does have two strikes against them. However, it is not impossible. I went back to school when I was 59 and landed my dream job when I was 60.

One experience I had went like this: I got a job in an office where the medical staff were in their 20's and early 30's. It seemed as soon as I filled out my paperwork and they found out I was 60, they treated me differently. At the end of a week they let me go because they said I wasn't picking up their EMR system quick enough. I suspect that they felt I would not fit into their age demographic. I guess I should be flattered they didn't think I looked 60 when they hired me, but just the same I was devastated and angry. I didn't take action because age discrimination is almost impossible to prove.

Perhaps it was all meant to be because I now work in an office that is perfect for me. I love going to work. I like it so much that even when I get about a year's experience, I won't go to work at another office for more money. The doctor I work for actually WANTED mature MA'a because he said that there was too much drama with the 20-somethings.

Throughout the whole job hunting experience, I had faith that the right job would appear. I had my moments when I was depressed and had my doubts (a lot of them), but I still kept sending out my resume. I came to the realization I couldn't do anything about my age, but I COULD keep looking for a job.

I really don't know what to tell you. It's hard to have faith when you get knocked down time after time. It's so easy to say keep trying, but when bills need to be paid NOW and your school loans are due, it's natural to be depressed and angry. But what choice do you have but to keep at it.

I wrote this post for us mature women. It is harder to find a job, but is it impossible?