Q–I am trapped by a broom and a dustpan working on a cleaning crew for seven years for a transportation company. I have done other jobs, such as rehabilitation assistant and pharmacy technician. How can I market my past skills effectively and also earn a decent wage?
A–It sounds like you’ve paid the price of switching careers for more money without thinking about whether you would like the job itself. Some manual labor jobs may pay more, so you will have to decide how much your dissatisfaction is worth. Then put together a resume that lists your past jobs and responsibilities and send it to the hospitals and clinics in which you are interested. You may need to take a few courses to get back into a particular field, but refreshing your knowledge in the medical field should help you secure employment.
Q–I’ve been employed for more than 20 years with the same company. For the last four years, I’ve been working without a clear job classification. My performance reviews have ranged from average to above average and I’ve received raises yearly, yet my boss won’t promote me. Sometimes he comments that I am not needed anymore. I’d like to think he is joking, but the comments are disturbing to hear. Can I claim harassment?
A–Promotions are typically earned because an employee has taken on greater responsibilities. It sounds like you have been flexible in working on various tasks, and your willingness to accept and complete the work may be why you have received yearly raises. But flexibility and willingness to work don’t necessarily translate into a promotion. The boss’ comments may upset you but they do not sound discriminatory in nature. The company may be keeping you on because of your age (to avoid an age discrimination suit) and simply giving you random tasks.
Q–I’m a 64-year-old male with more than 40 years experience as a human resources executive. I’ve been unemployed for one year because my job was eliminated when the company was sold. After sending 500 resumes, I’ve had many telephone screenings and in-person interviews. I interview well, respond in an articulate, informed manner, meet the job requirements and do my homework on the company. I’m neat, clean and appropriate looking for the positions. So what’s the problem? I can’t prove it, but I think I am considered too old. After a year of job hunting, my confidence, self-esteem and finances have taken a devastating downward turn. I guess I’m whining, but it’s a shame companies are letting my experience, skills, good judgment and mature problem-solving abilities go to waste because they’d rather hire someone younger.
A–Younger HR employees can’t compare to your level of experience and business acumen, but they are less expensive for companies to hire because of employee benefits costs and salary. Now that you have the freedom, think about becoming an independent HR consultant. In more than 40 years, you probably have made numerous contacts in the business world. Outplacement and recruiting firms know the benefits of using experienced independent consultants. Your shock of being unemployed after 40 years is understandable, but many opportunities could await you if you let go of the “old” you.
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Write to Lindsey Novak, Jobs, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 60611. E-mail her at AtWorkbyLN@aol.com
