This is regarding the letters to the editor “Willing to work,” by Sharon L. Jahnke, and “Frustrated workers,” by Suse Lerner (Voice of the people, Sept. 25). These letter writers should know that they are not alone.
My husband has not had a full-time job with benefits in more than three years. He has an MBA in finance and is a member of Financial Professionals of Chicago, as well as having more than 20 years experience in finance, cash management and treasury. All he can find are temporary positions.
The jobs promise temporary-to-permanent employment but never come through.
He gets phone calls all the time from headhunters and temp agencies, but no job.
I lost my job in November, after my job load had more than doubled and I was working under severe stress, with unreasonable expectations and hours.
I also hold an advanced degree, with post-graduate credits.
My husband suffered a severe attack of kidney stones in early 2003.
The illness involved four hospitalizations and two surgeries.
Fortunately he had Cobra at that time.
He now has no medical insurance.
I was ill with a chronic infection from the flu for four months early this year. After four different antibiotics, I am finally well and thankful that I had Cobra for the office visits and various lab tests. In seven months, I will have no medical coverage either.
I am sure that the stresses of our lack of appropriate employment and economic situation contributed to our recent illnesses.
We are both willing to work and want to work.
We are over 50, which means no child-care issues, no family conflicts.
We have experience, knowledge and are reliable.
Is ageism out there?
What do you think?
