Mailbag Monday: Creative Ways to Find Work
I need a job, and it’s tough out there — especially for older people. Any suggestions?
— Jeanne
You’re not kidding — despite gains in the economy, it’s still tough to find work, particularly for baby boomers, who have been deemed the “new unemployables” several times this year by the press. I do have a few out-of-the-box suggestions about where to look. First, try searching for a part-time job with benefits, which can hold you over in the meantime while you continue to search for full-time work. Companies like Costco and Trader Joe’s pay well and offer benefits to their employees.
If that doesn’t suit you, think about brushing up on your skills. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a great place to start — you can search for jobs in various areas, find out what sort of education is required, and how much the average position pays. If you find something interesting, do some research about training. Your local community college or adult education program is a great place to start. Growing areas right now, according to the BLS: personal care and home health aids; veterinary technicians; carpenter’s helpers; meeting, convention and event planners; interpreters and translators; and physical therapist aids.
You might also consider temp work. There are temp agencies in every major city and many smaller towns, and this kind of job can give you the flexibility to test the waters in a variety of different fields, all while continuing your job search. It’s a great way to get a foot in the door — you never know when something temporary is going to turn permanent.
Finally, think about ways you might be able to work for yourself, even part time to fill in some gaps. What is your work history? Could you do some consulting? Don’t be afraid to get creative here: Are you an avid gardener? Perhaps you can start a small business helping people start their own vegetable gardens. Do you dabble in art projects? Sell your work on a site like Etsy.com to bring in some side cash. Every little bit helps.
