Damn, finding a new job in middle age is a tough proposition...
So some of you had asked for me to keep you updated with my job search... And I'm sure a lot more of you don't know what the hell I'm talking about.
For those who don't know, I recently lost my job doing residential construction, and have been trying to find a new job to make sure I can keep a roof over my head. I used to work in HR a lifetime ago, and I totally understand that it's a somewhat lengthy process even in the best circumstances. And I've only been at it for a couple weeks thus far, and the time from application to interview (if you're that fortunate) to final hire usually stretches out longer than that time frame. But boy oh boy, it's a lot more demoralizing than I remembered.
I'm not looking for anything fancy, just work that I can do with my hands, because I know there's always a demand for that kind of thing. But when I show up, even at day labor places, and the decision makers see my grey beard, I can instantly tell just from the look on their faces that they'll be professional and polite to me, but also that I'm not walking out of that office with any work.
So I thought, "Well, a lot of people seem to be doing OK with driving for Uber, delivering food for Door Dash, etc." So I applied to those two and a few other "gig economy" things, and am waiting to hear back. However, in the meantime, I've been doing my due diligence, and from what I've learned thus far, the wages are appalling, their workers are exploited as much as possible, and if you give any push back, they'll cut you loose pretty much instantly, because there's always someone else to take your place, irrespective of how shitty the wages and working conditions are.
I guess this is the culmination of Reaganomics... The rich sucked up all of the excess profits, and demand an ever-increasing share of the pie, leaving nothing of substance for anyone else. So much for their tired aphorism "A rising tide lifts all boats", huh?
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Bet you look good! 
I’m way past retirement now, but as long as I was employed and otherwise in the public eye with community activities, my auburn hair stayed auburn. Ageism is alive and well in this country.
Best of luck to you!
welcome to DU PatPixie! 
Thanks for sharing your story . Good to have you on board 
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I got hired last year, and I am in my 50s. I was "out of" the job market for almost a decade, but they still hired me. You just need to give a decent interview. Job pays decently too, $20 per hour here. Flexible hours, days, and scheduling. But, if you are a man (like me), they may want you to work nights and weekends first, and also lift things (like boxes at least 30+ or 40+ lbs).
It is in the restaurant industry, and we will train new people. However, you do need to at least be able to work with all sorts of people, all races/colors/genders. You likely won't be a "manager" right away, but may be one after a year or two. My 'bosses' (managers, supervisors, etc.) are all significantly younger than me, and some are women, but it doesn't really concern me. You also need to learn things relatively quickly. If we have to keep showing you how to do things, that might be a "red flag".
There are also a lot of other jobs in SoCal as well besides what we have to offer, but we are still hiring. Especially for November and December, the "holiday season", where people can really pick up extra cash, or "show their stuff", because we are near a major shopping center and those months get really busy around here. Being bilingual is a great help (most of our workers know Spanish), but not necessary. We will train in that too. Heh. 
I do hope something works out for you very soon. Ageism is indeed very demoralizing.
I don’t get what is so awesome about youth. I look on age as something that brings experience and wisdom. Besides it is not as if a lot of the job market is that strictly competitive. There are circumstances that force people out of the workplace that are unfair and beyond one’s control.
Please do let us know if something works out. I hope it will soon 
. You always have your DU family here..
I just wanted to say that I find your posts and attitude inspiring. I have had a rough time in the last decade..not as bad as yours, but rough in its own way.
I have found it hard to find motivation. But I prefer being cheerful when it is possible, recognising that I am luckier than most people/animals on the planet even with my problems. But I simply can’t do it the dead-eyed corporate/conservative way.
I find it much easier your way, ie explicitly from the political left rather than the right or centre.
I know you mentioned liking working with your hands more than paperwork, but imo you sound like a loss to employee-oriented HR 
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I have generally liked HR and direct bosses in academia. Administration is a different matter..the nobs so to speak..yeah they are fun 
..That is where the corporate style heartless policies and legalese comes in - even in academia.
Please let us know when something works out for you which I hope will happen soon 🤞.
