I'm 66 and going to apply for work. Am I completely nuts?

[ellenrr]

Any of you working, anybody recently got a job?

I HATE being unemployed. And I need the $, so I am going to apply - nothing to lose - but I still wonder if I am crazy - I think the odds are 100 to 1 against.

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I'm 66 and still working. My kids keep asking when I'm going to retire,

but I'm not ready yet. I have a great boss, I enjoy my job and the people I work with. If I didn't have this job, I don't know if I would try for another one.

Good luck to you in your search. I hope you find something you'll enjoy doing.

[bluedave]

2. YES U ARE!

[fadedrose]

3. GO FOR IT!!!

I'm almost 75 with too much arthritis and knee replacement and other stiff, and when I go to Meijer's and see the people over 60 there I feel so useless, not jealous, just useless.

They won't give you the hardest jobs, and if you can't handle the work, quit, no shame in that.

Go tomorrow!!

Good for you!

(be sure to wear fairly good shoes that tie or have useful velcro to support your feet, which are sure to hurt at first.)

[applegrove]

4. My grandmother ran a nursing home at your age. She then went on

to work for another 13 years as a live in companion and a housekeeper. I plan to work past 65. You're not nuts. You're industrious.

[RebelOne]

5. I was working full time until I was 71.

Then I was laid off. It was not because of my age. The magazine publishing company where I worked was downsizing due to lack of advertising, and laid me, my boss and two of the top editors off at the same time. So I just decided to retire because I knew there was no chance that anyone would hire me at my age, and I am not about to become a Walmart greeter.

[No Vested Interest]

6. It all depends

on :
your skills - are they in demand or are they the same as the rest of the world?
your energy level - can you last an entire day, or are looking for 1/2 day, etc?
your work habits - are you punctual, friendly, get along with fellow workers?
what you're looking for - desk work? retail sales? health industry?
how you present yourself - neat, up-to-date (whatever that means)

If you find some not interested, don't give up. There are those in the business/work world who realize that the older worker has much to offer - usually a good work ethic and work habits.

Let us know how it works out.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Just be aware of the 'hits' your Social Security could take based on 'other'

income.

[ellenrr]

8. thanks to those who encouraged. The job I'm applying for

is one I'm totally qualified for. Except for age. The sad truth is that even tho I have the experience, most of the time people don't want to hire someone who is older.
But there are exceptions.
And even if I were 40 applying for the job, there are probably beaucoups applicants in this economy, so I might not get it, even if age weren't a factor.
I am in the process of sending in the appl and will see what happens. If I get an interview, I'll go.

I'm also looking into things like RSVP which is a program for retired people who want to be active and useful.
But I would prefer the rigor of a "real" job.

will let you know.

[No Vested Interest]

10. Hair

From my early 40's, when some unattractive gray started appearing, to the present, I've colored my hair.

While some gray or white hair is very attractive, I felt mine didn't look good with my coloring.
I was reentering the job marketplace after years of raising my family and obtaining a master's degree.

I knew that not only would I be competing for a position against women (mostly) many years my junior, but often the persons doing the interviewing would also be much younger than I. To someone in their 20's or 30's, an older person can fit many of their stereotypes - set in their ways, not as energetic, etc.

Just a thought. I feel hair coloring worked for me.

Good luck.

[JDPriestly]

9. No. If you are healthy and bored, try it.