by Vivian Steir Rabin
Yes, I know the two things a woman is not supposed to reveal are
her age or her weight, but I think we’ve been too defensive,
especially about age. I just hit the Big
Five-oh! and thank God I’m reveling in it. In
1971, when Loving Care came out with “You’re not getting older,
you’re getting better,” I couldn’t relate. But
now, I couldn’t agree more. So don’t feel your
marketability has plummeted just because you’ve hit the Big
One. You can make it work for you, or at least
keep it from working against you, if you follow these steps.
- You’ve probably got at least 30 years of professional and personal acquaintances. Put them and their networks to work for you by connecting with them on LinkedIn, Facebook or wherever they digitally hang out.
- Got older kids instead of cuddly little ones? Make them teach you online tricks in exchange for the car, money or anything else you have that they want.
- D on’t let on that you’re a digital dinosaur, if you are. Fake it ‘til you make it. And dedicate a few moments of everyday to learning something new on your computer, so that ultimately you won’t be faking it any more.
- Remember that the recession is keeping boomers in the workforce longer than expected. The majority of the labor force is now over 40, and the percentage over 50 is climbing steadily. So don’t assume you’ll be working for someone your daughter’s age. There are still plenty of “us” out there.
- If you’ve got hobbies that connote energy and fitness, include them on your resume. I’m partial to marathoners and triathletes, and I bet other recruiters are too.
- Experience is valuable, but so is the ability to learn something new. If you can convey that you’ve got judgment and perspective but that you’re also a quick study and enthusiastic pupil then I think you can overcome resistance to “the age barrier.”
- If you’re worried about your age, others will be too. If it’s not an issue to you, chances are it won’t be an issue to others.
- It’s never too late to start exercising. If you’ve let your body go to seed, reclaim it. Even a 20-minute walk a day will do wonders for your energy and mood, not to mention, over time, your physique. And it’s free!
- D on’t discount the value of good, old-fashioned wisdom, the kind that’s only acquired with age. People are people, no matter whether they communicate by cellphone or pony express. You can’t brag about it on a resume but, if you’re over 50, chances are younger people are turning to you for advice more often than you realize.
- We recently heard about a woman who returned to the workforce
after decades at home. She was over 80 when she
nabbed an internship. And when she applied, she
didn’t think her age was a factor. Now that’s
the right attitude!
Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin are the co-authors of the acclaimed career reentry book Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work , and the co-founders of iRelaunch , a company that produced career reentry programming, events, and content for employers, universities, organizations and individuals. D ownload our webinar on LinkedInfor Beginners . If you’re on career break in the Tri-State area, register for our Career Relaunch Forum October 29, 2009 at Seton Hall University in South Orange , NJ . Carol and Vivian can be reached at info@iRelaunch.com or follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/iRelaunch.
