Myth: Employers believe that older adults are just looking for a job to pass the time. Many believe that older workers want humdrum, non-challenging work. Others believe that all older workers are only looking for work as a means to be with other people or avoid boredom. Employers fail to realize that many older adults are seeking work as a way of earning their livelihood. Employers find it hard to understand that some older adults want challenging work to stimulate their minds, and that they want the pay and financial rewards that accompany that work.

Reality: Many older Workers Want to Advance and to Find Challenges in Their Work

No one wants to feel that there are limits placed on his or her ability or potential to perform. There are strategies for those seeking employment. They include:

Let interviewers know that you are still learning and growing in your professional development.

Let them know your willingness to do what it takes to get ahead.

Continue with your career development and communicate your activities to your prospective employer.

Here are some strategies that may help you keep your job.

Communicate to your boss your expectations for growth and development.

Let your boss know if you have career aspirations within the organization.

Look for challenges in your work. Many jobs today can expand to fit the motivations and capabilities of the individuals who fill them.

Look for opportunities for job enlargement, and corresponding financial rewards.

Find out what is required to move up to the next rung on the career ladder.

Begin now to prepare to meet those requirements.

This information came from the book, UnRetirement by Fyock and Dorton