Am I Too Old To Get A Job?

Nonsense! No one is ever too old to do anything and that definitely entails getting a job.

Whatever your circumstances are that have brought you to look for a job when you are older, you can rest assured that the law in the UK - the Equality Act - protects against discrimination and to refuse someone a job based upon their age is discrimination.

It is also no longer a requirement that you include your age in your CV, as the CV is there to showcase your skills, experience and qualifications. It is outdated to even assume that age is a barrier to employment and if you are reading this with the viewpoint that you are too old to get a job, then hopefully this article can change your thoughts.

The government recognises the huge potential of the more mature person and has very recently unveiled its plans to tempt older people, specifically over 50,  to boost the economy by returning to join the workforce.

What is old? You often read that 70 is the new 60 or that life begins at 40. But if 40 is the new 30, then it can all get very confusing indeed. Some people feel old at middle age, some still feel young well into their eighties but of course, every individual has a very different perception of how they see themselves and what their capabilities are. So, it does seem that as the saying goes, age is just a number.

Retirement age in the UK is due to change slightly for both men and women but you can continue to work after retirement age if you wish to do so. Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the years so many people are living much longer, healthier and fuller lives. More ‘mature’ students are equally welcomed in higher education settings such as colleges and universities and are given the same opportunities as someone half their age.

Employers focus on attracting competence, adaptability and a willingness to learn - all of which can be found in employees of any age. Experience and wisdom that come with maturity should also be taken into consideration and this embraces both professional and personal attributes as many older people do possess a vast wealth of knowledge.

Many older people, especially when joining the workplace after a considerable absence, worry about their ability to adapt to new technologies and work practices but if the willingness to learn is there then the older person can grow and adapt alongside anyone else.

Although experience and qualifications are often desirable, transferable skills such as communication or leadership skills are highly sought after attributes in most industries and can be transferred and utilised from job to job. After all, no course can teach you to become naturally empathic or become an excellent problem solver - these skills are more often than not, a part of an individual's personality.

Statistics show that organisations that embrace inclusivity and diversity are far more likely to attract and retain talents of all ages and backgrounds. A variation of different ages and perspectives brings a diverse capacity for insight, approaches and experiences, where everyone feels involved and valued as a whole and as an individual.

Although money is often a major factor in becoming employed, regardless of monetary gain, the desire for personal growth and achievement is across the board. A sense of belonging and purpose can be very reassuring to someone of any age, but it is perhaps the older employee who realises first that overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams is never limited by age, but is simply a lifelong journey of opportunities waiting to be seized. Take a new job as a chance to reinvent yourself.

‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.’ - C.S Lewis