Over 50 and unemployed: actively fighting self-doubt

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In the last years the negative reports for older unemployed persons accumulate. Despite shortage of skilled workers, older applicants have few chances on the labor market. Apparently, there is a distrust of older people’s abilities. They are considered to be less willing to perform.

In addition, many HR managers believe that older people cannot keep up with the pace of work and are less creative in problem solving. However, these are only prejudices that have no basis in reality.

Older employees usually have special strengths, such as professional experience, social competence, discipline and the willingness to take on responsibility. Especially in service professions, teams made up of people of different ages are an advantage, as customers and business partners are more likely to feel understood by employees who are similar to them. An older customer would therefore feel better advised by an older salesperson.

As the life expectancy of the population increases and there is a shortage of skilled workers in many industries, managers will have to realize in the future that companies can benefit from hiring older workers.

Taking stock: assessing one’s own abilities realistically

First of all, it is advisable to make an analysis of your own abilities, strengths and weaknesses. This is not only important in order to be able to answer the relevant questions in job interviews, but first of all in order to assess for oneself which activities come into question.

Knowing one’s own strengths as well as possible, in addition to a better match between one’s own abilities and the desired job, helps one to remain self-confident despite unemployment. Knowing one’s own weaknesses is important in order to know which activities are not to one’s liking. In addition, you should be prepared for the question about weaknesses in the job interview and try to answer them in such a way that there is also something positive in them. Thus, perfectionism can certainly be judged positively by personnel managers.

A coach or professional job application training can help in assessing skills, as most people find it difficult to see themselves realistically. A neutral person trained for this purpose can often do this better.

Some job seekers over 50 have to cut back on their job search and even apply for lower positions than they are used to. Sometimes it seems better to apply for jobs in other industries than before or to acquire new qualifications. However, one should not give up under any circumstances. Particularly self-confident applicants who are sure of their strengths have a good chance of finding a new job. Above all, you should not let your self-confidence depend on whether or not you have a job.

Avoid de-skilling: Take advantage of educational opportunities

If unemployment lasts longer, the acquired professional qualifications gradually lose their value. Therefore it is important to educate oneself further. For this purpose, an education voucher can be obtained from the job center or the employment agency. This voucher is valid for three months and can be redeemed with a further education provider of your choice.

The areas in which further training can take place are manifold. In addition to additional qualifications for certain professions, there are offers for EDP and IT, Business English, commercial training as well as courses on leadership, management and communication. Which further training options are suitable in individual cases can be discussed with the responsible advisor from the job center or the employment agency. In addition, job application training is generally recommended for job seekers.

Depending on the individual qualifications and the desired job, it may be a good idea to pursue a course of study. A Bachelor’s degree can be obtained within six semesters.

Practical tips for making the most of the unemployment period

Work contributes to well-being for many people. Through work, the daily structure is regulated, employees are integrated into a social environment and work is experienced as meaningful. All these positive factors disappear through unemployment.

To compensate for this loss, individuals should maintain a regular daily routine, getting up at the same time each day, eating meals at regular times, etc. Some hours of the day, for example the morning, can be reserved for job search and writing applications. In addition, it is important to do something good for yourself on a regular basis and to schedule the appropriate activities. This can be attending a yoga or needlework class, taking a daily walk, visiting a museum or theater, depending on individual preferences.

Since the loss of the job has also meant the loss of social contacts, it is recommended to maintain contacts on one’s own initiative. Meeting relatives and acquaintances regularly and occasionally meeting new people is important for well-being and improves self-confidence. Joining a club, attending a senior citizens’ cafe or other senior citizens’ activities, or taking on a volunteer position are also ways to spend time in the company of other people in an enjoyable way.

Volunteering can also help one feel useful. There are countless ways to get involved, such as childcare as a senior au pair, helping out in a church community or at an animal shelter. Homework help can pass on knowledge to younger people.

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