WHAT YOU CAN DO TO KEEP YOURSELF IN EMPLOYMENT EVEN AT AGE 40 AND ABOVE

There is no doubt job seekers of 40 years and above are finding it extremely difficult to get employment because of employers and job recruiters instinctive that job seekers of 40 years old and above are less physically fit or out of tune with  modern technological development.  For example, some employees believe that employing the old people would their organizational health bill go up in addition to this group of workers of inability to operate computer that is necessary for modern business communication.  It is on this premise that they now resolve to exclude applicants whose ages are above 35 years in their ads for job.

 

Hope is, therefore, not completely lost for this group of jobseekers because as it is once said and I quote: ‘when there is live, there is hope” therefore their ages should not be seen as a barrier from living a decent life or continuing their quotas towards the betterment of our society.  What is therefore expected of you is to be able to adapt to any positive change that happen in the society.  This is part of what this article is trying to achieve by intimating you on how best the society could continue benefiting from your wealthy of experience in the face of scarcity of skilled labor.

1. UPDATE YOUR COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE
   The first thing you should do in order to be relevant in the present economic world is to update your computer knowledge.  It might be true that information technology was factually inexistence during the time you went to school; this should not stop you from embracing computer training.  For there are several packages or applications that are available for business administration nowadays ranging from simple Microsoft words, micro excel  to internet navigation.  They are very important in day-to-day running of business as communication within and outside is through internet, which makes it very difficult for any jobseeker without computer knowledge to have chance.  This is why you need the training in computer education.  There are several schools you can register with for this training.  Make enquiry and get registered!

1. CONSIDER DOING A TEMPORARY JOBS
   There are several temporary jobs you can go for if the conventional appointment is not forthcoming. For instance, in Nigeria, we several thousand of what is called ‘Poverty Alleviation Projects or Programs” set up by politicians in order to alleviate suffering of the poor masses in the country. Notably among the politicians that embarked on these projects include members of State Assembly, members of Federal House of Representatives and Senate members and finally, wives of States’ Governors.  Members of Society are encouraged to register, giving training and, in the end, assisted, through policies, in obtaining soft loans from commercial banks and Nigerian Banks of Industry.  These projects are found in areas like Fishing, Poultry, Piggery, Fashion Design (Tailoring), Commercial Grinding Machines and Catering to mention, but a few.  Though, there is this believe from certain quarters that beneficiaries of this projects are party loyalists. But, I have come across some beneficiaries who did not belong to any political parties and are doing fine in their respective businesses.  You can borrow a leave from this and join any of this project in your locality.  You can even use the opportunity to connect yourself for better employment.  Age is no barrier for this kind of project.
2. THINK OF ONLINE JOB OR WORK AT HOME PROJECT
   There is a lot of this type of opportunity on line.  What it requires is  computer literacy, computer system (laptop) and internet connectivity.  You get paid for your work.  You don’t spend money for transport or query for lateness or absenteeism.  Also, there are companies or employers who seek the services of skilled individual for both short and long term services and pay  money in form of salary or commission based on the term of agreement.  However, you will need to do a proper evaluation of companies before  joining to avoid running into internet scam.

1. FORM A CONSULTANCY FIRM
   This is where the number of years of experience you have spent in your former workplace is going to play because those number of years would have enabled you developed certain skills in your field.  All you need do is to form a registered company and do a lot of ads.  Set fee for your service, use your goodwill to solicit for business, be trustworthy and do not disappoint your clients or customers.  Your age is an asset in this of business.

1. NETWORK
                                                              
   Having successfully formed your own company, join a professional group if you are yet to do so, attend their conferences seminars and workshops where you present and publish papers in the professional journals or magazines.  All this is necessary to showcase your expertise that would, in the end, advertise your work.  Also play active role in the local, zonal, national and international meetings that would distinguish you as outstanding members of the profession.