Go geezers! I too am an experienced saavy older worker (teacher) ...gratefully working, however at a smaller salary to escape the insanity of public education. Loved the individual perspective of the post. There are a lot of generalizations, so I enjoyed this piece about what we (you) have to offer!

OE, I life in a "luxury seniors" complex (age 40 and older). We have more people working gigs that it is not funny. I write for egg and butter money. My friend was driving a bus for one of Obama's job programs. He just got another driving gig.

Another friend is working on his 6th novel. Another dude makes an income driving folks to their doctors and will drive me to my next procedure.

We got jewelry makers, carpenters, a security guard at Arco Arena and more, more more.

This is really our time. Congratulations, OE, and thanks for sharing that it's not all brimstone and ashes for us!

"I've always taken the time to help those looking for jobs. Whether it is through sharing contacts, mock interviews, or just being a sounding board." Wow Andy, the one thing we have in common I'm most proud of is that statement. Through good times and bad, I've always felt like or been the kind of friend who helps others as I would LOVE others to assist me in job hunting. It doesn't matter if it's reciprocated as long as it satisfies one's soul. Nice piece and ultimately, I agree. It took me 5 months when it's taken many a year or more a year and a half ago and the job I got, I earned it. I'm no brain scientist either my friend, but I'm wily and I can lead.

Well, that is good news. I am happy for your successes!

Right on! In a country where my grasp of the language is somewhat less than poor and my talents are way out of date I'm only 86 years old next month and my social capabilities are negligible I'm suddenly all fired up by my huge qualifications and truly inspired by your post. I should be working away at a high paying executive job in no time, once I locate those appreciative companies. I'm sure they're out there in the closest habitable planet to this or a neighboring star not more than ten or twenty light years away.

You're an inspiration to all us "older workers and students". It's nice to hear something positive from someone who's been there too. Thanks for this.

Just to validate what your are saying, at age 62 I began a whole new career and loved it. The old saying is true, "Just because there's snow on the roof it doesn't mean that the furnace is out."

Perhaps it is different for men, or perhaps it is the field that you're in. I have had the exact opposite experience. The more education I have, the less employable I become. I have been turned down for literally dozens of jobs I was qualified to do. The reasons given were usually: we don't think you'll stay (but nearly all of those employers hired people much younger, none of whom even lasted a year), you'll make our other employees look unqualified because you are so skilled, you are over-qualified (even though I would be making exactly the same money as anyone else hired for the position), etcetera. I often leave off parts of my education and relevant experience in the faint hope that it will make a difference. Nope. I have excellent references, awards, you name it. None of makes a damn bit of difference.

OE, I don't mean to disagree but for twenty years or so I've been reading about how companies value older workers. Kudos to you for getting the MBA and picking up some decent jobs, but I hear from plenty of other boomers who believe their age counts against them. As there's a 50-50 chance that my job will get reorganized out of existence by year-end, I may be putting this theory to the test.

Oh, and I should add, I've steered many jobs toward people when I've been employed full time or part time on contract, as I am now. Some of those people pretended they didn't know me when I ran into them years later. At first I was hurt, now I know they think I'll ask them to return the favour and of course, they have no intention of sharing any of their spoils.

I am working a minimum wage job in the caregiver field but at least I am working. I know my stuff and they know they are lucky to have me. I like the low stress of a flunky job but I get tired. So I do just part time and then have time to write and do art. Maybe someday I can make money doing art but I am so stubborn it is hard to sell it. Thanks for the inspiring piece.

Sheep Dog, I hope that's the case -- that experience is valued -- though I think there are many variables, including gender and what industry you're applying for, etc. I mean, when you come in more experienced and capable than the 30-something person interviewing you, chances are (from where I sit, anyways), that you're not getting the job.

Good for you got getting those degrees and climbing up. I think experience should be valued. I'm just not sure it always is. Too many places want people coming in at starter or lower salaries. Glad you've proven that there are exceptions. Keep climbing.

@Abrawang: I've been laid off 3 times in the past decade. Positions are eliminated, times are tough, they want to hire their relatives or friends. I've heard it all. Vancouver is a very tough place to earn a living, and it's also officially the most expensive place to live in North America. Even Manhattan is cheaper if you want to buy a modest home.

I couldn't agree with you more. Now I've got to hustle out there and find another one of them. Thanks. I'm going to bookmark this for when I need a reminder.

I chalk it up to my experience as the reason I was hired for my present job of doing whatever it is I'm supposed to do. That and a fine ability to look enthusiastic and interested while interviewing.

This does happen. I was recruited and offered a position. by a firm that was looking for "some seasoned and experienced leadership in the office". This was when I was about 47. I did not accept the position becasue those people were absolutely nuts in other ways.

Unfortunately, I believe this situation is the exception rather than the rule.

I found out how old I am tonight getting ready to do a column on another site. Because their readers are young and so are their advertisers great care was taken not to reveal my age. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I have seen steves company go from 85% 40-60 to now 85% 25-35
It scares me but so glad to read a piece like this..
HUGGGGGGG

Thank you for making a note of the fact that experience trumps an advanced degree, no matter what. Yes, a master's degree looks impressive on the résumé, but what good is it if you have no experience to speak of to back it up?

Timing where you are between now and retirement, you still have another 15 or 20 to go before you get to hit the snooze button. It seems to be true enough that busy people stay busy, and some folks are just more employable than others. It is a spark that everyone wants but can't always find. I feel bad for those working hard to find anything, and then totally cringe to read about the inane shenanigans of others that get a job they don't deserve. You may need to run a national work/switch board.

I too did the "later than folks expect it" graduate degrees. Everything you say is true. Ten years ago, when I interviewed for the job I have been doing and developing all this time all of what you said made a difference. Over 325 people applied for my job. Some were a great deal younger than me, but they didn't have the wide range of experience and education that I did at 51. Now I own 30% of the business and am the CEO. I don't hold anyone's age against them. I think we get what we project and you project intelligence, humor, generosity and wisdom.

I appreciate what you say about helping others. It makes all the difference and it comes back in help when we need some ourselves. Not from the people we have helped, but in a metaphysically mysterious balance that represents getting back what one has shared at the right time and in the right place.

Sheppy-- I'd submit that a persuasive leader IS an exception. How many do you know? And my guess is that the self assessment you give is very accurate. I I KNOW you are a strong "virtual" leader!)

But I'd strongly argue that age discrimination is a myth. I checked the Gallup stats before the recession here (so the recession wouldn't be a complicating factor):

http://gmj.gallup.com/content/23164/price-age-discrimination.aspx

And Americans see age discrimination as a bigger problem than race or gender discrimination. Do a google search and you'll see current stats as well.

I don't doubt that there are companies that "get" the value of experience. I currently contract to one. It is a British company so perhaps they get it even more--that's just an opinion.

Perhaps the inspiration for the rest of us in our extremely late 40's , shown in your terrific story, is not that age discrimination is a myth. Because it is very real. The inspiration is that it IS possible to overcome the challenge.

Heartening piece and a good boost for this old farts morale. But there is old and there is old. The picture changes when you get into your 60's.

Along with other commenters, my experience tells me that you're the exception, age discrimination is real, and you can't debunk age discrimination as a "myth" with one anecdote when the stats say otherwise. Having said that, I'm glad that "your mileage may vary" and wish you the best. Maybe I can find some similar good fortune as a teacher in Arizona, but ahahahahaHA HA HA HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW that seems unlikely.

You're right. The big factor is finding places and people who will accept older people. And one doesn't have to be so "old" for the discrimination to start. It begins at about 40 in some places. Still, your message is a welcome bit of hope.

Muse -- There are opportunities that are out there. Glad to see that I am not alone.

Zuma -- Thanks

KOB -- All the people who were kind to me when I was unemployed. I will pay that good will forward for the rest of my life.

Sheila -- Thanks.

Jan -- You're absolutely right, I am complete insensitive.

Margaret -- Everyone has value regardless of their age. It not an easy challenge to find organizations that appreciate it.

John -- Appreciate your comments. I need new shingles on my roof.

Emma -- I really empathize. I don't know if it's gender based because I see peers who are women who are my age and older who get promotions or who are hired off the street. Geography may play a role, and in your other comment you mention that. I have made the decision to move to where the offer is. I understand that not everyone is capable or desires to do that.

Abrawang -- Since you have a sixth sense about this perhaps this is the time to start looking...before you actually have to.

Zanelle -- You do good work. Thanks for your comments.

Scarlett -- I know I interviewed for jobs at a lot of places and realized after how I was treated in the interview process I wouldn't have wanted to work there even though I really needed a job.

jlsathre -- I think there are niches out there that older workers can find. I can say it's easy.

Walt you have some much to offer. Too bad you can't work as a car buyer's agent. You would be perfect for that role. And you;d be providing a valuable service to buyers who hate dealing with the car salesmen.

Wonderful positive post. And good for you. Your company is most fortunate.

You are to be congratulated for your persistence and your success -- however, you are the exception to the rule. I won't use my own experience to support that contention since I have taken the road less traveled. I will, however, point to at least four members of my immediate family who were unceremoniously dumped at 50 and 55 by employers they had served faithfully and proficiently for much of their adult lives.

Experience? It mattered not a whit to these employers. All that mattered is that young people work a helluva lot cheaper (tho it's my experience they do not work nearly as well or as dependably).

The myth of companies clamoring for older workers is just that -- unless you mean Walmart or some outfit of that ilk. Older workers do get hired, but in most cases, it's because, thanks to Social Security or pensions, they are able and willing to work for minimum or entry-level wages, and thanks to Medicare, without benefits.

Tom Cordle took the words right out of my mouth. I start a new p.t. job tomorrow @ 60 1/2. Contract work. No labor, no benefits, set my own schedule, health care related. We'll see.

@Susanne: "We get what we project." That is a very simplistic response to a complicated situation. I'll be sure and tell that to many people I know who have given up looking for full-time work in the Vancouver area. And before you tell me to move, I have moved a total of 11 times for work. My husband is based here and does not want me to move across the country for a job, IF I could get one.

Age discrimination is RAMPANT in my field, and in many others. In fact, I have about three fields to choose from and I have not had much luck in any of them. Age discrimination is not my opinion; it is well documented.

I project enthusiasm, competence to the point of perfectionism, varied work experience and skill sets, a fine education (including a recent Master's degree) a work ethic that cannot be challenged, wonderful references, a willingness to see the human in everything and yet -- time and time again, I am passed over for people with little to no experience and frequently, not even the basic qualifications being asked for in the job description. How, I am curious, is that somehow my fault because of what I project? And of course, I know I speak for literally millions of others. I happen to look about 10 years younger than my age, I am fit and healthy, and none of it makes a damn bit of difference. But thanks for making it my fault, and the fault of other many desperate, depressed and sad people.

Good story but a complex topic and I don't see your success as necessarily busting the 'myth' many older workers deal with on their way to the trash heap. Education and experience are no doubt the keys to your rise but the education has to be maintained and the experience remain relevant to the day's particular needs for them to overcome the aversion to older workers in today's workplace.

I'm with Roger on this. Too many companies seem to be valuing employees at a cheaper price rather than those with solid experience. I'm glad you were able to find one of the exceptions.

When those of us over 40 are able to find those exceptions, it's a real gift, because they are tough to find. I keep finding jobs that are a partial fit - a match for experience but not location or salary, a match for interests and volunteer experience but not job experience, etc.

Too many corporations have relocated to distant suburbs and are now having difficulty finding workers willing to commute there, so they have recruiters calling people from everywhere to fill those spots. Our public transit systems don't connect those dots particularly well. I'm not about to go into debt to buy a car I don't otherwise need to get to a job in a ridiculous location 2 hours away. I'd be better off taking a job for less money in a location I can more easily reach via public transit.

Had an interview last year with a nonprofit for a position where my job experience was a perfect match for the position. The location would have meant a horrible commute to a building I hate (worked there before) for a laughable salary. I'd done research on the organization and learned that they were having significant problems, so it sounded like it would be major stress from the start. That was a heartbreaker. If everything else about it sounded good, I would have been willing to sacrifice on the money part.

When I'm looking at job ads for Chicago, there are plenty of employers in locations like South Carolina running ads here. South Carolina? If I was in my 20s and renting, I might consider that kind of move. With my husband in a job tied to living in Chicago and an underwater mortgage, these ads are a sick joke.

Been looking on and off since then, and looking more seriously at alternative arrangements. Working on some products to sell on Etsy. Reactivating with recruiting agencies again. Starting a grant writing class next week. Going to contact the NPOs I volunteer for to propose that I do some volunteer work for them on fundraising and grant writing to get experience specifically in those areas.

I've spent enough time as a persuasive leader. I just need to find the right organization for my non-mainstream mix of experience - whether for-profit or non-profit. Right now I'm feeling discouraged about finding it.

Sorry about going on so long. I'm finding the geographical mismatch between jobs and workers (and age discrimination) very frustrating.

@EmmaPeel2

You are jumping to conclusions and proving why I unfriended you. Your mean streak is showing and I didn't write here for your benefit, but in response to Sheepy. I am not here to participate in yet another OS melee, nor would I want to hijack someone's blog that I respect.

@Sheepy, I'm happy that you've found what's next. I hope it proves to be another affirmation of what so many of us admire about you.

@EmmaPeel2

You are jumping to conclusions and proving why I unfriended you. Your mean streak is showing and I didn't write here for your benefit, but in response to Sheepy. I am not here to participate in yet another OS melee, nor would I want to hijack someone's blog that I respect.

@Sheepy, I'm happy that you've found what's next. I hope it proves to be another affirmation of what so many of us admire about you.